Siem Reap, Cambodia — Part II

The next day began with a drive through the countryside on our way to see more temples.  As in Sa Pa, Viet Nam, rice fields are tended by buffalo and iron plow.

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We stopped and took a stroll through a typical country town day market, where people buy and trade produce and other necessities.

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From there we journeyed to the Banteay Srei Temple, or “The Pink Temple.”  The temple is carved from pink sandstone—more hardy than the normal gray sandstone—and is dedicated to the beauty of women. 

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Outside, we stopped for awhile and listened to traditional Cambodian music played by a band comprised of landmine victims.  We bought the cd.  It’s awesome.

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Our next temple was the Pre Rup temple, originally built as a funerary temple.  From the very top you can see a beautiful 360 degree view of the lush countryside.

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As luck would have it, our last temple visit of the day ended abruptly due to a thunderous downpour.  We were so bummed because Ta Prohm was the temple we most wanted to see, so we made the decision to revisit the site on the following day for a proper viewing.  This Buddhist temple is known for the enormous jungle tree roots that have wound their way through the original structure, giving it a mysterious presence.  The movie Tomb Raider was filmed here.

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Once again we ended the night with a fish massage for the girlies.

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Day two in Cambodia done.  Day three up next!

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