We were told by everyone we met that the biggest "Must See" in Cambodia are the temples of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, which are located near the city of Siem Reap. We were cynical, we had been "churched out" in Russia and "Templed Out" in China but we made the 6 hour journey north and ……. they were right - Totally Amazing.

The temples were huge and largely claimed by the jungle, with trees growing out of the stonework - Just like the "Tomb Raider" film or old adventure films of jungle temples and pyramids . We were taken around the entire area by Mr Bora in his Tuk-Tuk, who charged us $15 per day and arrived before the dawn with a friendly smile and a stock of cold water. Strange characters play in your mind and shapes and shadows form into sinister beings , here you can believe anything and with random monkeys leaping across the walls and impassive lizards watching your every move, it feels like primitive forces are at work in the shadows. Incidentally, Angelina Jolie was reportedly in town with her son Maddox, but after Barack's snub, we were not inclined to visit her.

After two days of jungle temples and early morning starts to catch the sun rising mystically over these ancient shrines we decided to experience the countryside and surrounding villages on bicycle. With six other explorers and a trusty guide we spent several hours pedalling through villages, off -road tracks and tow paths - it really is the best way to see the area. Every village we passed through, the kids ran out and shouted "hello" whilst waving, cheering and attempting "high fives". Cambodia has a major problem with child exploitation as a result of the poverty level but all these kids seemed genuinely happy and pleased to talk with us. We stopped at a local school with over 400 children (some orphans) and 2 teachers! Again the children seemed happy and so pleased to test their English on us - The school refused any direct donation from us but were happy that we bought their T-shirts - More dignity in selling than begging.

We found Cambodia had an effect on us, there is a lot of good work being done by NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations) but corruption is diverting much of the funding away from its intended use - We may come back in a volunteer role. In the meantime our trip moves on and we are bound for Malaysia.