Angkor Wat

Its 4.15pm here and just got back from first day at the Angkor Wat.
In case you don't know, its absolutely vast with many temples and sites covering miles.
I had my tuk tuk driver for the day and having read up on the places I wanted to see we set off.
He then took me to them in an order that avoided the usual route of tourists, and good for where the sun was for the best photo opportunities.
As they have at least 2 entrances he took me to an one and met me the other side an hour or so later, however long it took he was always there waiting - along with many other tuk tuk drivers.
This is by far the best way to see it as there were so many tour groups all being herded about and therefore all waiting while the others took photos of the same thing.
I just walked the other way and for much of the day was on my own. What I didn't take into account was, its not just ruins but as it's in a forest it's absolutely beautiful and green, like being in a massive park with huge trees all around.
It sometimes took 10 mins to drive between each site, along the way was on a well paved road lines with trees.
Angkor Wat is surrounded by a really wide moat so along with the trees and gardens it's stunning even before you see the temple. It takes approx 20 minutes just to walk through the entrance to the Wat so that gives you some idea of its vastness.
I spent much of the time just sitting gazing at the stones and carvings in all the places I went as they were all amazing marvelling at how they came about and how long ago- many 1000 years old.
I was really pleased I was alone today, it was so nice to spend the right amount of time at each place, I loved the peace and tranquility of it all. Just me and Kiman the lovely driver that had a guide book for reference and a constant supply of cold bottled water for me after every stop, all included in the price.
I bought a 3 day pass that can be used over 7 so will do something else tomorrow then I have arranged Kiman pick me up 7.30am Sunday to go to a  couple of the places further away (about an hour in tuk tuk) that time is cool and avoids the crowds. It is so lovely I may well go back to some I saw today as it will always look different depending on what time of day.

I change hotels in the morning to a cheaper one round the corner without a pool.
I did my research well as both are in an area thats lovely and quiet for resting but less than 10 min walk to the eateries and night market etc. Talking of which, I wish I had an empty rucksack as I love all the things they sell.
All the sellers will have a conversation that goes something like this:

You lie buy lady
no thanks, I already have one
ok lady you have two then
no, sorry I dont want another one
ok lady you just looking then maybe buy
     or
you lie buy lady
no thanks I dont have any money
ok lady you go to the ATM and I wait for you
no I dont want one
ok lady you buy for your friend then

And I thought I had an answer for everything!

Ta Prohm An amazing place where the roots are taking over the temple,

Angkor Wat

 

I had to climb lots of steps to get here - you can see the tree tops,the faces are 4 to each tower and this building has 37 towers remaining from the original 52.  It's hard to imagine this was built 1000 years ago and all the giant stones had to be brought here and carved before being winched into place. A photo doesn't do it justice, its awesome when you are there.

Monks at the Wat