The Temples of Angkor.

Captain's log - 3 pm.

We are enjoying our last day in the cute little city of SeamReap. Yesterday, we went over to the temple to enjoy a nice little.. big.. walk in the past. We had to ride up there with a TukTuk, who, had to stay with us all day. We didn't know this but all the temples are REALLY far from eachother. The Entrance was 20$ US (the most i've ever paid for something in Asia) but we had full access to the place. We had time to do 4 temples, including Angkor Wat. It was very impressive to see the architecture from the 12th to the 16th century when most were built. The details and magnitude of these temples is craazyyyy. So we walk and walk all day.

Now, i have to say that it wasn't much of what we expected. Although everything is really impressive and we are glad we saw it.. mm.. We were a little dissapointed. However, I think it's because of the mega-tourism aspect of it. I mean souvenir stands and tourists are alllll over the place. As you arrive to each temple with your tuktuk guy, the people jump on you with "You want something to drink lady" or "you want a t-shirt lady". It was too much. Litteraly 7 girls at each place. It was like a broken record. Once, while we were walking to our tuktuk, we saw these kids following this lady with bracelets yelling "3 for 1$ lady" over and over and over. The lady actually started running to get away from them but this little boy was running with her and shoving the items in her face. It's sad. These kids should be playing outside.. not selling things.

That was a big downside. I understand that tourism makes a living for the villagers but there should be a limit or something, no? Anyways.

Today, the girls are getting massages (yes, again) and spending the day at the pool. I'm just walking around town. I really like it here. Mind you, it's sticky hot and you NEVER come home clean (cause of all the dirt flying around) but It's a very friendly and adolable town. I could see myself living here for a bit. Don't worry people... i won't... But i thought i would still mention it. I'm going to walk behind the big streets now. I love seeing the way the people REALLY live. That's what I love. It's really amazing. Forget the commercial streets.


ttyl:)

Siem reap, Cambodia

Well, after a painful 22 hour bus trip.. we are finally here, in Cambodia.

Actually, It took a little more than that, given that we got stuck at the border for 4 hours. The thai are so deceptful. They made us wait and wait in order to get to our destination at midnight so that we would be forced to go to the hostel where they get commission (hopefully, we already had ours). It's like that throughout the trip to Cambodia. We are a little smarter than that though. When we stopped for "food" (which is actually a place they get commission too) a woman walked around telling people that we had to get our visas with her cause they don't do it at the border. Bulllllll. She charged 1300 Baht (about 35$us) we are supposed to pay 20$. So, after arguying with her.. We didn't do it. "Ahh the bus will not wait for you, this is much quicker" "Oh well, we said, i guess we'll have to walk"

So, we get to the border and reach a table where 3 officials were sitting. The guide talks to them and then they say "1200 baht". No way. I noticed a sign, nehind a wall, that said 20$ so, we went to their counter and they, again, tried to get us to give, this time, 1100. Paula REFUSED to give it. We finally got our way with 900 (22$) Us 1 - Thailand 0

It's like this ALL over the place. It's very sad to see how much they try to take advantage. As tourist, when you don't know, it's hard to know who to trust. We just don't trust anyone no more.. seemed easier. lol

They made us wait for the Bus for 45 minutes (it had to bring us to the bus station which, turns out, was just up the street.) WE COULD HAVE WALKED THERE. Well, they brought us there saying that "at the bus station there's a money changing place. It's a really good idea to change your money because lots of place will charge 1$ for everything , even if it's .80$" A few people went inside to change their money when i noticed that it was 1Baht = 80Reel. No way. The place we went was 1 Baht=117 Reel. Again, they tried to steal our money. When i told everyone, the guide tried telling me that it was impossible and that it was probably an old sign. Even though we actually changed our money there, at that price. Us 2 - Thailand 0

Anyways lots of other stuff happened but i won't bore u. Final score was about Us 4 - Thailand 0. (I say Thailand cause the guide & officials were Thai) As for Siem Reap, it's nice.. The people here are REALLY nice. Everyone smiles at us and say "hello". The only thing is that the roads here at 75% dirt so there's a lot of dust in the air (Alex, you would have so many allergy attacks) We walked around all day today and my clothes are full of Red Dust.

Tomorrow, we are going to the Angkor Wat temples. Let's hope at don't get Heat exhaustion :)

tyysoon