Siem Reap, Cambodia, Part I: OMG at the Temples

We spent Christmas Eve being marched through temple sites by an enthusiastic guide, the aptly named Somuch, who wore a jacket in the 90+ degree weather because "it is winter." Despite the heat and the fact that I temporarily misplaced by wallet, it really was an interesting day and the temples were absolute marvels.

For some people the day started with sunrise at Angkor Wat, the crown jewel of temples. I was not one of those people. I joined the others at the temple in time for breakfast.

Bullet Hole from Khmer Rouge

Selfie sticks were a recurring theme on this trip

French graffiti

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Our day started with a 2:30 am wake-up call for the long taxi ride to the airport, and then a relatively easy flight through Bangkok Don Mueang airport to Siem Reap, Cambodia. We were pleasantly surprised with Siem Reap, a charming little colonial town, and years of hoarding Hyatt points paid off when we checked into the beautiful Park Hyatt hotel.

After some welcome cocktails in the hotel lobby, we ventured into town to look around and have lunch, and we visited a fairly interesting temple, the first of many.

Wat Preah Prom Rath

Traditional Cambodian Amok at Le Tigre Papier

We returned to the hotel to spruce up, then had evening cocktails in the courtyard while taking in a performance by traditional Cambodian Apsara dancers.

 Next up was the night market, followed by dinner, and a gazillion more cocktails.

Last Day in Phuket: So About That Rainy Season

Monday was rainy, so we stuck close to the hotel, visiting Kamala Beach, exploring the small town, manning the pool during breaks from the storms, getting questionable pedicures, and performing quality checks on the local cocktails.

Phuket, Phi Phi Islands, Maya Beach: I Am (Was) on a Boat

On Sunday, we set sail with Captain Mark for a speedboat tour of the islands off of the east coast of Phuket. We stopped for swimming and snorkeling, and visited the Phi Phi Islands and Maya Beach (the setting for the movie The Beach). Aside from getting briefly trapped in the boat's head and later having an old Indian vegetarian woman make gagging noises at me when I dared to eat chicken at her table, it was a spectacular day.

Pirate Cave

Macaque Monnkeys