Back in Bangkok, but More Important Cambodia was Great

We're arrived back into Bangkok. A city that may be under a state of emergency, but really does not show it at all. The malls are packed and we have not seem any indication that there is an increase in security. No tanks have been witnessed yet.

However, more importantly, we arrived here today after spending four days in Siem Reap. What a great little place. I have to say Cambodia is on the up and Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are leading the charge.

I found another great botique hotel at $45US a night, Golden Banana (www.goldenbanana.info), which provided all the comforts after our day at Angkor and others in town. Not only did we have a room with two large floors, but we looked out on the cool salt water pool. Equal if not better than our last hotel. You can't bet the prices, the friendly staff and the great food of Cambodia.

Oh, and Angkor, wow what a place. We decided just to do the one day trip by tuk-tuk and see the most famous sites of the huge complex. We were happy for that decision because the weather was exteremely hot. Despite that we had a great time walking around with our mouths open in awe most of the day. We'd seen pictures, and of course Tomb Raider, but nothing can compare to seen the ruins in person. The carvings are so well done and perfect, even some of those dating to the 10th Century.

Bayon, the library (among other believed uses) and building containing 200 huge images of Buddah face carved into the sandstone is the most marvelous of all. I couldn't stop taking pictures of the different facial expressions. It was truly breathtaking. I highly encorage a visit to this holy and ancient place.

The French colonial buildings that make up the town of Siem Reap have been nicely restaured in order to please the multitude of visitors to the area. Modern restaurants, shops, spas line the streets. You'll have a hard time finding a bad meal in the whole place. Angelina, while filming, volunteering and adopting, has left her mark in many of the shops. Her photos appear all over the place.

So, back to Thailand for us, though west and north this time, instead of south.