Siem Reap, Cambodia

Cambodia has been incredible. I've seen and explore ancient temples, biked in the sun and rain, had amazing food, and met amazing people. The pace of life is slow, comfortable, and peaceful. Which is a nice statement to be able to make in a country that has a history like Cambodia does.

Cambodia is the poorest country and most undeveloped I've traveled to. Kaitlin and I took the government bus from Bangkok to Cambodia and then a taxi from the boarder to the hostel, the only way to move on from the border (I think to help people make money from tourism because its more than a bus would be). It was just within the last 10 years that the roads between Bangkok and Siem Reap were completely paved.

We've also experience at least one scam. Crossing the border we were initially taken to the wrong border crossing area -- but being the smart prepared travelers we are, we recognized it right away. There are also a number of people begging and selling things out on the main street with bars and near the temples. More than one child has broken my heart asking for change or food during my short time here.

On our journey to Siem Reap from the border, we just saw miles and miles of fields. Occasionally there would be a little village, but for the most part, just fields.

The Riel, local currency, is so devalued, the US dollar is the unofficial currency and accepted everywhere -- even the ATMs give out US Dollars. Everything is also very cheap. Kaitlin and I went out to dinner with another girl from our hostel -- we all left stuffed and enjoyed a beer over dinner for a mere $9.

And the temples, oh my god, absolutely amazing. My pictures (which will come but probably not until September!) probably don't do them justice, but they are by far one of the most impressive things I've ever seen.

We also (I'm sorry, I feel a bit like I'm rambling on and on at this point) visited a silk farm. It was so impressive. I never realized just how much human touch is put into making silk. Humans do every step of the process from feeding the worms to pulling the cocoons, to weaving and dyeing the silk.

Overall, and as I said before, Cambodia's great. Its coming together and stepping out on its own. Next stop Ko Phi Phi and I cannot wait.