Beating The Heat

It's hot in Cambodia. I mean real hot with humidity. Today we decided to get an early start and see the sun rise at Angkor Wat. This meant arriving there about 5 AM. The wake up call was 3:40!

It was still pitch black as we arrived, there was just a bit of twilight beginning as we started through the barrier wall. On the other side others had already arrived and were sitting on the wall facing east. I took position in the center of the stone walkway that leads to the temple. Hand-holding the camera wasn't working well, so I used the railing to keep it steady.

We never saw the sun come up. There were low clouds in the way. But the diffuse light did make for some good shots.

We jumped back in Bun's Tuk Tuk. The plan was to go out as far as possible and then work our way back to the air conditioned hotel before the heat of the day.

It's time for me to tell you what you are going to hate about Cambodia. When you arrive at a temple, or a palace, your hotel, or the bus station, people who want to sell you stuff will rush you. They will block your path and shout what they are selling. It does no go to say "no thanks", they just keep repeating themselves. It's like Bart Simpson in the back seat asking, "Are we there yet?" I've tried many ways to get people to leave me alone including telling people I have no money. One kid looked at me and said that he didn't believe me!

There is a great lake in the heart of Cambodia. A floating village exists on this lake south of Seim Reap, we decided to take a look. Take my advise and skip this. It's a true tourist trap. The cost is 20 bucks a head for a two hour tour. But there really isn't much there, and is over-priced for what it is.

After the break for the heat, we walked to a nearby restaurant for dinner and a show. There are a few of these buffets where during the meal traditional dance is performed. We've been to two, and found some dance was the same in both shows, but there was also room for interpretation. If you've ever been to more than one luau in Hawaii, you'll know what I mean.