Today the Temples group had an exhausting day as we had to wake up early to catch a flight to Siam Reap, Cambodia. When we got to the airport, the security was very laid back and we got into Cambodia with ease. After catching a wonderful air conditioned bus we arrived at the Royal Empire Hotel, which has proper showers that don’t take up the entire room (which is a nice change). The hotel also has a pool to escape from the sweltering 30 degree heat.
We unpacked and went to Pub Street, but don’t worry, it’s just the restaurant district, to get lunch for the day. Straight after lunch we took a wooden boat with an exceedingly loud motor through a floating fishing village. The village people have an unusual way of life. They stay in the village for their entire life breeding and eating fish and crocodiles. We saw an enclosure of intimidating fresh water crocodiles on the back of someone’s house and floating markets filled with fresh produce and dried fruit and fish. The children get married at around 16 years and the people only live to an average age of 60. The small children of the village seemed very happy to see us as they waved at us every time we passed by. We saw one little boy using a big metal bucket as a boat which looked very fun. As we were leaving the village, we turned back and saw an amazing purple, orange and pink sunset over the water, which left us feeling serene and peaceful.
After an hour of free time in the hotel we left to go back to Pub Street and ate a traditional Cambodian meal. One of the dishes was Chicken Amok, which consists of chicken, coriander, coconut milk and spices. It was gone in a flash. To end the day we enjoyed a scoop each of mouth watering ice cream in every flavour whilst waiting for the bus to take us back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep.
Finn and Cameron
