Unfortunately, we're having problems with the photo uploading currently, but there will be many to come, if we can find a computer that will upload them well.
-The past few days of travel have been amazing. The rest of Arn's house, combined with the exciting outlook for our days at Siem Riep make for a great mix.
Arn's house was, in my opinion, the epitome of rest. Nothing on the schedule, no electricity to distract us with TV or such, and a big pile of books waiting to be read (not to mention superb Khmer food). Despite the extrordinary amounts of insects, sleeping was not too much of a problem, with the mosquito netting. I believe I can speak for all the travelers that we could only spend two nights there. However, other things needed to be seen!
We began a good 6 hour drive up to the city of Siem Reap. Still in relaxation mode, many people simply dozed, or read a book. One way Mr. Riege was able to wake up us was by grabbing some tarantulas and crickets from a roadside vendor. Certain individuals were not too keen to try the insects, while others had plenty of gusto. In Siem Reap, we are staying at the Ribo Angkor guest house, a nice homey place, with a friendly motherly housekeeper. The first day we got here, it was basically situating ourselves in the town, and cleaning off all the dirt from the past two days.
The next day, we visited Man Men's village for the first time. The kids there are awesome. We documented all of their names and photos, for the future travelers. Later on that day, we sponsored the village to buy a number of fruit trees - They got 16 to put up around the town.
After leaving the village, we got our Angkor Wat Temple passes, and took a quick tuk-tuk tour around the ruins. We rounded out the night with an adventurous dinner, in which a few of the kids had to cook their meal themselves. They were served raw meat, and had to cook it on a grill-like thing (with lots of lard to grease it up).
Then the fun began. With an early wake up of 4:00 A.M. we tuk-tuked our way over to the Bayon Temple Complex, in the pitch black. The Bayon temple was quite a sight to see both before and after the sun was out. One of my personal favorites about the temple was the amount of bats present, squeaking around every corner. The architecture of the temple was amazing, with precise carvings, and stone faces at every peak. To adequately describe the temple, it would probably take about 5 pages worth, so that can wait until we get home. After that, we had breakfast, and took a quick tour through Wat Bo, a temple complex, with a number of schools in it. After a siesta, we made our way back out to Man Men's village, to help plant the fruit trees. Despite a torrential downpour, all the trees were planted successfully, and bonds started between us and the village children, through of vollyball (still in the downpour) and other games.
So, I've realized I've rambled for a while, but others kept on pointing stuff out to me. Hope it was worth the read. We were supposed to meet 5 minutes ago for dinner, so I've gotta go. Chumreaplea!
~Nathan
June 30 - Celebrating NAomi's birthday with a beautiful rough ride through the jungle to 3500 feet in Bokor National Forest
A birthday swim for my daughter, Meghan, at the top. I wish you arm loads of happiness on your birthday, July 2, and everyday. I'll see you soon for a hug in person. Love, Dad.
The birthday table at Jasmine Restaurant after a boat ride back to Kampot.
The birthday dinner, and .....
the CAKE.
June 28 - from Hotel window in Kampot.
June 29 - Puppetry at Epic Arts in Kampot.
Riding out of Cham village in Kampot.
June 27 - Cow crossing in Kampot
Sia Ma's family at home in "Small Stream Community"
Colin and Srai Vai, Sia Ma's daughter, on a ride in the countryside.
June 28 - One of two remorque's carrying us to the beach at Kep.
Swimming at Kep.
Buried at Kep.
