The Kingdom of Cambodia

My biggest regret thus far in the trip is that we did not have more time in this amazing country. In trying to fit in certain dates/countries we had to cut out Phnom Pehn, the capital. This left us with just 4 days in Siem Reap, the tourist capital and home of the city of Angkor.
The most famous Angkorian temples is Angkor Wat, which at first sight takes your breath away and is at once magnificent, ancient, and harmonious. We spend nearly 2 days exploring the temples which stretch across the landscape hidden among a jungle of foliage and we barely scratch the surface. We climb, we sweat, we drink gallons of water, and by the end of the day we can barely stand. Seeing Angkor is not for the weak or out of shape. But if can, go. Seriously, stop reading and go book your ticket right now. You will never see such amazing things in your entire life. The Khmer architecture is so different and awe-inspiring we literally walked around slack jawed and eyes bulging at every turn. There are temples that are falling in on themselves, some that were covered in giant trees, others that had faces 2 stories high....and everywhere there are Buddhas, people saying prayers and lighting incense. The incense lends a smell of sweetness to the old, falling in buildings giving it not only an air of ancient but of holiness. At a moment of weakness I sit alone high on top of a temple in a doorway feeling the cool breeze and watch as Buddhist monks draped in their saffron robes walk down a forgotten dirt road into the forest. The quiet power of this place is something I can't explain with any fineness.
Angkor is not the only thing beautiful in Siem Reap. It's people, food and colorful nature belie it's brutal past. The locals are overly kind, open, warm, inviting, giving. Our favorite tuk tuk driver, Ken, gives us a special look into life in Cambodia which we find fascinating but melancholy. Here is man who works almost every single day just to feed his wife and two kids. Lives in a hut with no electricity or water. He was forced to quit university 2 years ago while studying English, Japanese and business because he couldn't foot the $450 a year tuition. At 26 is more knowledgeable than most people twice his age, able to discuss world politics and speak perfect English. Yet, he does not fret the circumstances, never complaining. Choosing instead to work hard, do what needs to be done, appreciating what he has and smiling. As we talk, I think I am blessed, I am blessed, I am blessed....