Angkor

We left Siem Reap early in the morning; we hired a private driver for the whole day (only $25) to tow us northward to Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and the surrounding temples of Preah Khan, Ta Prohm, and Phnom Bakheng.

Wow. We'd do the sites little justince with a wordy, qualitative description. So take a look at a few of the photos we've included.

The majority of the stone is sandstone, which allows for intricate detail in the bas reliefs that adorn the temple walls. The region started as Hindu temples, but the Buddhists came to own it and built atop the existing walls with new imagery. We really struggled to see everything in a day - even now, it's the largest collection of religious structures in the world (it's also nominated as a New Wonder of the World).

The entire Angkor region (including the temples we traversed) was rigged with landmines in the last few decades. When you ask a Cambodian if the temple grounds are mine-free, they nod and smile with gritted teeth - "Yes, is safe."

Nevertheless, as you stand at one temple and gaze at another, you start to walk towards it, and you find yourself about to cut through a grassy, rocky, terrain - off the dirt path. As convincing as the toothy smiles and Cambodian assurance may be, think twice. Stay on the path.

We stayed in Northern Angkor until sunset (we watched it from atop Phnom Bakheng).

If you find yourself here in Southeast Asia (and hopefully you didn't wind up here by mistake or against your will), you need to visit Angkor. We'll even pay for your admission ticket.

We're due for a night of good sleep.

P.S. - Pay for your own admission ticket, cheapskate.