SIEM REAP: IT'S A BIG DEAL.

Ok. So this is the time that I ACTUALLY speed things up in order to get anywhere within the realm of where I currently am (Kathmandu, Nepal). Though I will not have the capacity to share all that I would like, rest in the knowledge that wild adventures took place around every corner. Also note that any writing samples should be taken from the first 2 weeks of writings, and not these rushed and often grammatically incorrect entries. So fasten your seatbelts, keep arms and legs inside at all times, sit back, and enjoy the quickest re-cap Matthew Ridenour has ever attempted in his life.

Friday, 26 June + Saturday, 27 June
SIEM REAP: TEMPLES GALORE!
Sleep-deprived, we arrived at 6am. Seng (the quiet tuk-tuk driver with a heart of gold we would have for the next 2 days) picked us up.
We toured (viz Seng's trusty tuk-tuk) into the entrance of the temples of Angkor Wat, built by the Khmers between 800 and 1200 A.D. Apparently it's cool to charge $20/person/day to enter. We saw many absolutely jaw-dropping temple sites that I had studied in Architectural History class. Not that I remembered any useful knowledge, but it nonetheless illustrates that these are a pretty big deal.

We spent most of the first day in the main complex, Angkor Thom, where we ran around taking photos like little children in a candy store. Around every corner was a new and incredible view or room or stone statue. My top 2 experiences in Angkor Wat were:

1. Walking through Thep Phnom, the temple where the mildly entertaining, poorly acted blockbuster, Tomb Raider was filmed. Having studied the complex in Architecture school, I knew the main postcard scene of the huge old tree with snake-like roots growing out of the ruins was in the complex. After walking through courtyards and ducking under doorways, we turned a corner, and there it was: the money shot. I got so excited- got a bunch of photos of the tree, myself next to it, and Katie and I in front of it. It was a beautiful moment. After soaking in the glory of the scene for a few minutes, we continued on our way out... only to find that the ACTUAL money shot was in the NEXT courtyard area! I was floored. And felt a bit foolish. But mostly was floored by the scene. It's unlike anything in the world. Now I know why Simon West decided to have Angelina Jolie's stunt double run around this complex in the middle of Cambodia- it's unreal. In this case, my ignorance made the whole experience that much richer.

2. Arriving from the backside at Angkor Wat, the main temple complex, with 4 cone-shaped roof mounds projecting above a central courtyard- basically the "Big Momma" of ancient temple complexes- and seeing 2 Buddhist monks in vibrantly bright orange cloaks sitting on the faded brown steps to the entrance. Walking up the steps and taking photos with them (some of the best of the trip) and talking with them for a half hour. Then continuing through and out to the main processional entrance that passes over the huge moat surrounding the complex. Looking back at the complex behind, as the day turned to dusk and the sun began to set was a worshipful experience.

Instead of describing how incredible each of these temple complexes were, I'm just gonna say this: "Go." You will not regret it. And if you don't believe me, just ask Ms. Katie Martin. She's a more trustworthy source anyway.

Other highlights of Siem Reap included:
1. Eating a wonderful dinner at the Kris Warner-recommended "Soup Dragon" restaurant on the main tourist street in Siem Reap. Surprisingly, the food actually lives up to the awesomeness of the restaurant's name.
2. Attending a Seng-recommended (as he gets a commission) "Traditional Cambodian Dance Performance Buffet." Surprisingly, it was actually worse than it sounds. It was horrible. Katie described it as "Cruise Ship Entertainment". I agree. I'm sure I'm supposed to appreciate this dance style because it is "traditional," but unfortunately I'm an uncultured American who needs something at least close to Cirque Du Soliel in order to be mildly entertained.