Siem Reap

I seem to already be taking the heat for neglecting my blog, so here is a wee little update.

We have spent the last six days or so (it's hard to keep track of time when you're on vacation, ha) in the city of Siem Reap -- home of the Angkor Wat temples. The popularity of the temples has led the creation of an extremely touristy little city -- complete with fancy hotels and restaurants. We have shacked up in a nice little guest house -- the Royal Key Angkor GH -- where for $13 per night (total) we have quite a large room, bathroom with hot water AND, air conditioning (to the point where it's actually cold). The humidity outside is still quite shocking. We have explored the city's markets (see my photos) -- mazes of shops packed tightly together selling foods, illegal DVDs, souvenirs etc -- where are always limitless photo opportunities, AND, where I bought a fully functioning copy of Microsoft Word for $4. YES!

Much of our time here has been consumed with exploring the temples. In addition to the famous Angkor Wat temple, which we visited today, there are tons of other much smaller complexes scattered around the city. I don't think I can aptly explain how gorgeous they are -- so please, check out the photos. One day we also traveled about 30 km outside the city, via tuk tuk -- a long, terrifying ride -- to visit the Cambodian Landmine Museum. As depressing as it was, we all learned a great deal both about how landmies work and how many still exist throughout the country and much of Southeast Asia.

The food here turns out to be quite interesting. We have all decided that we much prefer thai food but are slowly beginning to enjoy Khmer food as well. The main Khmer dish is called Amok -- essentially a combination of spices that meat or vegetables are cooked in. I believe that it is primarily a combination of coconut, lemongrass. We have also learned that Cambodians eat everything. One little jaunt through the food market reveals piles of animal parts that I would never imagine could even be eaten. Pig heads, chicken feet, frogs, crocodiles, cow brains, various eggs. Wow. We have found that it is relatively easy to eat a meal for $1.50 -- I believe breakfast for the three of this morning cost $5. We have all become obsessed with fresh fruit shakes as well. Yum. Spring rolls have also become a staple of my diet.

That's all for now. Tomorrow we are off to Battambang via a 4-6 hour boat ride through Tonle Sap (google it!).

aaaaaand.....here's the photo link for those of you that don't have facebook

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