18 Dec - Angkor Wat
First destination was the further temple of Srei by car. Driver went about 40mph. Temple was beautiful with detailed carvings but really busy with tourists. On the way back we stopped at the land mine museum where local orphans got adopted and a local hero diffused mines. Also stopped for scarecrow photo opportunities and to see palm sugar being made. So tasty we bought some.
Two more temples also visited: a tall sandstone one and the other where many Buddha statues had been found buried. We amused our rep swapping methods of wolf whistling - he grabbed his bottom lip to do it. He was also amused by my anger which I explained about the Incredible Hulk as he'd only been exposed to Eastern culture. We learnt that his uncle had stepped on a landmine and although survived turned to alcohol and used to beat him.
The biggest temple was left after lunch at possibly the hottest part of the day. There was no way of avoiding the crowds plus quite a bit of scaffolding covering parts. Slightly embarrassed by the rep shouting at some monks to pose for my camera.
Had my own 'Martin Parr' moment as I saw a group of identically clothed Chinese tourists pose in front of the temple. Another comedy moment of stubbing my sandled toe then slipping on some gravel just to get the shot.
Some major queueing at a stairway for the top level and we saw a French group out push some Chinese and ourselves. The steps were very steep which scared Kerry a bit. The views were good though.
Our last tour was possibly the highlight of the holiday with an elephant ride up to a temple for a sunset. At the top we were joined with 100s of tourists jostling for the any good position. The sunset wasn't the best but still magical. The steep steps down must have tripped up an unlucky tourist as an ambulance was speeding up the hill through the crowds.
With Pom and Trev only just back from their tour so we headed out to Pub Street for the Temple Bar to watch some Aspara dancing and some basic grub i.e. a pizza as our jetlag had subsided.
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