Sunday, February 17, 2008

Angkor Wat


Had a fantastic week in Siem Reap. I've finally seen the sights I've longed to see in Cambodia. It really made up for the shitty last few weeks I've had here. The sight of Angkor Wat is really spectacular. It's actually more amazing from afar, when you're in the actual temple, it's just a huge mass of stone with many carvings and it's hard to see the immensity of the temple. However, this week was not just about Angkor Wat, we saw basically all the temples in the complex, so, I'm a little templed out. Although looking at centuries old temples is quite amazing. I think my favourites are the Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm (where Tomb Raider was filmed.. it's very touristy, with Japanese/Chinese tourists clicking away and not really caring about the temple, but it really is the coolest place in the park. Imagine, gigantic trees just growing out of the massive stone blocks and crumbled temples everywhere...), and Banteay Srei (Pink Citadel, it's so pretty). The best way to see all these sights is by bike though although you have to look out for crazy tour buses passing along the way.
On Friday, met up with fellow volunteer from Nepal, Sophie. It's really great to have someone familiar travel with you! Anyways, went back to the temples again, enjoyed a sunset at Angkor Wat. Then next day had a crazy picnic.. everyone should definitely try these suncooked small clams, they are a so hard to open but it's worth all the nailbreaking work. Yum.
I'm back in Phnom Penh now, and it's really nice to see all the other volunteers again, caught up on the news here. Seems more people are discontented with Cambodian office.. surprise surprise! Booked my ticket for Burma, I'm heading out on Thursday provided I get my visa on Wednesday.. fingers crossed!

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Projects Abroad no more.. now what to do?

After weeks of fighting with management and having really nothing to do here in Cambodia except pretend to be a volunteer while being a tourist, I've decided to quit Projects Abroad! I'm now free.. but with all this free time (6 weeks until I meet a fellow travel buddy in Cambodia), I now have to plan something useful with my time. Initially I was set on going back to Kampot to chill and explore the south coast at a leisurely pace. But now I have this crazy idea to go to Myanmar! I know most people would advise against it but I think it'll be an amazing trip! Ah, the options!