Angkor Thom East Gate - just for JC to prove I've taken it off Auto once
To take a break from the temples and to spend more enjoyable time whizzing through the luch Cambodian countryside, we decided to visit the Kobal Spien waterfall which is about 2 hours ride out from Siem Reap.
Kobal Spien or 'River of a Thousand Lingas' as we locals like to call it, is roughly a gentle 2km walk up a relatively rocky hill to get to. Most of which we were alone, which was just as well as we weren't exactly panting quietly due to the mild excercise brought on by the slight incline. Once at the waterfall you weren't alone anymore, there must have been about 30 to 40 people all milling around, with some jostling for the best position to set their tripods up to take pictures of the carvings in the rocks.
Angkor Thom Bayon
Not wanting to stand around waiting or look that nerdy, we did our usual trick and headed off away from the crowd. We followed the path of the water down the slope to where more carvings could be viewed and eventually to the sound of some local kids enjoying a picnic in the main, larger waterfall. Unlike some of the tourists who then proceeded to strip off to their bathers for a dip, we just slinked off back down the hill to enjoy the Tuk Tuk rid back to Angkor.
Having noticed on numerous occassions the lack of people climbing over Angkor Thom Bayon in the afternoon whilst flying past it before, we decided to go back and give it another try. The place is so vast that a single visit can't possibly take everything in.
Angkor Thom Bayon - I've had requests for shots with people in, now you've got one...so you've only got yourself to blame for a picture of me.
On arrival next to the temple, the Tuk Tuk driver recommended an eating establishment to us, no doubt he has some sort of deal with them as the lady came running as soon as she saw him. On sitting down at our plastic table we were quickly approached by a little fella trying to sell some trinkets, "10 for 1 dollar" he proudly said. 'No thank you' which usually did the trick didn't seem to work this time, he kept saying "You buy", I kept saying "No" to which he'd reply straight away "Yes". This exchange must have gone on for 3 or 4 minutes before he finally gave up, packed all the trinkets away, said something probably rude and stomped off. It was an affective sales pitch and someone not as hungry would probably have given in and purchased his wares. Just like the day before we stuck with the tried and tested Pork Spring Rolls followed up with Vegetable Noodle Soup with Pork, very nice it was as well. Then it was off to explore the Bayon and all the other temples located in the Angkor Thom area.
Meal Check
Breakfast - Full English
Lunch - Wendy (Noodle Soup with Pork), Phil (Noodle Soup with Pork)
Dinner - Wendy (Mixed Vegetables with Rice), Phil (Cashews Nuts with Pork)
