Breakfast; This meal came with the package and plenty of options. We were able to choose from the menu or take food from the Chinese buffet. We chose the buffet, having fried rice, cooked tomatoes, with baby bok choy and corn. All delicious and washed down with orange juice. We finished with mango, pineapple and honeydew melon. Setting off down the street after breakfast to visit the nearest Buddhist temple we crossed the river at the end of our street and there it was in all its glory.
The temple was stunning with the roof lines curving up into the clearest blue sky.
Stupas and topiary trees were everywhere as we wandered through the lush green foliage of the gardens. The environment was peaceful and a magnificent way to greet the day.
Brightly painted statues in various forms, even one with a man lying down and his intestines hanging out while large birds feasted on them.
In the main temple at 9.30, the monk gave a blessing then we sat in quiet meditation. This is a great way to start the day and helps prepare you for the chaos that is Cambodia. We planned to do this often.
While at the temple I purchased a pencil drawing of the Buddha's head from a man in a wheelchair. My first purchase.
Setting off again. We hit the market which was vibrant and chaotic with long isles stretching into the darkness due to it being covered. The heat was oppressive and the stalls were stuffed with merchandise. Amongst the things to buy were Khmer scarves, bright and colourful of which I purchased two for two dollars each. I wore my blue one continually for although hot they soaked up the sweat that ran down your face and was also handy to wrap around your head tying up the hair. Next came the hippy pants, a must in Cambodia. Bought a pair if pink and purple ones for seven fifty, a bargain. I was set for sightseeing in Cambodia. Next stall of interest was the pepper stall. Kampot pepper is supposedly the best pepper in the world. We got some to bring home for ourselves and for our cooking class chef. The next purchase was tiger balm in small decorated ceramic containers and lip balm in coconut containers. That was our purchases for the day. Thought we should tone it down a little. Other stall held silver wares, jewellery, watches, cosmetics and statues. A large number of wooden wares were available. We even found soaps in the shape of a penis. I did not dare venture down the food aisle as too dirty and upsetting and we were not buying food anyway. Deciding to leave after our purchases we walked down Pub street, the famous street in Siem Reap where all the action is and restaurants. The place comes alive at night for the tourists.
Walking towards the river, we came across a covered bridge that was just idyllic. Crossing over it was an opportunity for photos. Benches ran along both sides so you could look out and take a rest while enjoying the view from both sides. I could have sat there all day. A cool breeze blew gently across us which was so refreshing. We sat for a while to regroup. Chatting to a Cambodian lady with a toddler who was just beginning to walk and wearing a lovely bright orange dress and who smiled at us as she struggled to maintain her balance.
Off again this time to a strip of shops that meandered down the opposite side of the river bank. Discovering another market that was less chaotic and quiet where we could shop in peace without being harassed. It was a delight to wander through it. Heidi bought a toilet bag with orange camels on it while I purchased a small silver rat from the silversmith for two dollars.
Heading home we had some lunch before returning to our hotel. We found an open restaurant and ordered the lunch special of spring rolls in rice paper, fish amok with rice and finishing off with a banana fritter in a sweet sauce. The lot came to five dollars and we enjoyed green tea with our meal.
Tired and happy we sauntered back to the hotel to sit by the pool while a cool breeze caressed us. We sat for a long while before returning to our room where we lay down and played on our computers and read our books. This was also the time we wrote in our travel journals enjoying looking back over our first day in Cambodia. Shower time before dinner and a change of clothes. Good and refreshing.
Walking down our side street again we chose a lovely outdoor garden restaurant called The Butterfly Restaurant. The setting was delightful with lots of ground ponds that contained croaking frogs and netting overhead to contain the butterflies. We sat down in this lovely setting and ordered two cocktails; a pina colada and blue heaven. Both came with blue/green swizzle sticks and tasted fabulous. Ordering the vegetarian option of curried vegetables with rice and the eggplant with soft tofu. The tofu melted in your mouth -a dish I would gladly order again.
Back at the hotel, we booked to go to Angkor Wat and our river cruise back to Phnom Penh. And so to bed. Youtube and reading. Another exciting day tomorrow.
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