DrunkenNoodle
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
So Long S.E.A (Jay)
Our Time in 'Nam (Corey)
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Angkor What? (Mike)
We said our goodbyes to Joel and had to find something to ease the pain of his departure. What better way than a 4 hand massage? Easily sold by the phrase on the menu that said "must experience!", we each eagerly met our 2 masseuses. Feeling relaxed, we called it an early night in preparation for a busy day ahead.
After a few hours of shut eye and only sleeping through our alarm twice, we met up with Mr. T and headed back to AngkorWat to see what we've been told is one of the best sunrises in the world. The temple was packed at 5am with hundreds of people eagerly awaiting the sun. Unfortunately, the skies were cloudy and the view was not as picturesque as we had hoped. Regardless, we were happy to see the temple again and looked forward to a few more hours of sleep before another packed day.
When we met back up with Mr. T around 11, we headed out to see two more temples. The temples in Siem Reap are beautiful but Mr. T’s stories and anecdotes really made the experience come alive.
After a quick lunch, we embarked by boat to explore a local floating village. These people live on the water year-round and their sea legs are so established that they typically have trouble walking on solid ground.
We said our goodbyes to Mr. T for the night and headed to Le Tigre de Papier on Pub Street for a traditional Khmer cooking class. We were joined by several other young tourists and each chose an appetizer, entree and dessert to prepare. Dishes ranged from vegetarian spring rolls to Amok trey, a traditional dish made with snakehead fish.
Stomachs full, we headed to Pub Street accompanied by our new friends from the cooking class. We immediately took over one of the local bars and our table became a mecca for most of the other bar patrons.
Our last day in Siem Reap began with a scenic hike through the mountains and a visit to Banteay Srei, the Temple of Women
Finally, we went to explore the carving school where local artists create various crafts, paintings and pottery.
Our time in Cambodia was a great addition to our trip. Big thanks to Mr. T for showing us a great time.
Friday, March 21, 2014
Cambodia I hardly got to know you (Joel)
We found ourselves once again at familiar place, the gate awaiting the departure of our next Bangkok Airways flight. The service on the next two flights was once again impeccable. The flights and connections went off without a hitch, however some notable highlights include: (1) Corey somehow sitting in the back of the plane alone while Jay, Mike, and myself enjoyed a row in the front together, (2) immediate disappointment upon opening my kosher meal to find only an apple and two green tangerines, and (3) an impressive meal service during a record setting 35 minute flight from Bangkok to Siem Reap.
We arrived in Siem Reap early in the evening where we were met by our tour guide "Mr. T". He kindly chauffeured us to our accommodations at the Memoire D'Ankor. The group was pleasantly surprised with Mr. T's recommendation. The rooms were spacious and clean and the location was more than ideal. Located in the heart of downtown Siem Reap, just a few minutes' walk from the infamous Pub Street, the Memoire served as the perfect starting point for our adventures in Cambodia.
By now my hours in South East Asia were numbered, I joined the group for a final meal of pizza, local smoothies, and Cambodian fare. I said goodbye to my travelling companions as the three were staying behind. I made my way to the airport, heading back to the grind of everyday life. South East Asia you will surely be missed!