It’s my birthday today and I couldn’t have picked a better location on our forth full day in Seim reap. Today we are visiting the temple of Beng Mealea which is a good 1 hour drive from the city, but well worth the time. It’s by far the most overgrown and mysterious of all the temples we have visited in the Angkor area and we are both glad we added it to our itinerary.
Cambodia is a very poor country due to a violent and troubled history but it seems to have an undeniable and infectious spirit which puts a smile on your face that never wavers.
It’s hot like nothing I have felt- which in itself is a new challenge. In fact I don't think I had ever seen Michelle sweat before (assumed she was incapable). I could swear it hit 40 yesterday and visiting a temple at midday is a true test of stamina and patience. The good part is the temples are truly a wonder of this world.
We have visited a LOT of temples in the 4 days we have been here so I won’t bore with details of each and every one, but the highlights are definitely Ankor Wat, Ta Prohm, Preah Khan, Banteay Srei and Beng Mealea. There is no doubt why this location is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. The best way to get around is by Tuk Tuk as it’s slower and closer to riding a bike – without the legwork, giving a feeling of being closer to your surroundings unlike the cacoon of a car. We had the same driver (Soukheng) the whole time and paid the exorbitant amount of $13USD /day. We also took a boat ride out to the floating village of Tonle Sap Lake which was a little too orchestrated towards tourists, but still an interesting few hours.
Each temple or tourist site is usually littered with children. They all have things to sell and use their innocence and helplessness to bring home income for their families or masters. Sometimes we buy or just give money; sometimes we give lollies or simple chatter. It’s a challenge to know what the right thing to do as even if they could afford education their parents would likely earn more keeping them at this business and in most cases food is more important than school.
The food is of course cheap and amazing! We recommend the “Sugar Palm” for an unforgettable meal. Start with the crispy spring rolls! And try their take on the local Cambodian dish of Fish Amok.
I'm not sure what the future holds for this little part of the world but there is positive development thanks to foreign aid and tourism. In the next 5 years I am sure this place will change dramatically for the locals as Michelle tells me much has changed since she visited in 2004. Hopefully it will not lose its charm in trying to pander to ever increasing tourism, but just in case you should plan your visit soon.
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