Angkoriana Hotel Siem Reap

... you see in the cities.<br><br>Our next stop was Ta Prohm, a temple that has been left largely in its original condition &#8211; covered in vegetation and even trees growing up through it. It was built in the 12-13th century. It was built in the Bayon style, meaning that it was a Buddhist temple and the architecture includes faces on many of the pillars. Ta Prohm was abandoned in the 15th century and when efforts began in the 20th century to restore many of these ...

... expected and kind of adds to the overall charm. After a wander in the gardens we headed south to get back to the hostel, but managed to get lost twice; our bearings were rendered rather uncertain as it was now after 6pm and the sun had set. Eventually we found the right street, and were soon back at the dorm.<br><br>Shortly afterwards, we headed downstairs and got some beers - Anchor beer is bloody nice and we had far too much of it over the course of the ...

... the place almost to myself for a while.<br><br>The other temple you will recognise is Ta Prohm - no, I know you haven't heard of it, but it's the one with the tree roots intertwined with the stones where the jungle is taking over - also it's where part of Tomb Raider was filmed! It was quite an eerie, magical place - I loved it.<br><br>Now, as to photos, as you know my camera is broken, and sadly I've gone back to the dark ages with the back-up camera ...

... sailing down what will be a road in the dry season, but now is part of the lake. The tops of trees are just bushes poking above the water. Many have large black ball nests in them from softball to basketball size. These are the nests of black ants. <br>After a few kilometers we arrive at Kampong Phluk-a fishing village built on stilts in the lake. In the dry season they will walk in their streets, and their houses will hover 16 feet ...

... being used to make profit. Being a former nanny, this was heartbreaking for me. I just kept on thinking about everything I would do for these children which in the West is just common protocol. I would give these kids a nice, warm bath; a visit to the dentist to take care of their cavities; clean clothes; vaccinations at the doctor's office; and enroll them in school. All these things are taken advantage of in the West. Here, it is practically non existent. <br><br>In ...

... Not sure if he was christened as such but it stuck better than some of the other Khmer names we encountered. <br><br><br><br><br>Sunrise took a chauffeur, tour guide, comedian role in our adventures in Siem Riep. He found us a guest house, even taking the keys and showing us the room. At one point he served us the food we ordered from the bar, possibly even taking on the chef's responsibilities. He ...

We start the day with a quick breakfast as it is included, and head out on the longish journey with Richard and his tuk-tuk to the landmine museum.<br><br>At the entrance, there is a big board telling the story of Aki Ra who laid landmines during the conflicts of the early 80's when he was just commencing his teenage years. Since the conflicts have stopped, he has dedicated his life to de-arming landmines in ...

... When they see we're not interested in fruit they ask, "You like spider?" "Huh? Uh...NOOOO!!!!" Holy ****, I suddenly notice that this sweet angelic faced girl is cradling the largest, most furriest spider I've ever bare witness to. OMG! I try to bottle in the fear, figuring if I show my vulnerability they'll only push them closer to me. Oh damn, now it's crawling up her arm...now there's two others holding their fuzzy ...

... want to come back in 2 years time to see how they are going on.<br><br>Each child at the orphanage has a book with their picture on the front and any volunteers can write a comment in there and put a picture, so I have bought these 3 their books and I have got pictures printed off to go in. <br><br>i am having an amazing time and wish I could stay here for longer but I do want to get back and see my family and friends.<br><br>Sam<br><br>