"Attack of the Little Girls and Ants" - Siem Reap, Cambodia

Day 20

Man, there are a lot of temples here. It's quite overwhelming. Since we're going with a guide to see more of the well-known temples tomorrow (we wanted to avoid a weekend trip there), we decided to focus on some of the other ones today. Our first stop was Phnom Bakheng. Apparently, it's a popular spot for watching the sunset. To avoid the tourist crowds we decided to go in the morning. It worked out perfectly because we were pretty much the only ones there. It's one that is set higher on a hill, so it was a hike to get up there, but the view once we got there was amazing. It was very peaceful and pretty, and we got to see Angkor Wat from afar.

Our planning worked out perfectly. At most of the places we visited, there were very few tourists around, so we got some great pictures. After Phnom Bakheng, we visited Banteay Kdey and Sras Srang. At the entrance of Banteay Kdey, we encountered a little girl, maybe 3 or 4 years old selling some trinkets. When we refused to buy, she asked if we had any chewing gum. We couldn't find any candy, so she asked if we could give her a dollar. When we declined, she tried to box me out. She said, "If you don't pay, you can't come in." She meant business as she was trying to manhandle me.

Then we went to Pre Rup, Ta Som and Neak Pean. Neak Pean was interesting because it was surrounded by water. We had to walk a plank halfway and then had to hop on a motocycle for the last 100 feet or so. Those guys had a monopoly on the place, charged us only $1 to get across and back, but we would've had to pay $5 if they asked cause unless we were planning to swim across, there was no other way. We did see some naked kids washing their clothes in the muddy water.

After a morning of temple hopping, we stopped at one of those restaurants on the side of the road for lunch. Vegetable fried rice for me and stir fry chicken with mushrooms for Eric. It wasn't bad at all.

We ended the afternoon looking at some of the sites at Angkor Thom ("Big City"). These included Baphuon, Royal Palace and Terrace of the Leper King. At each stop we made, we were overtaken by little girls (and some boys) selling books, scarves, bracelets, water, magents, etc. These little girls were persistent. They would not take no for an answer and would follow you down the street. And for some reason they would gravitate towards me and left Eric alone for the most part. Eric would walk away laughing making me fend for myself. After awhile it would get on your nerves, but you remind yourself that this is their livelihood and they have no choice but to try to get every last dollar out of you. I started speaking in chinese saying "I don't know what you're saying" over and over again so they get tired of trying to sell something to you. We also learned not to have eye contact or else the onslaught of sales pitch would begin.

Also, I think we traded mosquitos for ants. Stepped in a few ant piles and got bitten. Between the toes, between the fingers, everwhere and anywhere. I have so many scabs now on my legs I look like i'm suffering from some skin disease.

We ended the night with dinner in Old Market at Khmer Kitchen. We forgot the camara unfortunately because the food was really good. Fish Amok and Pumpkin Coconut Soup with shrimp. Although it was very good, I think my body is starting to reject the cream and curry. I barely ate, I think I need a big salad soon.

For the pictures of the day, go to: http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=theresang1977&target=ALBUM&id=5391365724538483361&authkey=Gv1sRgCKeJ0-LQv_bhMg&feat=email