Torii Gates and Typhoons: Day 15- Flight #7- Kuala Lumpur to Siem Reap

Our day began really early- we woke up at 3am and took a taxi at 4am. Our hotel had a redeeming quality as we left, they sent us with two breakfast boxes. Other than that nice gesture, it was like any high rise, big chain hotel. Worst part was no wifi.

We arrive at the airport at 4:40pm. It was the busiest airport I have ever seen at that time in the morning. We checked our luggage and proceeded to the gate. Our flight boarded at 6:10am, but we had a quarter mile walk out doors. Our flight left on time and was uneventful. We landed at 8:15am in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Upon arrival we had to purchase a visa, go through immigration, collect our luggage and clear customs. Such a simple and speedy process. Once outside the airport we got a taxi and headed into town.

Our taxi driver was very nice and knowledgeable. His name is Sophoan. We scheduled a tour with him to begin at 9:30am to head out too Beng MeaLea. It is a temple out in the countryside surrounded by jungle. Few visitors go there.

We checked into our hotel- cute boutique hotel, more our style than the last. They had cold hand wipes and a coconut drink ready for us. We were too early so we could not get into our room, but that was ok. We sat outside by the pool for 30 mins and waited on our driver. We also sorted laundry and turned it in to the staff. Best perk of hotels yet- it was free laundry and ironing!

Our driver was prompt and we headed out to the Beng MeaLea temple.

This temple was built in the 12th century. Flood after flood has made it what it is today. I will let the pictures speak the awesomeness of this temple!

This is what we climbed in, over and around. For those who are worried...I did not fall. I was more worried about the spiders and creatures living among the rubble.

Look at how clear the carvings are after so long.

Bill got to play Indiana Jones for a day. It was fun hiking around the temple.

A group of kids came out of the forest and helped us navigate the temple. Here they are pretending to be the lion.

This was by far a wonderful visit.

Next we drove back south to visit a floating Villiage. It is humbling to see people live without all the stuff that we say we need. These people live on the river/lake, shop there, fish there and during the dry season grow rice there.

This is a store to buy necessities.

Here is a boat loaded down, about to take supplies down the river.

This river and lake are fed from the Me Kong River and in the next month or so, it will grow and swell 3-5 meters high. You can see the mud line on this pole.

Here is the floating church.

And here is the floating school.

I am not sure I could live on the river, but it was neat to see how others live.

We traveled back home and checked into our room. I am loving this hotel. Free laundry, awesome room, free airport transfer, fruit plate, wifi, turn down service with snacks and so much more to love!

Memoirs D'Angkor: