Siem Riep

Today marked my first full day in Cambodia. Oh and if I wasn't paying for my internet I would post pictures. But time is money people!

I awoke to the smell of flowers, as there were some flowers sprinkled on my pillow. Yes, this hotel is so high class, they don't do mints, they do flowers. Craziness. It was about 830am, when I was dressed, but it was also when I was supposed to meet with my tour guide. Opps. So I found him and explained to him that I woke up late and had no breakfast, so he said "no problem" or "sure", one of the two sayings he used quite frequently, and next thing I know, I was seated at breakfast. I do not think I have had a formal breakfast in over 2 months. In thailand, I either ate toast with nutella, fruit on the street, or food at the school. In Vietnam I was incredibly lazy, would wake up around 10, for a 1030am class, and then just eat a big lunch. This was a white linen tablecloth, western style buffet breakfast. It was definately a sight for sore eyes. Where I'm normally used to rice, noodles, meat and vegetables, I saw pancakes, bacon, and even Hashbrowns. If only they had bagels and cream cheese it would have been absolutely perfect.

I was wisked off to Angkor Thom this morning with my driver and tour guide. I explored many temples, and learned much about Hinduism and buddhism. While they were interesting, the temples began to all look the same after a few hours. It was also incredibly hot and very aerobic! It was great having an individual tour guide, because he answered all my innane questions, without interupting others, he went at my pace(which is about the speed of a turtle) and he took all the pictures for me, so I'm actually in alot of them!!

Then I went to lunch. A buffet lunch. Ridiculous. So much food, but all very very good! While I have not been a huge fan of the food, I have grown accustom to it, but I had heard that Cambodian food is the most different, so I a very glad that I have more choices while here.

Then I was dropped off at the hotel, and given 2 hours to relax before Angkor Watt. I was finally able to enjoy this hotel to its fullest. After lounging around my room for a little I put on my bikini and headed to the pool, where I got a padded chair and all the sunlight I could want. I met a couple from Boston and a few guys on a "business trip" from Australia.

Angkor Watt was gorgeous. It was very beautiful. Although, since everyone I've spoken to while here told me of the grandeuor of this temple, it of course could not live up to the hype, but it was still great nonetheless.

Then I did it. I finally did it. After nearly 2 months of being so close, I finally RODE AN ELEPHANT!!! We had to go up a hill, and there was the elephant option, and even though it was $15, pretty steep, when a whole meal is under $3, it was well worth it!! I also bought some books to bring back to my future classroom.

I have just come back from a dinner show which also was a buffet.

Oh, I also wanted to take this opportunity to vent again about the Virginia Tech shootings. As I returned to my hotel room, there was a Cambodian magazine with the story on the front cover. Inside there were articles about 100s dying in Iraq, and wars all over Africa, but nope, 33 people dying in America makes top story. I am very certain that during the 3 years of the mass Cambodian genocide that it hardly made news let alone the headlines. I just don't understand?

Ok, finished for now, I am paying by the half hour.