Spiritual Siem Reap

The big 101km day was huge.  But the kids did brilliantly, the big boys were very patient and the little boy and the Mother, worked hard!  Mr Pumpy had written in his blog that Siem Reap was tourist heaven, don't fight it, order a pizza and a beer and put your feet up - right oh Mr Pumpy and what's more we'll cycle over 100km to do it.  Man it was worth it too.  All those negative vibes that had dogged me since the border, just fell away as I walked into the hotel and the receptionist uttered those magic words and here are your vouchers for our buffet breakfast, Madame.  

We dedicated the next day to the swimming pool and schoolwork.  I felt like I never wanted to leave to the hotel, but as usual on this trip, while what you are doing is always great, the next thing just gets better and better.  We planned to ride our bikes to Angkhor Wat (about 6km out of town) the next day.  Since the planning stages this had been one of the most do's 
It was the centre of the Khmer empire from 9th - 15th century.  Built originally by a Hindu King, taking over 37 years, it was changed to a Buddhist Temple because that was the faith of the next leader.  It was truly awesome and we only got to see a small part of it.  Adjacent to it is Angkhor Thom which is the city that services it as only the monks, king and high priests were worthy of going in their and even they lived somewhere else, only going there to talk to the gods and to pray.

On the journey here and during our time in Siem Reap we have been humbled by the friendliness and hospitality of the Cambodians.  As a country they have been through so much, but their level of customer service is unsurpassed, Whether it be in the lovely hotels or the smallest shack on the side of the road they are just a pleasure to do business with.