Ancient Angkor

We have officially hit the two month mark which signifies our midpoint here in Asia. The last several days have been spent in Siam Reap, home to Angkor Wat. It is fascinating to see the enormity of these ancient wats. We had an exhausting Sunday exploring multiple sites where ruins and history run thick, dating back to the 12th century. These were all "smaller"temples surrounding the area near Angkor Wat. Today a couple hours were spent observing Angkor Wat, itself. Though crowded with hundreds of tourists, the experience was spectacular and somewhat surreal. Trying to comprehend how these temples were constructed struck me odd. Oriana suggested slaves, but then even it would be near impossible. The magnitude of these sites with their intricate carvings, statues and engravings are nearly as magnificent as one would imagine the pyramids at point of encounter. Angkor Thom was one of the most impressive, beholding glorious trees with intense root systems that grew along great stone walls and over massive entrances. This is also where Tomb Raider was filmed for you movie buffs! The days were miserably hot and unfortunately expensive, but we endured as one should in such matters. We didn't do much else as this is what Siam Reap revolves around and thrives on. Angkor Wat must reel in some heavy dough with the prices and number of people pouring in and out daily. We have been informed that Angkor was bought by an oil company, not American, thankfully, but where the money goes we are not sure of. Some of the temples have or are being restored on a small level, but it seems that most of that is happening from individual groups. For instance, the restoration at one sight is being carried out by a group of Japanese (maybe university?). We also heard that of the income a small percent (like 10) goes to restoration, another small percent goes to the oil company that purchased it all and the rest of about 80 % goes into a black hole (say the government). Anyway that's word on the street. Speaking of the street, none of the money appears to go to the people because there are thick, pesty swarms of children clustered everywhere as you approach and leave each sight trying to sell you postcards, books, sodas, anything and everything. I had a guy today try to sell me the hat he was wearing. Nonetheless, everyone seems pleasantly happy and some restoration is taking way. To sum it all up, Mindblowing. Tomorrow we head back to Phnom Penh to work out our visas for Vietnam where we will be heading in a few days. First to Saigon and then working our way north to Hanoi at which point we will fly back to Bangkok for one more month of fun in the sun along the southern coast. Much love ya'll...