Tomb Raiding at Angkor

From Hanoi we flew directly to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Unfortunately our plans to stop in Luang Prabang, Laos were thwarted by overbooked flights. Siem Reap is a nice respite from the city buzz of Hanoi. We're back to tropical air and minimal traffic. Our first night was a bit sketchy but by the next morning we had settled into a nice mid-range hotel, booked a tuk-tuk driver for the day and enjoyed a fresh fruit breakfast before heading to the temples of Angkor.

For as many castles, temples, ruins, etc. that I've seen, I have to say, Angkor tops the list. It is absolutely incredible. As Mara said, "everytime you turn a corner or pass through another chamber, it's another National Geographic photo right in front of you." It's true, I had no idea of the enormity and number of temples and complexes there are, each uniquely styled and magnificent in its own right. For the past two days we've photographed, explored, climbed, soaked in, and photographed some more through a major part of the Angkor complex. It really is pretty Laura Croft bad-ass tomb raider!

As a side note to the temples of Angkor....I'm pretty sure I'm doomed to some seriously bad karma. I chased countless monks around the ruins in order to snap the perfect photos. I admire these men and their dedication to spirituality and learning. They're such beautiful and peaceful beings and their saffron robes are absolutely gorgeous. I hope they'll forgive my fascination and intrusion.

The other wonderful thing about Siem Reap and Cambodia is the food. It has been fantastic! Khmer curries, Amok with fish and chicken, stir frys of all kinds.....it's all amazing and we've been eating like pigs. Hoping we find some great places in Phnom Penh as well.

Today is my day off, time to catch up on the blog and emails, get a tropical massage, eat nachos and a margarita (yes, there's a mexican restaurant here!) and have a pedicure. Siem Reap is ridiculously touristy but oh so relaxing and much more comfortable. Tomorrow we're off to Phnom Penh for a couple of days and then it's back home to the real world.

One last note on the people of Cambodia....I've only been here a few days but it is evident that they are much friendlier and laid back than in Vietnam. Everyone smiles and says good morning, staff at the hotel and elsewhere ask questions and want to practice their English. While we ran into a little of this in Vietnam, it seems that Cambodians a more out going in their friendliness. They're peaceful, yet inquisitive. I'm definitely looking forward to meeting more people here (outside of the street children selling postcards and relentless tuk-tuk drivers).