Siem Reap, Cambodia, March 2011

What I did…

I got to Siem Reap at 6AM after an uneventful 10 hour bus journey. I got a Tuk-Tuk to Garden Village and got my own room, the first time in a while, and slept through until 4PM. I went to eat at the bar and bumped into Juan and Fran that I met in Shnooky. I also met the Danish girls from Shnooky too and armed with them and a few more from our guest house we went out for some buckets and beers down pub street. Angkor bar and we drank lots and chatted away. Moved on and after a long night and too many whiskey and cokes for $1.25 I was ready for food. Me, Kate and Steph all went for food and I got bombarded with questions about my trip as they were just starting out. I had the most amazing food called Lok-Lak! WOW!

Up late the next day and after getting fed me, Juan and Fran headed to the temples of Angkor. We spent 2 hours walking round the temple that features in Tomb Raider then headed to Angkor Wat to find it closing. We got some good photos from the outside and then headed back to town. Splash of water on the face after a sweltering day and a short walk to the night market. I spent a little too much and lost the Argies haggling. Went for another Lok-Lak and then to bed.

Up very late the next day for no good reason apart from trying to save money from the amount I spent the day before. I drank a few beers, chatted on skype and really just did nothing.

My last day in Siem Reap and I got up late once more but with a lot I wanted to see. I rented a bike and found the Artisan Angkor where skilled crafts people make the most amazing sculptures. I then rode the 7KM to The temples of Angkor trying to sneak in with my invalid ticket. They are not as dumb as I thought and I was told to come back at 5:30PM when its free to enter. I rode back towards Siem Reap and after being chased by a barking dog found another arts and craft center. Just as impressive as the last. I got some supplies from a supermarket (suncreme and ice creme!) an then booked my bus to Battambong.

I rode back up to the temples of Angkor but rode a little too fast, so I got there with an hour to kill. I sat talking to the Cambodians of the gate for 45 minutes and they let me in early. I watched another amazing sunset and got some great photos. I rode back to town and got some amazing noodles and pork. Pub Street’s food was amazing to say the least.

Back the the hostel and I packed my bag to go to Battambong the next day.