Siem Reap and Ankor Wat (6 nights)

Siem Reap and Ankor Wat (6 nights)

Ok so here's the main thing that Cambodia is on the travelling circuit for: Angkhor Wat, the 6th wonder of the world.

We arrived after a very long and uncomfortable journey, but still managed to get up at 4.30am to go see the temples. In body if not in spirit. Even though the actual Angkor Wat was the largest religious monument in the world, (and pretty impressive it has to be said), there were other temples I preferred due to them having more character such as the Lara Croft tomb raider temple where crumbling stones and awesome trees grown on and in and within and between the slabs. The next day we did it the other way round, getting up later and trying to do the sunset thing but unfortunately it was clouded over and so we didn't get the benefit.

Siem Reap itself is a really nice place. Nate and I ate at a lovely resteraunt which served as part of a bbq (one you make yourself on the table) what Nate declared as one of the best Ostrich he has eaten which is something as his father used to farm them on a rather large scale. Another night we went for a meal at Temple which featured Askora dancing. I enjoy meals with entertainment! Reminded me a bit of when me and my sister bells spent the summer in Spain. We later met up with Don, and then saw the guys and girls from Sihoukeville which doubled with the lethal cocktail buckets, contributed to an extremely drunk evening which basically wrecked me for the next two solid days and nights. I think the unsettled and homesick feeling caught up with me too and I had a good and long (and embarrassing but these things happen) purge of tears, I think a build up of confusing emotions. Perhaps because had I not been intending to change my flight, it was nearly time to go home.
.
Our room had a TV in which was a godsend to watch some movies esp when feeling rough!

After Nate had left for Vietnam to sort his visa extention and pick up his new credit card, I visited the National Museum (12 dollars ouch!) and National Handicapped charity which doubled up as a rehabilitation centre and fitter of prosthetic limbs and physiotherapy, and tried to volunteer at the local childrens hospital, but had the impression they wanted blood or money. Blood I can't do due to having had malaria and money I intended to do anyway online. The children and their mothers had come from 4 provinces and snaked in their colourful clothing around the block - it was quite a humbling sight. Nate and I had gone to a 'free'Bach concert by Dr Beat Richner, the founder of this hospital, called Kantha Bopha. He was also (the amazing people are always multi-talented) a Celloist, and in the past had been a professional musician / singer / actor in Switzerland. This man I just have so much respect and admiration for I could almost cry. Talk about making your life count for something. Indirectly or directly he is responsible for saving the lives of literally millions of Cambodian children. Without Kantha Bopha, 3'200 additional children would die in Cambodia every month. I cannot explain how this makes me feel. To have that passion, that dedication, and to realise one person can make such a difference. The hospitals (there are now 5) are funded only 5 % by Cambodian and 10 % by Swiss governments, the rest in its entirety comes from (tourist) donations. The annual budget of the running costs is now 24 Million USD! Tourism is down in Cambodia due to the global recession, and normally in high season he gives 2 concerts a week which brings in the bulk of the money. It must be a constant source of anxiety. I pray the government starts taking on more responsibility for the welfare of it's future generations. He also has visions for the same hospitals to be available in Africa. That would be something. Free healthcare to all. And without the corruption. Again, something we take for granted in England. Check out beatocello.com for more info or to make a donation (can do online with credit card.)

I have tried to contact a few orphanages on skype with a view to helping out for a few days but esentially its not that easy. Is frustrating. Same with another hospital I looked into you had to send it app letter, CRB, CV, be tested for MRSA etc etc and be there for like a month. Was a shame but I suppose they have to have some structure esp as some volunteers may be more hassle than they're worth.

I spent the evening in my new guest house 'Garden Village' which is a popular backpacker hang-out with free internet and chilled rooftop bar where my dutch friends David Bas and Irish Don stayed. Got a hut for 3 dollars. Couldn't rouse Don earlier in the day who said I could share his room, but later realised I had been knocking on the wrong door! What an idiot!

I met a lovely crowd including an english girl Vicky and her friend Paul. Was just a nice relaxed evening chatting which was good because I was still feeling rather sick (!) but probably would still have been persuaded to go out even though the only thing that had been gettting me through the day was the prospect of having an early night! Vicky was very nice - and I realised most of my travels I have hung out with guys but she was a really genuine and kind person and it was nice to have a proper girly chat. Guys just dont have the same depth of emotions or contemplations (yeah I know big generalisation but from my experience, true). She and Paul (they're just friends) are also going to Vietnam so really hope will see them again. Had been missing Nate earlier in day - have been travelling with him for a solid month now and felt a bit lost but realised there's always other people to enjoy spending time with. I have realised about myself that I love the freedom of travelling independantly but need people around me I have some sort of connection with (ie not just anyone who happens to be there) to make experiences more enjoyable and meaningful. Otherwise whats the point? I think I get the right balance of flexibility and adapting to other peoples plans and ideas but also when I feel strongly about something, going off and doing something I really want to do. But to be honest there is always someone to do it with. Like Don was up for going to the jungle (but no way he'd get his arse in gear to do it alone!) which I am well excited about because it is like wild country and I have been craving a proper adventure trip. Planning on a 4 days trek and kayaking so bring it on! Off to Ratanakiri, the wild wild east....