Wow! Very cool!
We've spent the last few days at the ancient Ankor temples. I'm overwhelmed by the beautiful artistry and condition some these temples remain in and the supeurb job being done to preserve and restore them.
That said, it isn't all gravy. It's super hot and dusty and after two hours I'm already sticky, stinky, filthy, and exhausted. (to give you an idea of how hot it is, I haven't felt the urge to pee either of the first two days, and we've spent at least 6 hours a day there, and I am drinking alot of water)
Worth it? F-in'yah it is! What I've seen and felt in the last two days has far surpassed any ancient ruins I've ever seen (Mexico, Greece). Here's a few teaser pictures since I don't have time right now to upload everything (this IS Cambodia, and the power goes out every few hours)....................

Tomorrow, J.P. and I are leaving to Phenom Phen (I really hope the road will be better that the trip in).
A few nights ago, we saw the movie "City of Ghosts" a Matt Dillon film that takes place mostly in Cambodia. It was totally surreal to come out of that movie and walk back into it. For anyone who has seen it- it isn't anywhere near that scary here (however, I haven't gotten to P.P. yet!)

As far as my general impressions of Cambodia go,
1) Very different from Thailand, the rough time they've had here for hundreds of years shows, many many poor people, less than terrific infrastructure, much less hygenic conditions than Thailand, (who have come to impress me as very clean).
2) Higher costs in terms of food, lodging, etc. (for foreigners of course, and I know this is Siem Reap, it may be different in other cities).
3) Unfortunately, not too hot yet on the food, I think we've been spoiled in Thailand, both in quality and quantity (we miss all the great Thai food!)
4) Very friendly people, especially kids, and even when they aren't begging. Riding around in the countryside, school kids on bicycles wave hello more often than not.

Thankfully, there does seem to be alot of hope here for the future. The Ankor temples are becoming more accessable for everyone, which brings in much needed jobs and opportunity for the people here (and for corrupt officials too, which is another story, but it seems that there is enough to go around) It's great also to be seeing so many schools in the area, very #1!

It will be interesting to come back in 10 years and see how things have changed.

Next time, from Phenom Phen!
K

BTW, to get J.P.'s side of the story, check out his blog at:
http://blogs.bootsnall.com/jp