Friends, Family -
We are in our last night in Cambodia. Well, we hope it's our last night but it all depends on whether we can buy plane tickets in person tomorrow for a flight to Laos. But Cambodia, oh Cambodia. I have been very pleased with this country. Despite the heat, and our exhaustion from traveling from Seattle to here, this country has been a fantastic experience.
The Temples of Angkor are a true testament to the beauty in human craftsmanship. The time and energy (and sweat in 95 degree heat) that must have gone into building such massive structures are baffling to think about. But that's not what impressed me the most. I mean sure, the fact that thousands of hands were required for the creation of these temples and the fact that they floated tons of stone downriver is impressive. But it's the detail and the art that captures me. Everywhere is carved with beautiful artwork. Images of Gods, Kings, representations of religious stories and just symetric designs are everywhere. Every room, every hallway, and they're all consistant, all symetric, and this leaves you with a feeling of balance and peace. To the credit of the Angkor Empire, I left the Temples feeling more confident, more proud, of the human race.
But we all know that it is not the buildings or the terrain that makes a nation, but the people. And the Cambodian people are as kind and friendly as any that I have seen. At least in Siem Reap. Meg and I rode a tuk tuk to and around the temples (cart pulled by motorcycle) and the driver was incredibly friendly. The people on the streets and in restaurants have been the same. Even though only thirty years ago the people of Cambodia were ruled by a brutal, oppressive regime, today, they seem content and calm and as friendly as any that I have met.
Meg and I are relaxing at the moment. Tomorrow we hope to buy plane tickets in the morning and then fly to Luang Probang in Laos. Luang Probang is a river town noted for its laid-back atmosphere and temples. We don't have any plans while we are there which is great because Cambodia has been an expensive leg of our journey (Temple admission fees, transportation, etc.) and it will be nice to save a few bucks.
We love and miss you all and hope all is well.
- J
P.S. - What's the deal with the M's? Second place? Not cool. Tell Betancourt to put the team on his back and carry them like the MVP he is (that's for you Mike and Geno).
