More Angkor Wat and the Outlying Temples

Posted: May 19, 2014 | Author: faconner | Filed under: Hong Kong |Leave a comment

After resting up yesterday afternoon, we took a walk toward town and headed off down a side street local market area. We turned south along the river, now very low as this is the dry season. After regaining the main road and turning north again back toward the hotel, we found a local nice buffet restaurant and stopped for dinner. The selections were often a bit challenging, but we had a good dinner that included easier things such as spring rolls, fried rice and chicken. While the fried bugs were available we did not need to fill up on them.

This morning we arranged the full day rental of a tuk tuk and driver for $16. We probably could have done better on the street, but this guy spoke passible English and we could explain where we wanted to go.

After stopping at the local gas station (note the rack of bottles of gasoline sold by the 1 liter bottle), we were off.

Today we drove past the better known ruins and stopped at a series of lesser known places, that were also worth seeing. There is one area where the monkeys gather for handouts.

The elephant wall.

The heat and humidity are oppressive, but as these are religious sites, covering knees and shoulders is required. A hat is necessary for the sun. Everyone is just dripping sweat.

The bugs are sometimes impressive.

One temple is on an island filled in on a reservoir. One of the reasons the Khemer dominated in their day was they had developed irrigation systems that allowed a second rice harvest, doubling their food supply. Technology that we do not think about, but which gave them a competitive advantage.

At one stop Patty showed off pictures of the grandkids to the shop keeper and bought purses and pants.

Lunch was at the same place as yesterday. I guess they are the successful bidder in either paying off the drivers or the hotel. Patty was swarmed with kids selling trinkets after lunch.