Sunday, April 3, 2016

Cambodia-Vietnam Vacation: Day 1-Siem Reap

We had a long day/night of flying from Syndey to Siem Reap with a layover in Malaysia. We arrived early morning and awaited the Suvedi family who had arrived a couple days earlier to pick us up from the airport.

Hallie just cannot believe the possibility of Kate having a 3rd baby! Is it true or isn’t it?? Hallie and I having a little snooze and Daddy & Kyla enjoying the flight.

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We made it!  It is HOT here!  Enjoying a welcome drink at our first hotel.

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After unpacking our things, we headed for the War Museum, where we learned of the perils that Cambodia faced during the last 3 decades of the 20th century and more about what actually occured during Cambodia’s ‘war years’.

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We got to see many war machines like the tank T-54,  the jet fighter aircraft MiG-19, the helicopter Mil Mi-8.

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Our guide was a war vet and his nickname was cat as he apparantly has 9 lives...he's had so many crazy things happen to him, from losing his leg due to a landmine, being shot 3 times during his time fighting aginst the Khmer Rouge, to having a wasp's nest fall on him and almost kill him from the amount of stings. He walked us around and talked with us about the war and the different weapons used.

Our guide's nickname was cat as he apparantly has 9 lives...he's had so many crazy things happen to him, from losing his leg due to a landmine, being shot 3 times during his time fighting aginst the Khmer Rouge, to having a wasp's nest fall on him and almost kill him from the amount of stings.

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Our guide talked about the shrapnel all over his body and let the kids feel some in his leg.

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We learned that there’s estimated to be over a million active landmines still in Cambodia!

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Sweaty and heading to lunch!

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Our first full meal in Cambodia was delicious!

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Back to the hotel for a little rest before hitting the pool!

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After a swim, we got ready to go to Angkor Watt for the sunset.  At this point we were still traveling by van, not by scooter. Smile

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Our first look at Angkor Wat, a temple complex in Cambodia and the largest religious monument in the world. It was originally constructed as a Hindu temple for the Khmer Empire, gradually transforming into a Buddhist temple toward the end of the 12th century. The temple is a representation of Mount Meru, the home of the gods: the central quincunx of towers symbolises the five peaks of the mountain, and the walls and moat symbolise the surrounding mountain ranges and ocean. Here are 2 stock photos-it was pretty amazing!!!

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After they kicked us out of Angkor Wat, we headed out for dinner. Food is definitely cheap here!  I think our dinner for the 9 of us was just over $30!

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Taking the tuk tuk back to the hotel for the night.

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