Can I tell you...about Siem Reap? That was my first stop for my holiday. I'd been dying to see Angkor Wat ever since I read about it in college. The idea of these temples (Wat) that were built as early as the 11th Century just gets my imagination going. We stayed at the recently opened Hotel de la Paix. Perfect location and setting. The service was impeccable and each room has an iPod with an amazing selection of songs which they were happy to copy for me. Meric, the restaurant in the hotel is noteworthy. We had Christmas dinner there and it was truly unforgettable.
Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Banteay Kdei, Preak Khan and the floating villages of Tonle Sap. It's a bit of a blur because there is just so much detail to take in. Each temple tells a different story. The sad thing is so many of these sites have been plundered for Buddha heads and other carvings, so you don't get the whole picture. As late as the 70's, the Khmer Rouge were chopping off heads and selling them off to the black market. It's unfortunate but at least there were enough left to give you an idea of what these places might have looked like in all their glory.
The crowds are unavoidable so it's best to go really early in the morning, take a break for lunch and have a little siesta before returning in the afternoon. The US $ works there so that makes it really easy. Each "tuk-tuk" ride is about $1-$3 at the most and the food is quite inexpensive unless you go to the major hotel restaurants.
Next time I go back I might stay at "the one and only hotel" in the heart of downtown. You have the entire hotel to yourself. Their central market also sells these vintage Khmer clothing that you can haggle down to really, really great prices. I bought 3 and I should have bought more. Doesn't that sound like a good enough reason to go back?
Monday, January 15, 2007
Khmer You
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9 comments:
Now I'm envious, that's a place I'd really like to see
The country looks absolutely amazing. I would love to visit someday!
Fab blog! I'm sure it will draw more people to come here! Glad to know you enjoyed youre trip here. Cheers!
Thanks for the cute blogs! Looks like you have had a ball last coupla!
I'm jealous!! I want to be there. You must be so relaxed, because you work so hard. For my study, I decided to read your blog for text.
Oh, yes, yes, yes! Cambodia was amazing and Felix and I had a great time there (and to think, I was having morning sickness when we were there 2 years ago). You look like you had as much fun as we did. I know the high one gets from the amazing beauty and history of the temples and the town.
The tuk tuk sounds cute but it scares me to imagine from the picture that a little girl is sailling the big lake to sell water...other than that it looks peaceful.
Did you take these photos yourself? I especially like the first 2 (Angkor Wat and Hotel de la Paix). They look like postcards! I'd like to see more of your travel pictures as you obviously have a photographer's eye as well. Can't wait to see your Thailand shots!
Great shots Rafe! Can't wait to see your Bangkok and Koh Samui shots. It's like being there myself. The last shot of the boat vendors is especially captivating. You should blow that up as a print and frame it. I'm sure you've thought of that already.
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