Siem Reap, Cambodia was our next destination. A bus service picked us up from our hotel at 7:20am and we started our 6 hour ride. Choosing ground vs. air transportation in order to see more of the country side, we were in for more of an experience than we expected. Switching between more dirt than paved roads, we dodged pot holes and cars while flying by farm land, small impoverished villages and the occasional temple. When we came to a halt in the middle of nowhere, we knew something was wrong. Through a disarray of vehicles and spectators we spotted a semi-truck and van up in flames. Although there were uniformed men scattered about, there was no medical or fire personnel to be found. Seeing that we would be stuck for an unknown amount of time, we busted out of the van to work our way through the crowds and get a closer look. The scene was intense so we went back for refuge and AC. Luckily, we were able to continue on with the journey shortly after.
Arriving at the bus station, we met Paul, a small soft spoken Tuk Tuk driver who pitched his services. Within minutes we had negotiated our plan to briefly stop by the hotel before heading to the home of the eighth wonder of the world, Angkor Wat for sunset. Angkor Wat is the largest religious building in the world and was built in the early 12th century. The architecture, detail and grandeur of this temple needs to be experienced rather than described. Hopping on the back of Tito the elephant, we marched up a mountain to watch the sunset. We fell in love with Tito and sang to him the entire way. A fierce lightening and rain storm rolled in less than 10 minutes after Tito dropped us off. Slipping in our sandals and laughing the whole way down, we were soaked and muddy.
Wrapping up the day with a Khmer dinner, traditional dance performance, stroll down Pub Street and the night market left us exhausted but really digging Siem Reap.