Angkor What?

We (Achim and myself) decided to take the Bus to Siem Reap (Cambodia) and see Angkor Wat. We met Franz from Straubing on the Khao San Road and he decided to join us. The bus to the border should take about 6 hours, where we have to cross the border by feet and get another bus to Siem Reap on the other side. We had to get up at 6:30 in the morning. Ugh. At noon we arrived at the border. In the bus we met Tina and Bernadette (Cologne, Duesseldorf) even though the latter had been vomiting all day and was to weak to walk so we had to carry her and her backpack. We stopped several times for food and got ripped off for the visa (paid 15$ too much). After crossing the border we enter the shitty Cambodian bus and continue along rice fields and palm trees. In the evening we have a flat tire which is repaired on the spot for 10000Riel (~2,50$). We arrived at the hotel (of his uncle of course - "Clean and cheap for you, my friend!") at half past ten. Later we read in the guide book that they try to extend the journey on purpose so the tourists don't bother searching for another hotel because they're tired and it's late. Anyway we had to stay since some Danish dipshit (Taettowierter Taugenix) took Achim's backpack and went off and they helped us get it back. The hotel ('Winter Guesthouse' - none of them has ever seen snow) was good value anyway and the staff was friendly, even though my mobile disappeared on the last day...
The next day we explored Siem Reap and it's diverse markets (the touristy and the local ones) and had some great food in the street.


Meat shop in the market

The day after we took a boat tour to a floating village consisting of swimming houses, schools, churches and whatever you need. Afterward we visited the civil war museum where we were taught about the history of Pol Pot, the Khmer Rouge, Landmines, etc.


Floating village


Achim and local boy, floating village



Civil war museum

In Siem Reap you spend the evening in 'Pub Street' where all the tourists (and later at night dealers, hookers and loads of Tuk Tuk drivers) hang around. There are many bars and some really good restaurants. You get good Thai/oil/powder/foot/head massages for almost nothing.
Finally on the third day we went to Angkor Wat, we decided to do the one day tour which was good. It's a lot of stones and trees and it is impressing but one day is enough. Fuckin' broke my lens while climbing down a temple! Damn!


Me and Tina, Angkor Wat


Franz and Achim sleeping after a long day of walking

Anyway there is a Canon shop in BKK. Until then I have to cope with the 70-200 tele lens...
After a day in the temples we go to bed early after eating an amazing pizza/pasta in 'Pug Street' because our bus to Sihanoukville leaves at 7:00.
After one day of driving (this time Franz was puking - well he had a lot of chili on his pizza) we arrived at the magnificent beaches of Cambodia. Clear water, amazing seafood, cheap beer and comfy bamboo huts do the trick. On the bus we picked up Liam from Brisbane/London, so now we're 6!


Beach Life, notice our hotel in the back, Liam had wet feet taking the pic by the way
From left to right: Franz, Bernadette, Tina, Achim, myself
Stay tuned for more pics as soon as a find an internet cafe with a better connection.