Jen has covered the visit to Angkor Wat judged the most popular tourist destination in Asia for 2026. Later in the day, a walk from the hotel down into the local village. We’re looking for a barber for me to get a haircut. It didn’t take long in the chair, and at $5, a bargain..:)
Some photos of street kids.
Some urchins scraping a living
A night at the circus.
One of the options we had to choose from, a circus. The ‘actors’ in the circus are underprivileged people who have become stars. The event was amazing. Demonstrations of culture, athleticism, music and art.
Cambodia. Part of which was Siam. We have all seen images of the astonishingly delicate dancers that reflect Hindu artistry. Yes, Buddhism evolved from Hinduism in the 5th century BCE…although other sources say 13 Century AD and only gradually!! The dancers are incredible.
Artistry created with rice, in minutes..
So it wasn’t a circus that involved animals. It was an extravaganza of cooperation, trust in fellow performers, flexibility, balance and strength. As ‘Jen said, we were up at 4am this morning for sunrise temple viewing. An event that was highly suspect anyway, due to the amount of cloud. So, with accumulating tiredness, an evening event was not a popular option for Jen, but we were both mesmerised by the performance.
May 7th and a new day of temple viewing.
An 8am start this morning and we are off to explore more temples.
This little chap interrupted from his phone viewing.
There is restoration work going on but it seems a little haphazard. The task is enormous as the sandstone is eroding and coupled with environmental issues like tree roots, the effort and cost will be enormous.
Prov, our un-American American companion, chest out and best foot forward. A lovely guy and we are nominating him for President…:)
The last supper..:)
Tonight we dine as a group at New Hope, a facility on the other side of Seim Reap. It’s another facility where underprivileged are taught English and food preparation skills. Children as young as 3years from compromised living conditions are taken in, introduced to structure and given life skills. Our meal is prepared and served by participants. G-Adventures seem to have a focus on contributing to the places we visit. As another example, our six tuk tuk drivers transporting us to the facility, are all female. Given preference in a male oriented industry.
Tomorrow we fly back to Bangkok before a next day, Saturday flight to…..ooops! Heathrow. What will greet us for our “Northern Excursion”?! Elevated diesel prices and all commodities. Jen will pick up the thread in a day or two’s time.
It will be time to say goodbye to our fellow adventurers. It’s been a great month with friendships formed. Regardless if we meet again, we have enjoyed their company and been enriched by the meeting.
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