Saturday, Feb 9, 2008

The long distance Wats are on out list of things to see today. After hiring a tuk-tuk (this time ensuring that he spoke English and was good-hearted, which he was) we set off for the distant temple of Kbal Spean. After almost an hour of tuk-tuk riding, which really is that great after the first time you ride one, we confronted a rather large detour--actually, one where there was no detour. The main bridge connecting one side of a river to the next (that which contains two great sites) had collapsed under the weight of an enormously heavy truck transporting sand. The bridge was made of metal but, and tell me how this makes sense, its supports were made of wood. Not surprisingly the bridge was reduced to legos and the driver as trapped inside the cab. Our driver mentioned that this happened another time, three years ago.

We waded through the river water to get to the other side to explore Banteay Srei, known for its great intricate etches. It was worth it, because some of these threshold carvings and designs were genius. I am befuddled to understand the time and skill required to produce some of these pieces of art. Not withstanding, the surrounding grounds were impressive as a moat encompassed the inner temple and it wasn't as crowded as it could've been... having the bridge prevent the large tour caravans and all.

We waded back through the river and headed back the long road, not being able to view Kbal Spean. Bummer. In lieu of this obstacle we visited Banteay Samre. Headed west for me to climb a billion stairs (yeah, a billion) to quietly contemplate the ruins of Phnom Bak. The road after this was AWFUL. the LONGEST, SANDIEST, BUMPIEST, DUSTIEST, WORST road on the planet to ride a tuk-tuk on... and we were on it for ever.

Afterwards the temples of Roluos greeted us with unique architecture and great bricks for the setting sun to paint on. We were all very tired and Mel and Courtney were feeling under the weather, and it was the end of the day, so we returned to Siem Reap (on better roads). I watched the sunset from our open roofed restaurant. A good ending to a full day of tuk-tuk and wat.