Howdy Folks!

I used up my entire 3 day pass yesterday and finished my time at the temples by going back to Angkor Wat. I was determined to climb one of the mountains this time, and wasn't going to chicken out even though I am scared of heights and the stairs are unbelievably steep, narrow and uneven, but just as I reached the inner sanctuary where you can climb up they said it was closing time. I was upset at first, but I suppose it makes sense. It's such a huge place that it takes a long time for them to usher everyone out before dark, and I'm sure they are also concerned about terrorists or people damaging the structure. So, I had to face the fact that I may never get to do it in my lifetime. (Sigh)

I entertained the idea of going to Laos for a few days, but after going to a travel agent I soon found out that that will have to wait for another time. It seems that even though Siem Reap is relatively close to the Lao border, to go there you have to go back to Phnom Penh, and then take a boat trip up the Mekong (I think) to Stung Treng making a huge 'V' shaped path through Cambodia. This would take about 2 days, and I really don't have the time especially since I have to be back in Bangkok on the 20th, and worry about getting stuck someplace and not making my flight. Besides, everything I really want to see in Laos is in the northern part of the country over 600 kilometers away from the Cambodian border, and believe me-- 600 kilometers might as well be a million on the bad roads in SEA.

Let's see... what else did I want to talk about...? Oh yeah! I have come to the conclusion that Japanese tourists are from hell. Talk about rude and loud! They say Americans are, but in my experiences at the Wats, they were way over the top. Many times they stand in large groups blocking the passages with utter disregard for others, not caring if you are trying to take a picture and don't want them in the frame. They also talk loudly when you are just trying to take in what you came so far to see. And the sheer numbers, geeze! Okay, I guess that I just had to get that off my chest, sorry! :)

Well, I've been sitting here in front of this computer writing for well over an hour answering many emails, and I am starving so I have to go get some food! I will try to put down more of my experiences later before they fade away from my memory once I get back to Phnom Penh.

It's been fun here and I still have a few days left, but if the truth be told, I wish I could come home now. Life is like that isn't it? The grass is always greener...