Introduction to Angkor

We arrived in Cambodia yesterday after a seamless transit from Bangkok.  Bangkok airlines was phenomenal- a full breakfast box served on an hour flight.  He airport here was tiny me well set up to give visas.  We were at the hotel under an hour after landing.  The shuttle driver was waiting for us with our names on a sign, cold water, and a cool cloth. At the Meridien, our room wasn't ready so they held our bags as we went exploring.  

We hired a driver for the day and got our tickets, then went right to Angkor Wat. Without a tour, our first taste was just exploring, taking in all of the relief carvings.  I thought it had some similarities to the Alhambra in layout and decoration.  However, the reliefs were much more dramatic in some places.  We spent about two hours, then went to Talk Prohm temple.  It rained there. A lot.  We tried to hide inside but the roots dripped.  Eventually it let up and we continued our explorations.  I loved way it was mostly unrestored, with toppling walls and trees growing over it.  

We had lunch after (chicken with vegetables and cashews over rice) and then went to the Bayon temple.  Built later, it is Buddhist not Hindu and it has giant stone faces over the towers.  It was nearing sunset to the light was amazing, and we were almost the only ones there.  I couldn't believe that this gigantic, striking place was just there, so empty.  How is this not more famous, more visited? This trip has been so easy, I fear in 10 years it will be discovered and the masses will emerge.  But now, it's here, with nothing more than a few "don't sit on the ballistrade" signs.  

We ate at the hotel tonight, a meal much bigger than expected.  Then Facetiming with home before bed.  Ten years ago when we traveled we were searching for pay phones - how times have changed.