Day Four Siem Reap. New Years Eve.

Rose early and ate a hearty breakfast after a good night's sleep. Two small boys dressed in the saffron monk's robes were at the Restaurant waiting for alms. We gave them some money and off we went. Walking down along the river was a fantastic opportunity for a photo shoot. We had great fun snapping away. We stayed on the quiet side of the river and walked the shops. I bought a huge silver serving spoon with an ornate handle for fifteen dollars. It was lovely and will be functional when I have guests over. Bought two Khmer scarves and hope to buy more to make some super presents. They are great to use in Cambodia as they soak up the sweat that pours out of your body. I tied mine around my head so I did not look so bedraggled.  Wandering for a while I found some bamboo reusable straws in a small mini market. They are a brilliant idea and look so attractive. Always trying to recycle.

Lunch was had at an outdoor restaurant on the corner of Pub Street. (the main street in Siem Reap)We had rice noodles and amok tofu with rice. A thick mango smoothie accompanied the meal. All was delicious. Caught a tuk-tuk back to the hotel as we were tired and wanted to sit by the pool and relax. 

Tonight -New YearsEve. Time to party. See what lies ahead. 

A great night. A night that I will never forget. We strolled down to a local rooftop cafe and bar but unfortunately could not get in as fully booked out. We then strolled down by the river which was chaotic and crazy. People were everywhere enjoying the atmosphere and the pretty lights down by the river. Stumbled upon an artistic market so went in for a look. At a small bar, come restaurant we ordered some chips and a cup of tea to tide us over till dinner as it was going to be a late one.  Walking around the market afterwards we looked at all the lovely wares for sale but did not buy anything because we did not want to cart parcels around all night. Tonight was not a night for shopping only celebrating. We could come back another day. Deciding to move on and revisit a restaurant that we had lunch at two days prior. Ordered pina coladas when we arrived which were very strong. Time to eat after those drinks so at nine pm we ate eggplant pasta which filled us up. Sitting at a small table next to us was a couple and we started chatting. She was a New Zealander and he was Japanese. They had been married twenty-seven years and lived in Japan. She was drunk and slurring her words and stated that they had been drinking all day. She kept us entertained all evening and was just hilarious. When they got up to leave she tried to squeeze between two poles that were very close together and he had to rescue her before she got jammed. Off they staggered into the night together. 

Walking back to the hotel the roads were packed with people so it was nice to return to the peace and quiet. We sat out on our balcony on the bench seat watching the fireworks explode over Siem Reap. The night was warm and balmy and very comfortable to be out in. Finally, we went inside and lay on our beds with the door open, to take in the evening. It had been a wonderful night. We went to sleep happy.