Cambodia - Siem Reap reaping

 Cambodia - a country in Southeast Asia located between Thailand and Vietnam, is a country I wanted to go since 2010, when I introduced the country in my French class. Not sure why they ask me to introduce Cambodia.. maybe all Asians look the same..

Finally I got the chance to go there - though only Siem reap - for four days - 18 March - 21 March :)

Siem Reap - 2 hours, from Singapore, has about the same temperature, if not hotter than Singapore. When I was there in March, it was 35 degrees Celsius, but it feels like 40 degrees [like an oven].

The most common mode of transport was motorcycles and Tuk Tuk for tourists. Tuk Tuk is like the taxi - the easiest and most convenient means of transport.
There is always a line of Tuk Tuks outside our hotel, they always call out to us "Tuk Tuk,  Lady" whenever we walk pass them..

For that four days, my name is known as "Tuk Tuk Lady."

So sorry I know I look v cui.. but this is South East Asia under the hot sun at 40 degrees!

The highlight of the whole trip was of course the Angkor Wat. To get the beautiful shot below, we reached there at about 5am to get a good place and waited for the sun to rise.

The Angkor wat was a pretty amazing place. With grand and majestic structures, one would wonder how they manage to build all those buildings in the 12th century without advance technologies that we have today. All built with the help of the elephants. 

Our guide took us to some parts of Angkor Wat to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the place. He told us "Normally, people wouldn't come here. The main road does not lead you to here. Sometimes, you have to go out of the main road to explore, and you might find amazing places." That got me thinking.

The Khmer people are very friendly and hospitable. They are full of smiles and most of them can speak English relatively well. They are relatively laid-back. You can see many children trying to sell postcards, keychains etc. Since my friend and I look Asian and I don't look rich, many don't approach us. 

The Khmer food is delicious - if you go to the right restaurant. ;-) 

The chicken rice rom the New Leaf Book Cafe (pic at the top left) was one of the most delicious chicken rice I have ever eaten, the lime juice was refreshing too - but be prepared to wait for the food.  I waited for at least 20 mins..  

The Amok from Haven Training Restaurant was wonderful too. I think it serves the best Amok in Siem reap. haha. Much better than the one I cooked (pic at bottom left) at the cooking class. 

The Khmer Curry (pic at top right) is an interesting dish. They are nothing like the Thai, Indian, Malay, Indonesian or Japanese curry. In addition to the usual chicken slices, potatoes and carrots, there were Taro/Yam and sweet potatoes.

The above pictures were taken at Sister Srey Cafe. Interesting words. :)