This morning, after a long awaited rest we were up at the crack of dawn in the hotel lobby, all in preparation for a viewing of Angkor Wat's world renowned sunrise. Sleepy eyed, we all managed to clamber into the bus and make our way to the historic temple complex.
Unfortunately for us, our passes required photo identification (This was four o'clock in the morning)
After the security process, ours and many other tour buses drove towards the temple. We sat and waited for the sun to rise ... we waited ... and waited. After a while, we were getting quite annoyed as we were up at this insane time in the morning, only to have intense cloud cover ruin the display. However, Lynne assured us that the usual sunrise is breathtaking, and that she would show us photos of her last visit. (Still doesn't make up for the 4 o'clock start!)
After a much needed breakfast of fresh bread and fruit, we began exploring the temple. The temple of Angkor Wat, a centuries year old complex is an astounding experience, mainly as a result of the visual presence, impact, the history and all of the ornate and intricate carvings located throughout. Highlights of the tour included, being blessed by a Monk, climbing the main central tower and observing the stories told through the carvings which surround the temple.
Once we had commenced our tour of the Angkor Wat temple complex, we continued onto another temple, a little further out, named Bayon. Here at Bayon, much like the temple of Angkor Wat, it is thick with history and intricate carvings. We climbed to the central tower, which is topped by an impressive four faced figure carved from stone. Once we were drenched with sweat and had cherry red faces we got back on the bus and were greeted with refreshing air conditioning.
After our tour of the second temple, a lucky four of us travelled via tuk-tuk back to the hotel ... In a tropical rain downpour. However, I must admit the refreshing rain was a change from sweltering humidity.
We went out for dinner that night in a nice little restaurant in the heart of Siem Reap. Once we had had our dinner, we continued onto the night markets (where many of us picked up some amazing bargains), then at long last back to the hotel.
We all slept extremely well that night ... Most likely due to the 4:00 a.m. start.
David Parker
Location:Siem Reap, Cambodia
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