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The first thing I do when I move into a new hotel room is to check out the view.

Thailand and Cambodia 2000 - Part One - Bangkok & Siem Reap

Dougburnett
2003-11-22 17:55:13

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shopping. Then I went back to the hotel for a shower and a rest. At 3:30 Sok showed up and we were off again. Our first stop of the afternoon was at Ta Keo. I have to admit I have completely forgotten what that temple was like - I'm afraid they were starting to all blur together. I had very nearly reached my temple quota.

The next, and last, stop I'm a little clearer on: it was Preah Khan. Here Sok deserted me. "You don't have to hurry: you have an hour and half here. I want to go back to Siem Reap to a friend's funeral." I wasn't exactly sure I liked this, but didn't see that I had a choice.

I walked the long, hot causeway back to the temple. I wandered around a little, but as I have said, I was starting to burn out. I found a group of young men and women that were getting ready to put on a dance performance: they were putting on their costumes and makeup. I found a shady spot and sat watching for awhile, but I was hot and the stones were hard on my butt. I decided to walk back to the entrance and get a can of pop. I sat there grumbling to myself that I was ready to go.

I wrote in my journal a little and then realized how nice it was sitting there: Cambodian music was playing from a little radio, a chicken was scratching at the ground near by and the vendors were flirting with the guards. I could hear the birds in the trees and see kids playing in the dusty parking lot. Buses and motos drove by, but none stopped. I kept writing and was surprised when Sok finally returned. By then I was glad for the break.

On the way back Sok told me he would take me to the airport in the morning. Lin must have told him when I was leaving. I suspect I could have gotten to the airport cheaper if I had bargained, but I just said ok. I liked Sok too much to haggle over a dollar or two.

I had Sok drop me at the market where I continued my, so far, unsuccessful ...