Our next adventure took us to Cambodia. After watching a documentary on ancient civilizations by Gramham Hancock, I have dreamed of visiting the ancient city of Angkor in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Steph was down to spend 4 days exploring the ruins (March 13-17), and trying the Cambodian cuisine so we hightailed it to Siem Reap.
The ancient city is HUGE!!!! Thus, the park sells 1 day, 3 day or week long passes. We opted for the 3 day pass. We spent the first day hitting the major attractions; starting with sunrise at Angkor Wat, followed by my favorite temple Baylon-where we were greeted by monkeys who treated themselves to our breakfast :) - and finished up with some other awesome temples before making our way back to one of the best hostels we have stayed in to date: Motherhome Guesthouse. One other highlight of our first day was meeting our tuk-tuk/tour guide Mr. Cheth, who we ended up spending the next three days with getting to know Angkor Wat and Cambodian way of life.
The second day we visited the Cambodian Landline Museum (http://www.landmine-relief-fund.com)
and Cambodian history museum. The Landline Museum was an eye opener for both of us. Learning about the devastating effect war and UXOs have left on this country and its people is hard to swallow. And yet places like this give us hope when we learn about the courageous efforts of Aki Ra (who was named one of CNN's ten Heroes in 2010), his team, and their supporters all around the world (including Tom S.hadyac who directed Bruce Almighty and helped establish The Haven, a day shelter for the homeless in Charlottesville, where we used to volunteer).
On our final full day we did the BIG circuit. We began each day between 4:30-5:30 a.m. so we could explore the temples before the 100+ degree heat.
We left Siem Reap believing there is still so much to learn about this ancient site, and in total awe of what mankind is capable of even back in the day.
It's 5am and Steph just purchased our 3-day passes for Angkor Watt.
Postcard peaceful sunrise over Angkor Wat.
What a "peaceful sunrise" over Angkor Wat looks like for those who got there a bit later.
Steph watching the final minutes of sunrise from inside Angkor Wat. We left the crowds in front of the temple and got 30 minutes alone to explore the inside of the temple before the crowds set in.
The benefits of marrying a history major and traveling the world: free tour guide to all ancient ruins.
Mural depicting the "turning of the milky ocean" -the reliefs inside the temple walls were incredible!!!
Faces staring out from ruins-loved this part of the temples.
Brian took us off the beaten path by climbing some of the ruins-we were reward with moments like this:)
One of Steph's favorite parts about Angkor Wat-the animals:) In this case elephants.
These ruins are enormous!!!
Ancient ruins covered by trees makes for really cool scenery, including movies like "Tomb Raider."
Founder of the Landmine Museum and his life's mission: "to make my country safe for my people."
After a long day touring temples we treated ourselves to palm sugar treats: YUMMY!
Saying goodbye to Mr. Cheth, getting to know him was one of the highlights of our trip to Cambodia.
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