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TravBuddy.com: Siem Reap Travel Blogs and Reviews
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<copyright>Copyright 2005 TravBuddy LLC</copyright>
<link>http://www.travbuddy.com/</link>
<description>The latest travel journal entries and travel reviews from Siem Reap</description>
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<lastBuildDate>Fri, 16 May 2008 21:56:26 PST</lastBuildDate>
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<title>It&apos;s Not Over Yet..But Almost :(</title>
<link>http://www.travbuddy.com/travel-blogs/29255/Departing-Philippines--travel-blogs-and-reviews-1</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 16 May 2008 21:56:26 PST</pubDate>
<description>
  After 5 hours, we arrived in Siem Reap and got a tuktuk to Prince Mekong guesthouse for 2 usd. :D It wasn&apos;t that far from the station but it wa...</description>
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<p><a href="http://www.travbuddy.com/Siem-Reap-travel-guide-1308824">Siem Reap, Cambodia></a>, Mar 20, 2008</p>
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  After 5 hours, we arrived in Siem Reap and got a tuktuk to Prince Mekong guesthouse for 2 usd. :D It wasn't that far from the station but it wasn't near either. :P We chose that guesthouse because they offer free laundry, free bikes and it has good reviews. :) True enough to their word, they have all the amenities except for the bikes - apparently, the bikes were all for repair? hehe. <br><br>Not a minute after we sat down waiting for our keys to be given, Wayne already got two mugs of beer to drink...one for me of course. Haha! Then we booked seats for the apsara dancers show.<br><br>*to be continued...<br>      
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<title>Recommendation guide</title>
<link>http://www.travbuddy.com/Recommendation-guide-v193463</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 15 May 2008 11:37:33 PST</pubDate>
<description>When visiting the Angkor temples we&apos;ve met a fantastic tuktuk driver. He&apos;s studied to be a guide but since a license constst $2.000 that&apos;s no optio...</description>
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<p><a href="http://www.travbuddy.com/Siem-Reap-travel-guide-1308824">Siem Reap, Cambodia></a>, May 15, 2008</p>
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When visiting the Angkor temples we've met a fantastic tuktuk driver. He's studied to be a guide but since a license constst $2.000 that's no option for him. So he's an unofficial guide, BUT; he used to be a police officer, he know's all guards and police men guarding the temples, so could enter the temples and being our guide without problems. He's great, smart and very friendly. So if you need a good guide plus transport, send him an e-mail (and my regards please, Sylvia from Holland) and you'll have a great time, I can assure you that!!! His e-mail: srashsrang3@yahoo.com
His name is Mr. Sey, you can recognise him because of a half lame arm (which he got from a shot wound during the war, but it doens't bother hum when driving). He asks about 10-15 $ a day, but we gave him more and paid for his lunch as well. </p>
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<title>Third Day in Siem Reap : Big Circle Tour</title>
<link>http://www.travbuddy.com/travel-blogs/23366/First-day-in-Seam-Reap-Angkor-Wat-1</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 14 May 2008 04:09:10 PST</pubDate>
<description>After my sis spent half day&amp;nbsp;and&amp;nbsp;last night&amp;nbsp;with toilet ..she&amp;nbsp;is get ready to explore&amp;nbsp;Angkor wat&amp;nbsp; today!!
Today i pla...</description>
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<p><a href="http://www.travbuddy.com/Siem-Reap-travel-guide-1308824">Siem Reap, Cambodia></a>, Dec 30, 2007</p>
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<P>After my sis spent half day&nbsp;and&nbsp;last night&nbsp;with toilet ..she&nbsp;is get ready to explore&nbsp;Angkor wat&nbsp; today!!</P>
<P>Today i plan to have a big circle tour..Big circle tour means: Ta Phom, Ban Teay Kdei, Sasong, Ta Som, Pare Rup, Pra Khan, Angkor Thom and see sunset at&nbsp;!! Uff...how's crazy trip!!&nbsp; </P>
<P>Eventhough my sis said she is ready and get well for today..but let's see her face!! Believe!!?? haha..she is so strong than u think ..i ma sure.. hoho ...Here we go...</P>
<P>Haha.. because of my sis spent all night&nbsp;with toilet,therefore this morning she is soooo hungry..so we decide to have a big meal in this morning as fish soup with rice (kmer Style), 2&nbsp;Barggete, 2 orange juice, spring roll and ?? alot ..i guarantee!! </P>
<P>Haha.. i am so shy&nbsp;when i found that&nbsp; OMG&nbsp;we order alot of&nbsp;dish&nbsp;for breakfast.. and because of we are the first customer..that's why the waiter standing&nbsp;by near and take a look at 2 gals ...and he mightbe think&nbsp;..ufff...what's&nbsp;happen with this 2 gals..she&nbsp;went back from the war yesterday!! hrrr hrrr.... haha..eventhough&nbsp; we are so shy but we cannot stop to eat and finish&nbsp;all of&nbsp;dish..moreover, we order 2 bargette for our lunch!! The waiter look&nbsp;at&nbsp;us with surprise again!! Wow..and asking where are u from??&nbsp;&nbsp;...uff...very dangerous gal coz they have a big stomach!!&nbsp;We are not reply..only laughing!! hr hr hr..bill please..</P>
<P>Haha..it's so crazy that we spend 1 and half hour for breakfast..so stuff!!then we start our day at 8.30 A.M.</P>
<P>Every place as i list, is so interested, all of place are look similar as Kher Style..I cannot remember what is that, what is this..only High light is Ta Phom or Tasom have a big three&nbsp;with destroy the build...wow..nature can&nbsp;detroy everything!&nbsp;So&nbsp;dont&nbsp;let be careless to nature!!</P>
<P>The thing that i never forget of this trip is the children.. u&nbsp; will find&nbsp;the children selling the&nbsp;post card or whatever in many place..but they will not make u&nbsp;too much annoy. I think most of Cambodia Chidren&nbsp;that i found are very clever, they have marketing&nbsp;and negotiate skill..they will walk together with you, talk with u and then sell u the postcard.. Take a look at 2&nbsp;cambodia gal (At my Pix)&nbsp;we have conversation as follow;</P>
<P>Combodia Gal: Hello Lady..Where are u from??&nbsp;</P>
<P>aioh: Thailand..do u know&nbsp;Thailand?</P>
<P>Cambidia&nbsp;Gal:&nbsp;Yes..Sawatdee ka!!</P>
<P>aioh: Wow...i am&nbsp;so surprise..</P>
<P>Cambodia Gal:&nbsp; Lady..can u buy me some postcard?</P>
<P>aioh: I have already buy alot&nbsp;for friend&nbsp;now....</P>
<P>Cambodia Gal: Lady..u are not only send to Friend ..your boyfriend too..plss</P>
<P>aioh: umm sorry..we have not boyfriend to send for..</P>
<P>Cambodia Gal: Lady..i am sure, if u buy our postcard..u will have BF..</P>
<P>aioh: hrrr...why?? is it the magic postcard?</P>
<P>Cambodia Gal: If u buy our postcard, i will introduc u a Cabodian Guy..</P>
<P>aioh: hahaha..uFFFF..who teach there to talk like this!! ..haha..buy all for my friend in Thailand too!! haha(kidding)</P>
<P>............</P>
<P>Another Gal at Sasong Lake..</P>
<P>A gal: Lady..i give u this flower..</P>
<P>aioh: tHank u gal..</P>
<P>A gal: So i give u a flower..can u give me your watch?!! pls..i hav not watch!! u see??</P>
<P>aioh: grr...haha..how's come!! (^__^)..better bring something as&nbsp;candy&nbsp;&nbsp;to&nbsp;return&nbsp; them!!hehe</P>
<P>I dont know who will enjoy or boring with all of children in Cambodia or not..but i am enjoy talking with them..Children as cleaning shirt,they will answer without fake..dont forget to bring something for them na!!..</P>
<P>My Big circle day is take a photo and photo..let's take alook my photo na!!</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P></p>
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<title>My impression</title>
<link>http://www.travbuddy.com/travel-blogs/23366/First-day-in-Seam-Reap-Angkor-Wat-1</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 13 May 2008 21:20:18 PST</pubDate>
<description>I tthink the impression of trip to Siem Reap, Angkor wat is :
It&apos;s take a long time from Bkk to reach This is the firsttime me&amp;nbsp; going to Angk...</description>
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<p><a href="http://www.travbuddy.com/Siem-Reap-travel-guide-1308824">Siem Reap, Cambodia></a>, Feb 01, 2008</p>
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<P>I tthink the impression of trip to Siem Reap, Angkor wat is :</P>
<P>It's take a long time from Bkk to reach This is the firsttime me&nbsp; going to Angkor Wat, Seim Riep. Therefore&nbsp;&nbsp;i decide to take a bus from Khao San Rd., </P>
<P>because i think it's better way to avoid over charge of Taxi&nbsp; in Poi Pet ( Boarder of TH). </P>
<P>As the bus schedule, it would be departure from Khao San Rd., 7 AM ,</P>
<P>reach Poi Pet noon time and arrive Siem Reap at 5 or 6 PM. Anyhow i am not believe what the schedule are.</P>
<P>It's a bit terrible to stay in the bus since 9.00 AM till 11.30 PM. i never been to the moon, </P>
<P>but&nbsp;the way from Poipet to Siem Reap might not defference (^__^).&nbsp;</P>
<P>Note* please&nbsp;donot sleep a night before u leave to Seam Reap, if not let image you are the milkshake.</P>
<P>Well, Siem Reap is a very nice city, most of hotel are decorate well.</P>
<P>I&nbsp;stay&nbsp;the&nbsp;first&nbsp;night at winter guesthouse, which i did not know the exactly location</P>
<P>, i think it's the tricky of bus to arrive Siem Reap to late and take us to this guesthouse.</P>
<P>However, It's very cheap and clean (3 US$) therefore&nbsp;accepable.But it's quite far from Old market that 's why i decide</P>
<P>move to the old market and buck "Fresh Guesthouse", clean, center and reception staff is so kind.</P>
<P>It's 10 US$ per night with fan,TV, HOT water. or pluse 4 US$ for air condition. </P>
<P>Hoyeah..i stay in the center and it's very safty eventhough u stay in town until midnight.</P>
<P>I think one week is enough to stay in Siem Reap and Explore Angkor wat.&nbsp; You will find many children in every place and</P>
<P>let notice that it's really hard to find the oldest.??? Do u know why???</P>
<P>Most of oldest was killed since war.. so you will find only younger!!!</P>
<P>YOu mightbe boring to say not to buy to the children in every place,</P>
<P>anyway, please understand that they are very poor. In some family they get only 30 UD$ amonth&nbsp;as a teacher salary.</P>
<P>So&nbsp;how 's they survive.&nbsp;Spend only one US$ to postcard&nbsp;from&nbsp;the children </P>
<P>it&nbsp;mightbe help them to have some money&nbsp;for going to school one week.</P>
<P>During a trip, i also bring some pie , candy together and give to the children...</P>
<P>it's &nbsp;really great to meet the children smile during&nbsp;the trip.(^____^)</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>I hope you will enjoy the Siam Reap trip as me.. children is so innocense,</P>
<P>try to spend your time to talk with them and you will find that they are amazing..</P>
<P>Most of children are clever, they can speak many language and u will&nbsp;impress</P>
<P>them as me.&nbsp; Love love Siem Reap!&nbsp;</P></p>
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<title>Yellow Guest House/Hello Paradise</title>
<link>http://www.travbuddy.com/Yellow-Guest-House-Hello-Paradise-v193385</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 13 May 2008 06:07:32 PST</pubDate>
<description>Terrible service, do NOT stay here! – We hired their tuk-tuk driver to see Angkor Wat and despite being told it would cost $12/day, they tried to...</description>
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<p><a href="http://www.travbuddy.com/Siem-Reap-travel-guide-1308824">Siem Reap, Cambodia></a>, Mar 30, 2008</p>
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Terrible service, do NOT stay here! – We hired their tuk-tuk driver to see Angkor Wat and despite being told it would cost $12/day, they tried to charge us $25 for the second day! Although we could understand the extra charge for going to some of the far-away temples, the going rate is an extra $6, not $13.

Following this they then ruined two brand new tops in the laundry by getting bleach on them, and when I returned one monotone olive top to wash, thinking it was still dirty, they returned it literally TIE-DYED pale green and white! Furthermore, when I came to settle the bill I suggested they take $15 off the bill for the cost of the tops and they refused. When I tried to leave they MANHANDLED me back into reception and locked the doors until I paid the $15! Unbelievable!

Additionally it is miles from town on a dirt track in a dodgy alleyway which feels very unsafe as a lone traveler. I am still horrified by the treatment I had here. </p>
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<title>LITTLE INDIA Restaurant (Halal)</title>
<link>http://www.travbuddy.com/LITTLE-INDIA-Restaurant-Halal-v191709</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 12 May 2008 23:15:14 PST</pubDate>
<description>After a long day from Amazing ANGKOR WAT temple complex, i really want to have hevey good meal for my Dinner. i told my moto driver to bring me som...</description>
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<p><a href="http://www.travbuddy.com/Siem-Reap-travel-guide-1308824">Siem Reap, Cambodia></a>, May 12, 2008</p>
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After a long day from Amazing ANGKOR WAT temple complex, i really want to have hevey good meal for my Dinner. i told my moto driver to bring me some good restaurant, so he took me to Old market area it was around 7.30 in the evening. 
i was serprise so meny kind of restaurnt and bars there. i walked along the bar street which is my driver reccomended, so coller full " beer one get one free" commen title all most evey bar and restaurnts. i will tell u food cost so high, so then i terned to beside of bar street keep walking, one Cambodian little girl asked me "WOULD U LIKE INDIAN FOOD SIR" I terned around her i saw LITTLE INDIA RESTAURANT which is busy that time. they have photo manu look great so i set there to get some food. food cost not so bad and people eating all disses as emty.
i orderd CHICKEN THADOORI HALF AND VEG plate. 
i was waiting around 20 min i got hungre and angree why so late, so waiter came to me and sorry sir we make all fresh u wait 2 min more ommm ok i said.
finally it came. amazing this is really really good indian food i ever had after i left from my home India. she asked me how is the food sir? what i can say "owsame" i was not worry to wait 20 min to get my food at last. 
owner of the restaurant came and talk with me about temple and we talk about siem reap and Cambodia. he was so frendly, i got lot of imformation from him, since 1999 he live in siem reap and first Indian restaurnt he own this LITTLE INDIA.
ow so full my belly i really want to sleep and ready to go sunrise in early morning.
i really like temple and Cambodian peolpe want to go back again
finally i tell u this is one of the "BEST INDIAN FOOD" in siem reap
u will not worry about ur money
enjoy ur trip to cambodia
RANDIMA

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<title>Happy Guesthouse</title>
<link>http://www.travbuddy.com/Happy-Guesthouse-v193226</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2008 21:55:07 PST</pubDate>
<description>I and my fiance had spent three nights there.We picked Happy Guesthouse as a cheap place which mentioned on Lonely Planet book.A bit shocked by the...</description>
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<p><a href="http://www.travbuddy.com/Siem-Reap-travel-guide-1308824">Siem Reap, Cambodia></a>, May 07, 2008</p>
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I and my fiance had spent three nights there.We picked Happy Guesthouse as a cheap place which mentioned on Lonely Planet book.A bit shocked by the road to get there: so rough!.
Located at a small alley, 80m far away the main street, that is a best choice for someone who would like to have a good sleep after having a long day on bus or tut tut ( local vehicle). Room is clean and comfortable with air-condioned, hot shower, TV. Breakfast is served at garden restaurant (extrapayment). Friendly staff with tour booking desk will be helpful for you.

P.s: Last Febuary,we did pay 12.00 USD/1 night  for a double room with airconditioned and  hot shower. Fan room should be much cheaper</p>
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<title>9 to 5</title>
<link>http://www.travbuddy.com/travel-blogs/5219/Getting-nervous-Minneapolis-1</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 05 May 2008 23:02:07 PST</pubDate>
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I chose to cram in as much of Angkor Wat and its surrounds in eight hours and it made for a very long, exhausting day. Yes, you can take your tim...</description>
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<p><a href="http://www.travbuddy.com/Siem-Reap-travel-guide-1308824">Siem Reap, Cambodia></a>, May 05, 2008</p>
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<P>I chose to cram in as much of Angkor Wat and its surrounds in eight hours and it made for a very long, exhausting day. Yes, you can take your time and spread it out over a series of days, but I know me. My patience for sight-seeing, even an arguable wonder of the world, is limited. My main goal for the day: get photos without other tourists in them. Not an easy task given the shear number of people even during this "low season" of tourism.</P>
<P>First some information. Angkor means Capital or Holy City, and the Angkor Empire existed in the area of Cambodia between the 9th and 12th centuries AD. The temple ruins around Siem Reap are the remnants of this empire that at one point dominated the area along with parts of Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. The architecture of the time is definitely something to behold, but there is so much to see you have to make some decisions and sample bits and pieces. </P>
<P>I chose not to flock with the hoards of tourists to catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat. I chose well. I ran into a couple I met on the boat here and they did get up for it and said it wasn't worth it. It ended up being a cloudy day and not one for a good sunrise or sunset. I started with Ta Prohm, a great place to see trees and vines imbedded in the temple after years of growth. From there a forty minute ride up to Banteay Srey, which I read was the "jewel"of Angkor, but I found it not so interesting. This was disappointing given the fact I had to pay extra to get up there. What I did find fascinating was a tree nearby that was home to an army of big, red ants. I ended up spending most of my time admiring their work ethic. Then back over to the main area where I saw Ta Som, my favorite temple. It is not as well visited for one, but it has this massive tree that spreads out all over one part of it. I enjoyed being there. I finally got someone to take my picture. Next up was Preah Khan, a massive complex and former monastery. It could take days to go through there, but for me, thirty minutes. I'm not so into rubble and ruins. Plus a pineapple was calling me. Anyway, there are interesting carvings, but without a guide to explain, you miss something (I'd already spent a small fortune on the day pass and tuk tuk for the day). Then onto Angkor Thom, the walled and moated royal city. It is home to Bayon, one of the most recognizable temples due to its standing towers with carved faces. I finally had a breather and just sat admiring the place. At that point I think my driver thought I was crazy as I was going, going without a break, not even for lunch or the bathroom. I was on a mission. I was slowing down by then for sure in the afternoon sun. After checking out the terrace of elephants and Phimeanakas, finally, onto Angkor Wat. I was hoping for a good sunset but another storm started moving through, so the photos were hard to come by. I love storms so it actually made it enjoyable given my exhausted state. So what can I say about it. It's a big temple surrounded by a moat. That about sums that up. </P>
<P>I then went back to the hotel and collapsed in my room. Somehow it seemed like a day at work. I filled up my memory card taking photos, so I'll leave you to enjoy those. Unlike Agra, home to the Taj Mahal, Siem Reap is actually a pretty cool place to just hang, which I plan to do today. A local doctor who has a children's hospital here is putting on some cello concert tonight. I'm looking forward to that, and the price is right - free!</P></FONT></p>
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<title>Jasmine Lodge</title>
<link>http://www.travbuddy.com/Jasmine-Lodge-v193056</link>
<pubDate>Sat, 03 May 2008 06:53:04 PST</pubDate>
<description>I went online and looked for the cheapest room possible in Siem Reap and there I found it, Jasmine Lodge, 3$ for a double room. Of course, I wouldn...</description>
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<p><a href="http://www.travbuddy.com/Siem-Reap-travel-guide-1308824">Siem Reap, Cambodia></a>, Sep 25, 2007</p>
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I went online and looked for the cheapest room possible in Siem Reap and there I found it, Jasmine Lodge, 3$ for a double room. Of course, I wouldn't mind sharing a bathroom with other travelers, how bad can it be.

Location was fairly good. Our tuk-tuk driver took us there in no time after we were randomly dropped off by our taxi in some random road in Siem Reap. The staff were really nice and friendly. We didn't get to try their food though because everytime we try to order something no one was there to cook so we ate all the time at the nearby japanese hostel instead.

Internet is not free and quite expensive compared to the internet cafe just a few minute walk outside. The room we got wasn't that great, with NO windows and only one fan that barely moved/rotated/swinged? hehe. And the bathroom was the worst of all. Water was very stinky and it wasn't definitely clean. It wasn't really shared with the other guests (as no one but us chose to suffer) but with the staff, and many randoms (tuk-tuk drivers!).

But all in all it wasn't so bad. They have free pool and the common room/restaurant is cosy. I loved talking to the staff who were laughing at me playing a riduculous game of billiards (on which i have mistaken the pink ball as the white one thrice... wait, there is a pink ball right?!). I will stay here again but next time, I'll not mind spending a couple more dollars for a good shower.</p>
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<title>wandering at the city</title>
<link>http://www.travbuddy.com/travel-blogs/13874/wandering-at-the-city-Siem-Reap-1</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 30 Apr 2008 02:05:17 PST</pubDate>
<description>
        siem reap city is the capital of siem reap province, cambodia.  siem reap has colonial and chinese-style architecture in the old french q...</description>
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<p><a href="http://www.travbuddy.com/Siem-Reap-travel-guide-1308824">Siem Reap, Cambodia></a>, Aug 18, 2007</p>
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        <p>siem reap city is the capital of siem reap province, cambodia.</p>  <p>siem reap has colonial and chinese-style architecture in the old french quarter, and around the old market. in town, there are apsara dance performances, craft shops, silk farms, rice-paddy countryside, fishing villages and a bird sanctuary near the tonle sap lake.</p>  <p>siem reap today, being a popular tourist destination, has a large  number of hotels and restaurants. most smaller establishments are  concentrated around the old market area, while more expensive hotels  are located between&nbsp; siem reap -angkor international airport and the town along national road 6. there are a variety of mid-range  hotels and restaurants along sivatha, and budget to mid-range hotels in  the phsar leu area.</p><p>the name siem reap means the 'defeat of siam<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siam" title="Siam"></a>' �"today’s&nbsp;<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thailand" title="Thailand"></a> thailand --- and refers to a centuries-old bloodbath, commemorated in stone in the celebrated bas relief carvings of the monuments.</p>    <p>siem reap was little more than a village when the first French  explorers re-discovered angkor in the 19th century. with the return of angkor to cambodian, or should that be french control in 1907, siem reap began to grow, absorbing the first wave of tourists. the grand hotel d'angkoropened its doors in 1929 and the temples of angkor remained one of asia's leading draws until the late 1960s, luring visitors like charlie chaplin and jackie kennedy. In 1975, siem reap, along with the rest of  the cities and towns in cambodia, its population was evacuated by the  communist khmer rouge<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khmer_Rouge" title="Khmer Rouge"></a> and driven into the countryside.</p><p>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siem_Reap</p><p></p>siem reap is a little city cluttered with tourist from all over the world. most of this adventure seeker stays in hotels and motels around the old market right at the down town, and hangs out at the cozy pub street also in this area. there you can find a lot of things from souvenirs shop and kiosk, massages,&nbsp; restaurants, pubs, internet cafe etc.<br>i visited this area on my second day after getting burnt on my face for not using the sun-block. i chose to chill out at one cafe that was also&nbsp; functioned as a t-shirt distro. i had a glass of local laotian beer, a glass of orange juice and tuna sandwich, tasted pretty good actually. then after while i decided to have a little adventure and went inside the old market, souvenirs kiosk were everywhere, and after went over some tough bargains i succeeded to wrap up two bronze statues of budha and another statue of cambodian king for 10 dollars. and just across the street i saw street vendor fruit seller, selling a strange fruits namely salac and bumbum. salac is a common fruit in south east asia, but here it has a different shape, texture and color. the flash was a bit softer compared to the one we have in indonesia, the shape is longer and tasted sweet-sour with stronger alcoholic flavor, delicious!!, while bumbum the fruit that looked like a tiny granny smith tasted sourer, i think it was some kind of plum.<br>my 2 days visit was definitely too short. hopes that i can make my way back to this lovely place and to the other surounding indochina countries.<br><br>        
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<title>&quot;I&apos;ll have the crocodile&quot;</title>
<link>http://www.travbuddy.com/travel-blogs/26209/Backpacking-In-Southeast-Asia-San-Francisco-1</link>
<pubDate>Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:59:18 PST</pubDate>
<description>After our long day at Ankor, we went back to our hotel for much needed
showers. The issues from earlier in the day were mostly resolved. Most
of ...</description>
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<p><a href="http://www.travbuddy.com/Siem-Reap-travel-guide-1308824">Siem Reap, Cambodia></a>, Mar 03, 2008</p>
<p>
After our long day at Ankor, we went back to our hotel for much needed
showers. The issues from earlier in the day were mostly resolved. Most
of what was missing had been found in the laundry boy's stuff! After
getting ready, ten of us headed down to "Pub Street" where there are
many restaurants and of course, bars.<br><br>Our guide was pointing out
all the different restaurants on the street, but I was determined to
try Cambodian BBQ. I wasn't sure what exactly it was, but I knew you
could get a variety of meats there- crocodile, ostrich, snake, and
kangaroo. I'd be lying if I said that the Travel Channel's No
Reservations and Bizarre Foods haven't encouraged me to be more daring
(to a point) with the foods I try when I travel! A couple in our group
from Canada headed down later to check it out and asked what they had
to eat&nbsp;there. I pointed to the sign that listed all of the animals and
they basically said "see ya later" and went in search of something
else.<br><br>My roommate, Dean (one of the 19 year olds on a RTW trip)
and I wanted to try something new and interesting so we decided to each
order different things and share. It was obvious that they would be my
partners in crime (PIC) for the short time that they were on the trip.
I really wanted to try crocodile for some reason. If ten years ago you
had told me that I would one day be sitting at a restaurant in Cambodia
and ordering crocodile for dinner, I would have thought you were crazy.
But there I was. My roommate was really into trying ostrich and Dean
ordered chicken as a backup in case the other ones weren't so tasty.
The crocodile and ostrich turned out to be great, way better than the
chicken!<br><br>After dinner, the PIC and I and two of the Canadians
decided to hit up a bar called the Banana Leaf. It's a nice mellow
place to sit down and have a drink and a chat. But our conversation was
being drowned out from the loud music coming from the Temple Club next
door. Eventually the Canadians left to go to bed. The PIC and I wanted
to check out the Temple Club but went to see what was happening at X
Bar first. It's at the end of Pub Street and at the top of a building
that overlooks the street. Nothing much was going on there that night.
It's a big place with pool tables and a lot of seating. It's probably
much more fun when there are a lot of people there.<br><br>We went back
down the street to Temple Club which had a decent sized crowd for a
Monday night. We went in to join the fun. They played a lot of Top 40
hits and it felt like a Western club, except for a big woodcarving of
Ankor Wat on the wall. So there I was dancing to a reggaeton hit song,
looking at a picture of Angkor Wat, colorful lights flashing and
foreigners dancing awkwardly but enthusiastically around me. A
microcosm of Siem Reap and Angkor?
                    <p><br></p>            
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<title>Cambodia experience of a lifetime</title>
<link>http://www.travbuddy.com/travel-blogs/30886/Cambodia-experience-of-a-lifetime-Siem-Reap-1</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 28 Apr 2008 03:57:09 PST</pubDate>
<description>If Gabriel Garcia Marquez’ book, “Hundred Years of Solitude” is one of the required academic readings for humankind, without doubt, Cambodia ...</description>
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<p><a href="http://www.travbuddy.com/Siem-Reap-travel-guide-1308824">Siem Reap, Cambodia></a>, Apr 28, 2008</p>
<p>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>If Gabriel Garcia Marquez’ book, “Hundred Years of Solitude” is one of the required academic readings for humankind, without doubt, <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Cambodia</st1:country-region></st1:place> is one of the must-visit places in one’s lifetime. Such claim is staggering – The experience and sensation one feels as he steps into the vastness of the temple complex are beyond human comprehension and imagination.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>&nbsp;</FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman"><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Cambodia</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s rich culture dates back from the first millennium and progressed through the centuries. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;</SPAN>In the modern times, the country struggled from the stigma of what was dubbed as the “Killing Fields”. The Pol Pot regime brought about shame and dishonour to millions of peace-loving Cambodians. However, Cambodians are known to adapt, and adapt they did, rising above the stigma, taking pride and reclaiming the honour of their once prosperous civilization. I have never seen hard-working people making honest and decent living like the way Cambodians do. Struggling yet determined, Cambodians are slowly rebuilding their country.</FONT></FONT></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman"><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Phnom Penh</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">International</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Airport</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> is newly-renovated, small and pleasant, with a homey cozy feel. Surprisingly clean and well-maintained, the airport has modern amenities, even better than most airports in <st1:place w:st="on">Southeast Asia</st1:place>. Upon arrival, travelers are greeted by a barrage of “<I>tuk-tuks</I>” and taxi drivers offering rides around the city or to bus stations leading to the rest of the country. Typical fare is USD 2 to the nearest destination. A cab ride is more but fare can be split with fellow travelers – and young backpackers and adventure seekers abound. </FONT></FONT></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Cambodia</st1:country-region>’s capital <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Phnom Penh</st1:place></st1:City> is like any other East Asian city coming out of its cocoon. After decades of internal struggle, newfound wealth from sustained tourism and discovery of natural gas in its territorial waters has helped the economy and triggered a new spate of middle class – luxury cars, SUVs are found on the streets – alongside 50cc scooters carrying passengers with anything and everything transportable. The juxtaposition of old and modern, of wealth and poverty, of thatched structures and concrete buildings, clearly manifest the country’s interweaving fabrics of past, present, and future.</FONT></FONT></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Discovering Siem Reap and the temples of <st1:place w:st="on">Angkor</st1:place><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>From the heart of <st1:City w:st="on">Phnom Penh</st1:City>, it is a five-hour comfortable bus ride to Siem Reap, home to the temple ruins of <st1:place w:st="on">Angkor</st1:place>. For USD 8, this is arguably the best way to see the Cambodian countryside. Crossing the mighty <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Mekong</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">River</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>, rural life beckons – colourful temples, rich rice granary, elevated nipa hut dwellings, lotus flowers glisten in the ponds. The picturesque landscape perfectly captures the art of bucolic living framed in time by nature. </FONT></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Siem Reap town is a straightforward affair – two kilometers of easily accessible avenue that runs alongside <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Siem</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Reap</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">River</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>Most of the hotels, guesthouses, authentic Khmer massage parlors, restaurants, souvenir and art shops are found along the main artery. Getting around is easy and cheap – just make sure you have onesie's (one US dollar note) at hand for convenience. Having US dollar notes saves you from the hassle of carrying thousands worth of Cambodian Riel during your stay.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>The US dollar note is still the most preferred payment method in almost all shops, including street vendors, tuktuk drivers, and museum fees. Getting around Siem Reap town and the temples can easily be arranged – through the hotel concierge or on your own. Hiring a motorcycle trailer (<I>moto-romauk</I> or <I>tuk-tuk</I>) for a day (roughly USD 12) to explore the temple is highly recommended. All drivers are knowledgeable and trained by the tourism office to act as your tourist guides.</FONT></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Siem Reap is the gateway to the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Angkor</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Archaeological</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Park</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Park is home to the vast temple ruins that comprise several square kilometers of magnificent Khmer architectural achievement. Inhere, Angkor Wat, the centerpiece of the <st1:place w:st="on">Angkor</st1:place> complex stands proud alongside other famous and must-see temple ruins - the giant stone faces of <I>Bayon</I>, the “tree-in-temple” ruins of <I>Ta Prohm</I> and the “temple mountain” architecture of <I>Pre Rup</I>. </FONT></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman"><st1:place w:st="on"><B>Angkor</B></st1:place><B> Wat and the surrounding temples<o:p></o:p></B></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">The sylvan splendor of the landscape, dominated by tall and impressive Koki trees line up the boulevard enroute the temple ruins. Admission pass to visit the temples and sites can be purchased in the central ticket office on the road to Angkor Wat. One to seven day passes can be purchased, starting at USD 20.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Cool early morning calm greets me as I took my first steps in the walkway leading to the main gate of the Angkor Wat. Surrounded by a moat that reminds one of Medieval European castles, Angkor Wat was constructed as a “temple mountain” dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. It was also suggested that the temple was a funeral ground of Suryawaman II, the patron King who built the temple during the apex of Khmer political and military dominance in the early 12th century. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;</SPAN>The centuries-old edifice is an artistic and archaeological marvel comparable to some of the greatest man-made mega-structures on earth – Egypt’s Pyramids, the Great Wall of China, the Philippine’s Banawe Rice Terraces.</FONT></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Early morning arrival just as the sun rises is the best time to visit Angkor Wat. The temple casts a fascinating silhouette, outlining the massive three-tiered pyramid crowned by lotus like towers rising several meters from the ground. The moat glistens, reflecting the shadow of the massive architecture, disturbed by ripples from the gentle breeze.</FONT></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>There is something magical and awe inspiring in the air – to be in the presence of these magnificence makes one so small, so irrelevant, yet an inner peace and communion with this marvelous human achievement allow us to celebrate this wonder in its purest form. </FONT></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>The lush vegetation surrounding the ruins and sites remind visitors of the unearthing of this civilization so advance and powerful during its time. Bas relief carvings that adorn the temple wings are reminiscent of Egyptian hieroglyphics, depicting history and military might of the time. Some relief carvings also depict everyday Khmer life – from market scene, to cockfighting, games, and celebrations. Stone temple monkeys leap from wooded area to the delight and fright of the tourists. </FONT></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Another most important ruin to visit is the Bayon, a complex of temple ruins dominated by huge concrete faces. The huge and ornate carvings, blackened by time and moistened moss green by tropical weather, represent the classic Khmer art and architecture.</FONT></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">There are indeed dozens of temple ruins in the Siem Reap area. To maximize your visit, it is important to highlight the architectural and historical significance, accessibility, and types of temple ruins you wish to visit.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman"><st1:Street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on"><B>Vibrant Khmer street</B></st1:address></st1:Street><B> life<o:p></o:p></B></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>French colonial and oriental architecture dominate the Old French Quarter of Siem Reap town. Two storey buildings line up Psar Chas where restaurants, bars, massage parlors, souvenir shops, art galleries, and internet cafes are found. The eclectic mixture of modern zen designs and low-key street food vendors with their ubiquitous red plaid PVC laden tables, give a picture of a vibrant <st1:Street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Khmer street</st1:address></st1:Street> life. </FONT></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Siem Reap is no stranger to a pulsating night life. <st1:Street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Bar Street</st1:address></st1:Street> is teeming with tourists and locals as they intermingle over traditional Khmer cuisine. and a bottle of <st1:place w:st="on">Angkor</st1:place> beer, the national brew. Nightly Apsara and traditional dance performances are offered in various hotels and restaurants. After a day spent in the temple ruins, traditional Khmer massage offers a relaxing treat for weary travelers.</FONT></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Cambodian charm<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>There is a certain charm about Cambodia – its sincere hospitality and innocent appeal make it an exciting holiday destination that combines history and culture, nature and man’s fascination with architecture, and a determined human spirit that celebrates the willingness to live. </FONT></P></p>
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<title>Cambodia needs to be bombed again</title>
<link>http://www.travbuddy.com/travel-blogs/28579/Great-flight-spilled-stuff-travel-blogs-and-reviews-1</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 28 Apr 2008 01:35:14 PST</pubDate>
<description>
Shocked the moment I entered into Cambodia, the mafia was all over. Took a mafia cab to Siem Reap and they jacked the price to a ridiculous amoun...</description>
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<p><a href="http://www.travbuddy.com/Siem-Reap-travel-guide-1308824">Siem Reap, Cambodia></a>, Apr 07, 2008</p>
<p>

<p>Shocked the moment I entered into Cambodia, the mafia was all over. Took a mafia cab to Siem Reap and they jacked the price to a ridiculous amount while surrounding me. I was with a Thai who overheard them talking about whether they could win if they attacked me and took my money. I ducked into the nearest hotel ($80) but was planning on staying at some of the recommended $5-$10 hotels here.</p>  <p>&nbsp;</p>  <p>Cambodia is the most bombed country in the world...obviously (being the armpit of the world) it wasn't enough.</p>  <p>&nbsp;</p>  <p>I was very, very ill last night and needed to go to the hosptial which was why I think they were planning their attack. If I had a gun, I would have shot myself, I was in such misery. I have no idea--meningitis, malaria, carbon monoxide from the 3 hour hellride from Poipet to Siem Reap--who knows but I'm still sick! I can hold water down so I'll be checking another hotel as soon as I can figure a way around these mafia monkeys out front here waiting for me. I'll explain all this later but I really don't like being threatened unless I fork over money and I really really dislike people discussing my demise and or murder.</p>
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<title>Cambodian BBQ</title>
<link>http://www.travbuddy.com/Cambodian-BBQ-v192837</link>
<pubDate>Sun, 27 Apr 2008 14:50:07 PST</pubDate>
<description>At this restaurant they have an interesting selection to choose from: snake, kangaroo (?), crocodile, frog, ostrich and of course chicken, pork or ...</description>
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<p><a href="http://www.travbuddy.com/Siem-Reap-travel-guide-1308824">Siem Reap, Cambodia></a>, Mar 03, 2008</p>
<p>
At this restaurant they have an interesting selection to choose from: snake, kangaroo (?), crocodile, frog, ostrich and of course chicken, pork or beef. Each person usually orders one dish and then you share a barbecue with two or so people. I think there are some regular cooked meals available if you're not interesting in trying the barbecue. 

They first brought us a hot dome shaped "barbecue". Then they brought out the meats as well as noodles, veggies and rice. The meat comes chopped up into small pieces with an egg and you mix it up before sticking it on the grill. At the bottom of the grill is soup. They refill the soup every so often and give you unlimited vegetables, rice and noodles. You add the veggies and noodles to the soup and use chopsticks to cook the meat and flip it over.

We tried the ostrich, crocodile and chicken and our "exotic" choices turned out to be the best. The crocodile tasted like combination of chicken and fish. The ostrich tasted a little bit like red meat or maybe chicken cooked in red wine. I don't think the meat was seasoned except for some salt and pepper. Because of this, you get more of an idea of the actual flavor of the meat. So it makes sense to go for something other than chicken.

This restaurant is located in an alley which I think was just off of Pub Street. It's not too hard to find. It has a "made for tourists" vibe, but it's still an interesting and memorable experience. If you're in Siem Reap it's worth a try!</p>
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<title>Seam Reap, Cambodia</title>
<link>http://www.travbuddy.com/travel-blogs/15432/Leaving-Trondheim-Norway-Vaernes-1</link>
<pubDate>Sat, 26 Apr 2008 14:42:58 PST</pubDate>
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<p><a href="http://www.travbuddy.com/Siem-Reap-travel-guide-1308824">Siem Reap, Cambodia></a>, Nov 02, 2007</p>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN"></SPAN></B>&nbsp;</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN"></SPAN></B>&nbsp;</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN"><U>Seam Reap, Cambodia.</U>&nbsp; </SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN"></SPAN></B>&nbsp;</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN"></SPAN></B>&nbsp;</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN"></SPAN></B>&nbsp;</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN"></SPAN></B>&nbsp;</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN"></SPAN></B>&nbsp;</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN">We arrived Seam <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:City w:st="on">Reap</st1:City>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Cambodia</st1:country-region> from <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Kuala Lumpur</st1:place></st1:City> early morning 2 November.</SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN"><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN"><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"></SPAN></SPAN></B>&nbsp;</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN"><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"></SPAN>We were flying with Air Asia, and in spite that Air <st1:place w:st="on">Asia</st1:place> is low cost the flight was comfortable.</SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN"></SPAN></B>&nbsp;</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB">I have been flying with Air <st1:place w:st="on">Asia</st1:place> several times and have always been satisfied the flights.&nbsp;<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;</SPAN></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB"><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B>&nbsp;</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN">We arranged our tour to <st1:country-region w:st="on">Cambodia</st1:country-region> from <st1:country-region w:st="on">Norway</st1:country-region>, and as we had only three day in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Cambodia</st1:country-region></st1:place> we had to be effective. </SPAN></B></P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B>&nbsp;</P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN">I think internet is excellent tools when I am planning trips.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>On the internet I found the address to <st1:PersonName w:st="on" ProductID="Phan Sy Ros">Phan Sy Ros</st1:PersonName>, and together with him we were able to make a program which looked very exciting.</SPAN></B></P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B>&nbsp;</P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN">We arranged for a van with driver and a tour guide.</SPAN></B></P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B>&nbsp;</P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN">I had a few must on our program; <st1:place w:st="on">Tonle Sap</st1:place>, Ankor Wat and Ta Phrom.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>The rest were up to <st1:PersonName w:st="on" ProductID="Phan Sy Ros"><st1:PersonName w:st="on" ProductID="Phan Sy">Phan Sy</st1:PersonName> Ros</st1:PersonName> to suggest for us.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>He made us an offer we found perfect. </SPAN></B></P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B>&nbsp;</P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN">As we arrived Seam Reap we found that the program was too tight visiting lots of temples and&nbsp;a silk factory,&nbsp;&nbsp;but we had no problem to rearrange it.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB">For those of you that are interested: The address to our Seam Reap tour fixer, we just called him our fixer.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;</SPAN></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB"><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"></SPAN></SPAN></B>&nbsp;</P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB"><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"></SPAN>We were very satisfied with the service he and his crew gave us.</SPAN></B></P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B>&nbsp;</P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff">&nbsp;</P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #444444; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'"><A href="mailto:angkorwatdriver_fixer@yahoo.co.uk"><SPAN lang=EN-GB style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB">angkorwatdriver_fixer@yahoo.co.uk</SPAN></A></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #444444; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'"></SPAN></B>&nbsp;</P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #444444; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN"><U></U></SPAN></B>&nbsp;</P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN"><U></U></SPAN></B>&nbsp;</P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN"><U>Tonele Sap and the Floating Village</U></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN"></SPAN></B>&nbsp;</P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN">The first day in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Cambodia</st1:country-region> we went to The Tonle Sap with the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Floating</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Village</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. </SPAN></B></P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN">The <SPAN style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">Tonlé Sap</SPAN> is a combined lake and river system of huge importance to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Cambodia</st1:country-region></st1:place>. </SPAN></B></P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN">It is the largest freshwater lake in <st1:place w:st="on">South East Asia</st1:place> and is an ecological hotspot that was designated as a UNESCO biosphere in 1997.</SPAN></B></P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN">For most of the year the lake is fairly small, around one meter deep and with an area of 2,700 square km. During the monsoon season, however, the <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Tonle Sap</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">River</st1:PlaceType> which connects the lake with the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Mekong</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">River</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> reverses its flow. </SPAN></B></P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN">Water is pushed up from the <st1:place w:st="on">Mekong</st1:place> into the lake, increasing its area to 16,000 square km and its depth to up to nine meters, flooding nearby fields and forests. The floodplain provides a perfect breeding ground for fish.</SPAN></B></P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN">Tonle Sap is home to a large Vietnamese and Cham people community, living in floating villages around the lake.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>The village is based on house boats.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>As we visited <st1:place w:st="on">Tonle Sap</st1:place> just at the end of the monsoon, we could only see the tops of the threes.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>Our guide told us that between dry season and monsoon the difference of the water stand is 12 -&nbsp;<st1:metricconverter w:st="on" ProductID="15 meter">15 meter</st1:metricconverter>.</SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">Many people are living of fishing from the lake.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial"><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"></SPAN></SPAN></B>&nbsp;</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial"><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"></SPAN>The population can be as many 9000 people living in this village on the lake, partly on stilts and partly on boats. </SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial"></SPAN></B>&nbsp;</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">The boat houses moves their location depending if it is dry season or monsoon.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>The lake rises twice each year. </SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B>&nbsp;</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN">Arriving we were met with small almost naked children people begging for money.</SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">We had a boat journey on the lake, visiting a floating souvenir shop and an alligator “farm”.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>Alligators are not natural in this area; the farms are there for us tourists. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">Mothers with children from infants to 5-6 years old were meeting us in boats wanting to earn some money.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>Selling small bananas, cans with lemonade or just hoping we would take some photos of the children with snakes round their necks.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>I think the first words this children learns is; “just one dollar sir”.</SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">The village has its own church, school and shops.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial"><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"></SPAN></SPAN></B>&nbsp;</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial"><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"></SPAN>I`m rather impressed with the schools gym room. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;</SPAN>And of cause all the children is good swimmers.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial"><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B>&nbsp;</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">The privacy is little for the people living in the floating village.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>The walls on the floats is of palm leaves and blankets, just one room for whole family, and the outside toilet leads directly into the lake.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>Batteries provide them with pthe ower, and all transport is with boats.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;</SPAN></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial"><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;</SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">Some of the houses are in better condition, some seem to be falling into the lake, and some of the houses can hardly bee called houses it is just a shelter.</SPAN></B></P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">It is an incredible poverty, people living together with chicken, hens and dogs.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>No electricity and no running water.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>The hygienic conditions are terrible, but I do not think the children were dirty, they seemed to love swimming.</SPAN></B></P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">Visiting Tonle Sap and the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Floating</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Village</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> was an interesting, but first of all, a chocking experience for all of us.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>The poverty was breathtaking.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial"><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"></SPAN>We were prepared on the poverty but not on the conditions on The <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Floating</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Village</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. This was our first day in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Cambodia</st1:country-region></st1:place>, and just one of us had a few one dollar bills.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial"><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"></SPAN>I wanted to by some bananas, give the mothers some dollars for taking their photos but had no less than a 100 dollar bill and none of them could give me change.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN-GB style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial"><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"></SPAN>You might think we are delicate and naïve, but the conditions by and at the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Floating</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Village</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> was beyond imagined and I do not have a name on the stink that hang over the area.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN">Driving back to our hotel we asked our driver to stop by a change office.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>We all wanted to have one dollar bills, lots of one dollar bills.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>We are going to travel round in Ankor and Seam Reap, and we are sure we will meet lots of children trying to sell us bananas, pineapple, shawls, post cards, books………………………..<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN">And as my twin sisters husband said; Here you have the opportunity to give the aid without greedy middle hands.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>So we wanted to be prepared.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN"><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"></SPAN></SPAN></B>&nbsp;</P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN"><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"></SPAN></SPAN></B>&nbsp;</P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN"><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">"Just one dollar mister"</SPAN></SPAN></B><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="BACKGROUND: #f8fcff"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: #333399; FONT-FAMILY: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-ansi-language: EN"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B>&nbsp;</P>
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