Temple Raider part 2 - Assemble at dawn
When visiting the temples of Angkor in 2011 I pushed on for the group to go to the temples for sunrise, it was difficult to get up at 4:30, but we all carry with us amazing memories for a lifetime from being there and experiencing it. At least through the photos we got.
For me this was a must this time as well, and with a travelcompanion who was ready for more or less everything he was easily convinced it was a good idea as well.
The strange thing is that I remember it as much darker back in 2011, but as we were here about the same date back then, the only explanation I have is that the park opened earlier back then. Now we are not allowed in before 6:00.
There were probably 10x as many tourist outside the complex, but strangely, just like the last time, most spread out or just went home to sleep afterwards and the temple itself was not crowded at all. Of course there were people there, but far from the cramped crowds outside.
After strolling around the temple, fighting our way through the stalls next to the temple and finding our driver it was time for what we can describe as a disappointing breakfast where the only way they could get the water somewhat cold was to mix it with icecubes. Accepting the icecubes would come back to haunt espesially Drew later on.
The trip continued to Angkor Thom and all it's marvelous temples.
Bayon with it's 216 faces being the first and possibly the most spectacular.
Baphuon was my highlight here as it was closed when I visited earlier and it was a really nice temple.
We also encountered some ferocious felines, but as cats everywhere they were more interrested in sleeping and didn't really care much about us.
Thankfully none of them were eaten by the chinese while we were there, but I can't say for sure that they were safe afterwards.
Ta Phrom was also on the "must see"-list, and this is where the hordes of the highly profession sales persons, or rather sales kids, were gathering. We had however had some rough encounters with them in Bagan and was more ready now.
Although they know very well how to play on tourist's feelings, I do question their math skills. Moving from 1 for 1 dollar to 2 for 1 dollar is ok, but then moving to 3 for 2 dollars isn't really what would convince me to buy something.
Another boring and overpriced meal meant we were ready to head back to the city, in addition to this the icecubes from the morning had already started to disrupt our 'colonary balance'
It was however past noon, and as we left the hotel about 5:00 we had gotten 7 hours of temple raiding to put on our CV this day.
