Today we actually did get up kind of early. First we woke up at 3:00 am to go watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat with a people that we had met the night before. But we finally decided that we didn't want to impose on them and if we wanted to see the sunrise we could do it again tomorrow morning on our own. So then we woke up at 6:30 am and got ready for the day ahead of us. As soon as we were ready we headed out to our complimentary breakfasts. Angy had the fruit, oatmeal, and yogurt with coffee. I had the baguette with jelly and also ordered the poached eggs and toast for us to share. Oh yes we also had our wonderful daily pill called malorone, to help protect us against malaria. We've been doing pretty good so far, no bug bites with the exception of Angy.
As expected our tuk-tuk driver was ready and waiting for us so we could embark on day two of sightseeing. Angy is already pooped I might add, and we haven't even started. Our tuk-tuk driver Mr. T is very nice, and drove us all over the place today. We first went to two temples close to Angkor Wat, and then rode in the tuk-tuk (which is a little cart with a padded bench and a canopy) for about 45 mins to get to the Citadel of Women, there we saw the most detailed carvings yet, and the most preserved. After that we went to the landmine museum, very informative. I was very hot and a little sick of walking around looking at stones. Although it is amazing how old and preserved it is, there is only so much piled up rock that Angy and I can look at!
Kyle took many pictures, and I tried to stay positive. I kept thinking about the wonderful pool back at the hotel. All of the children and touts really start to wear on you too, constantly being barraged by 5-8 kids every time you enter or leave a temple.
I disagree though, I believe I took just the right amount of pictures. Many beautiful things, but after a while it is hard to stay interested when they all start to kind of look the same. The children, tuk-tuk drivers, and touts get quite annoying. We don't even get out of our tuk-tuk and there are two to three kids around us asking us if we need cold water because it's hot and we must be thirsty. Or the guide books, travel books, bracelets, scarves, weaved animals, etc., etc., etc. Baaa. It's too much too handle sometimes. The best defense is to ignore their very existence, don't look or talk to them at all. But they are just children trying make money right? Well that's there ploy and it works very well on me.
Before we left the grounds of Banteay Srie I decided that I needed a sleeveless t-shirt to help thwart a farmers tan. So when the pains in the ass hit us on the way out of the temple I told one of the girls that I needed a sleeveless t-shirt, so she ran off and grab a bag of XL sleeveless shirts. We decided that the XL was too big, so Angy initially suggested they grab the M sizes. They all looked at us like Angy was crazy and they all shook their heads. So we settled on L. So I picked a color I like and held it up and Angy said that it looked like a good size. I certainly wasn't going to try it on all sweaty so I just bought that and another cool white shirt.
After the Citadel of Women (Banteay Srei), we headed off to lunch. Our tuk-tuk driver said that he knew a good place since Angy expressed her concern of eating at one of the roadside eateries that don't look too safe on the stomach. On the way there I switched shirts and put on the sleeveless shirt. Oops, a little too tight, I guess the ladies were right about the XL. Enjoy the pictures with my tight T on!
He then brought us to a nice clean restaurant that had an English menu. We were very pleased with the exception of the gauntlet of kids. There was even a girl that was next to our table for a couple of minutes repeating, "10 postcards for one dollar. Ma'am, please." Angy just ignored her and she finally went away. She was one of the more persistent one's that we've encountered. This probably due to the fact that we were the only tourists around there at the time to bug.
Angy ordered a vegetable and noodle dish with a can of Angkor beer, while I ordered extra spicy chicken and rice with a large bottle of Angkor beer. There was a nice breeze rolling through, the beer was cold, the food was spicy and delicious. It really hit the spot. There was even good ambiance. They used the tops of the bamboo as planters and they used hollowed out coconut shells as flower pots. While eating we could enjoy the company of the many stray dogs and even a chicken or two (see picture). Nothing bad though, just amusing.
Angy was getting a little tired and cranky at this point but she was being a trooper. We made a quick pit stop at the landmine museum. This museum was created by a man who was a child soldier for the vicious Khmer Rouge, his area of expertise was laying landmines. After many years in different military factions he saw how horrible these things were and how they were affecting more than just military people.
He set out to clear up landmines that were located throughout Cambodia. The majority being placed by the US. He eventually saved up enough deactivated landmines and had enough support to make the museum and set up an organization to help children in the area. Very nice.
From there we were off to to Ta Prohm. This is the temple that was used in the filming of Tomb Raider and a Disney film called two brothers. It was very cool. One of our favorites. It really showed how the jungle can just take over if things are left unchecked. There were huge trees that grew out around and through this temple. But we were a little templed out and we were ready for a well earned dip in the pool. Soooo, off we went.
Aww how relaxing, we did a quick change once we got back, rinsed off and hopped in the pool. Feels good after being in hot sun, humid weather, and dusty roads all day. Then what could make it any better? A nice cold cocktail. Angy ordered a vodka lemonade but got a vodka collins instead. I had a nice tall long island iced tea. We vegged around the pool and then Mandy and Bill the people we met the night before came over for a chat. They had been out trompsing around the temples in the heat for almost 12 hours. We were done after a measly 8 hours.
We talked for a little bit and went back to the to shower for dinner. Angy had been craving pizza all day, I on the other hand was looking forward to a nice cheap massage. So we decided to get the massage, go back to the hotel to see if our friends wanted to join us, and then be off for pizza.
The massages that we picked were called four hand massage. This of course means two girls for each of us. Sounds great. But nope. they didn't really know what they were doing and they didn't really even care. I think they ripped out some hair on my legs (ouch) and and Angy actually got a bruise on her buttocks. All in all it was o.k. but not even worth the $15 per person.
So yea, $15 per person isn't too much. But it helps if you bring your damn money. So Angy waited at the massage place while I went back for our money and friends back at the hotel. When I got back to the hotel Mandy, Bill, and Adam had just woken from a nap and weren't really hungry so it was just Angy and I for dinner. No biggie.
I went back, paid, and we went in search for our pizza! We found the restaurant with relative ease. First things first, let's get some booze, and what do you think Angy likes? Wine of course, so we ordered a bottle of red (A meritage). We also had a delicious caprese salad a four cheese pizza. We weren't really filled up enough so we ordered the ravioli. This was also good but for $7 I expected more than just 5 pieces. Our bill came to a crazy $47. Waaay tooo much.
Satisfied but defeated we headed back to our hotel for one last cocktail before hitting the hay. This was another good day. Lot's of fun, excitement, beautiful sights, and delicious food and beverages. What next?
