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On Friday afternoon we set off from Phnom Penh for Siem Reap. The mini bus took 6 hours to get here and of the 6 hours 5 were not on paved roads making for a very bumpy journey. At one point we hit a pot hole so big that I was launched into the air. If I hadn't been wearing a seat ball I think the force would have sent me through the roof! Needless to say we were both glad when we arrived just after 8pm.
We spent Saturday exploring the town and getting to grips with where we were. We visited the royal gardens and took a long walk along the river which was really nice. We then decided to both get massages. I massage cost $3 for 30 minutes and we came out worse than when we went in. Lesson learned!
There's a really great night market in siem reap which we then explored which sells all the touristy rubbish as well as a few hidden gems such as deep fried tarantula and snake on a stick. We both quickly lost our appetites looking at the spiders!
On Sunday and Monday we explored Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples with our tuk tuk driver named Chet. The temples are stunning and are really beyond words. Our favourite has been Tah Prom, the temple has been slowly taken back by nature and trees now grow through the walls. It's breath taking to look at. We also enjoyed sunset from the top of one of the temples.
Yesterday we visited the landmine museum with another couple who we have met that are also going to be in Phuket for Christmas! The museum was opened by a local who used to defuse them with only a stick and some pliers! Now it is all an official operation that also runs schools and houses victims of land mine explosions. Around 250 people have been killed this year by landmines in Cambodia so the work they do it find and destroy them is vital. The museum was excellently put together and I think there charity is now top of my list of ones that I want to help in the future. Cambodia is such a beautiful country and Sarah and I have both enjoyed it so much we both feel like we want to help.
After the landmine museum we stopped by a butterfly park on the way back which was really nice to walk around and enjoy the sunshine. Dinner and then some beers were much needed before heading to bed.
Today we have relaxed and had a wonder around town. Tomorrow I think will be more of the same before we head to Battambang on the 19th before heading to Bangkok on the 21st!
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