Around the world

Just 5 hours west of Phnom Penh is the coast of Cambodia and the city of Sihanoukville. After a day in the hot and humid weather of Phnom Penh, the beach was calling my name.

We stayed in a bungalow just across the street from Victory beach. Our bungalow cost $6 a night and the place offered cheap food and a draft beer of Angkor for $.50. I sometimes wonder why I left Sihanoukville. The ocean water was amazing. The water temperature was about 25 Celsius or 75 Farenheit and it was sometimes warmer outside the water than in it. I spent my time there hanging out on the various beaches, toodling around on a motorbike and eating some pretty good grubb. Also while I was there I went running in the mornings. I got to see the locals starting their day, kids going to school and even a wedding reception. Not a bad way to spend five days.

My next stop was Siem Reap and the Temples of Angkor. The bus ride from Sihanoukville to Siem Reap (Angkor Wat) is long. It took us almost 11 hours to get to Siem Reap due to the numerous stops and the not-so-bus-friendly roads, oh well.

Siem Reap is a small river town that hosts the guests of Cambodia's main attraction, the Temples of Angkor. During my stay in Siem Reap, the temperature was hot and humid with an occasional rain storm. The Temples of Angkor were amazing. There are over 12 temples in Angkor. We purchased a three day pass and it still didn't seem like enough time. The temples are all unique. Each temple differs from each other due to the different techniques and materials used to build them and the influence of the ruling party when each was built.

The most popular and widely known temple is Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is awesome. The temple is surrounded by a large moat and a 1300 x 1500 meter wall. It has a massive three-tiered pyramid crowned by five beehive-like towers rising 65 meters from ground level. I watched the sunrise there and it was amazing! I climbed the 45 degree steps to the beehive-like towers and I got a panoramic view of the surrounding jungle which was so peaceful. Visiting the Temples of Angkor is a must do!

The highlights of my time in Siem Reap included watching the sunset from Phnom Bakheng, playing cards (Hearts) with my friends, giving blood and exploring the numerous temples of Angkor. Good times, good times.