This was our first full day and we didn’t waste any time getting busy. After a nice buffet breakfast at the hotel, we boarded the buses at 8:30 and headed to visit the Angkor National Museum. A modern, state of the art museum, it effectively displayed the history and culture of the three key periods of Cambodian History. There was so much information to take in that many of us started to suffer a little from information and sensory overload and agreed it was a destination you could certainly visit more than once in order to digest everything.
A few hours later, we departed for Angkor Wat, accompanied by our three tour guides, who would be bringing the temples to life for us by sharing historical facts, unique perspectives and interesting stories. Shortly after stepping off the bus, what started off as a rather pleasant, overcast day quickly changed to a steam bath when the skies cleared and the temperature and humidity spiked rather dramatically. All the warnings that Mrs. Shepherdson gave everyone about making sure they were taking enough liquids, very quickly became understandable.
Thankfully, we were well prepared and the warnings were heeded by all, so we enjoyed the beauty of the temples of Angkor Wat at least partially oblivious of the heat. After a couple of hours though, we had had enough. We took a break for lunch at a restaurant opposite the temple and after a very satisfying lunch, we boarded the bus again for the 45 minute trip to Banteay Srey temple. Two-thirds of the way into the trip, we were dealt a bit of a curve ball when the skies opened up and it rained and rained and rained. Nonetheless, we continued on with our trip and once we arrived, we made the best of some rather soggy conditions and enjoyed the intricately carved pink sandstone of this very unique temple. All the while, some of the group began to murmur a few chords of discontent at the weather. These were of course the same individuals who were complaining about the heat earlier. The problem now was the cool weather and rain. However, these moments of discomfort were short lived and once we boarded the bus for our next destination, all of these earlier problems were quickly forgotten.
The Landmine Museum was our last stop of the day. Created by the former Khmer Rouge childhood soldier, Aki Ra, the museum provides information on the extent of landmines in Cambodia and how much work has been done to de-mine the country. Unfortunately, it also points out how much there is left to do. The museum is also a relief centre or orphanage which is partially funded through museum admissions. Our last gesture of the day was to provide a donation from our fundraising to support the centre.
Later that evening, we headed out for dinner in a restaurant district of Siem Reap known as Pub Street. Had some great food (including bbq frog) and then hit the night market for some shopping, manicures and foot massages.
We’ll certainly have to remember to reflect on these moments of self-indulgence before we dare complain about the heat during our house building in a few days.
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