Cambodia - Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom

Friday 21st Feb

Arrived at Siem Reap airport. Visa on Arrival packed with loads of Japanese parties which was a little chaotic but after $20USD and a photo I had my Visa within 15 mins. Another 15 mins to get through immigration. Bag was already on the conveyor belt. Out to check for pick up and there I was a sign displaying "Philip Sharkey" cool. 15 mins on a Tuk Tuk to the hotel a great way to cool down and experience Cambodia for the first time. Initial impressions, it was cleaner than Vietnam (despite all the sweeping). Hotel check in OK. Nice and easy and I got my passport back straight away, I always feel more comfortable having my passport, even if I have to lock it in the safe!

Den from Peace of Angkor Tours turned up for payment for the 5D/4N Photography tour, so out to the ATM's where they give you $USD.

Paid up and was all set for tomorrow Saturday to start my tour at 8:00am. Quick shower and change then put to Pub Street for dinner and beer. Expensive night $6USD return Tuk Tuk into town and $4USD for food and drink (4 beers at 50cents each!) Back to hotel, met my man Narid at the Blue Pumpkin, home in 10 mins.

Saturday 22nd Feb

Breakfast at 7:30am, Dave my guide and photography guru turned up with Savin the Tuk Tuk driver and off we went to a local Buddhist temple, Wat Bo, that most tourists don't visit, spent an hour or so there learning about the light and dark effects of the sun.

A Monk in and around the Stupas

Burial stupas caught in the sunlight

A Monk sweeping and the dust caught in the sunlight

A Happy Nun

It is making me think more! Coffee break in a little cafe by the river. Then to a market that mostly the locals go to, took some good shots of people just going about their business. This market had absolutely everything! 

A bit Fishy!

Lunch time and we went to a restaurant that did Happy Pizzas but I went for the Khmer Amok, the chicken version which is made with spinach and coconut milk, very nice but also very filling!  Plus the fact I had a large beer!

After lunch to the Angkor complex to get my 7 day pass $60USD. Then into Angkor Wat from the less popular East Gate, it was good having someone who could guide you into the complex and explain what was what. Took many shots with different light and dark contrasts, the towers from various positions, corridors with engravings that tell the Vishnu story of the Milk... Ruins they may be but they are also quite spectacular, you have to use your imagination and take yourself back 800 years

Angkor Wat

Will post some photos here later!!

On the way out via the less popular South gate of Angkor Thom there was an opportunity to capture some sunset photos.

A God or Daemon?

My planning let me down as it's really High season and there are just too many tourists. However, having Dave as not only a mentor but knowing when and where it's quieter is a real bonus. 

I was shattered so I crashed for the evening!!