Cambodia, Believe the Hype

I really don’t want to jinx it but I have to say that so far, I am really enjoying my 30s. One of my best mates bought me a trip to Cambodia as a birthday present. We had a lovely holiday together. Firstly, it must be said that there are no amount of pictures or documentaries that could do justice to the archaeological parks in Cambodia. The mighty blocks of lime stone used to build the temples and terraces were (to say the least) awe inspiring then the carvings or bas relieves (as I am told they are called) simply blows your mind.

When we first arrived at Siem Riep, it was already swarming with eager tourists. Some of the more seasonal ones had already rented bicycles and were cycling around town. Being first timers ourselves, we had hired a tuk tuk driver cum tour guide for the three days that we were there. On the first day, we went along the Siem Riep river to this great fishing village for a taste of local life. Then, we visited the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia, Tonle Sap. On our way there, we passed a massive mangrove forest that is just a sight to behold for a city girl like me. When we got to the lake it was impossible for us to see the land mass on the other end.... of a lake!!! Is that crazy or what... By the time we got back we were so tired all we wanted to do is eat and sleep. Needless to say I love Cambodian food, fresh and spicy... lots of lemon grass and mint. Feels like summer in your mouth.

After a good night’s sleep, we were up bright and early at 6am, the sun was already out and we were ready for some major sightseeing... we visited a lot of temples but the one that really stood out besides the Angkor Watt was the Mountain temple that we visited. The reason why it is called the mountain temple because it is literally like climbing a mountain.... the stairs are so narrow and steep that you can barely stand on them. I overheard a tourist guide saying the reason they built it like that was for devotees to prove their dedication assuming the same form a monkey and climbing the stairs to get to the temple. Its a good thing I heard it after I had come down cause that would have made my climb up a little harder J

The Angkor Watt simply breathtaking...

Here are a few pictures from my trip

The villagers of the fishing village along the Siem Riep River

Mangrove Forest along the Siem Riep River

Shareena & I at the Elephant Terrace

The same temple as the one in Tomb Raider (the movie)

The beautiful bas relieves at the Angkor Wat