So the week on my island paradise seemed to go in a blink of an eye. I usually struggle to ‘slow down’ but with not a load to do, and blowing my budget on the accommodation, that’s exactly what I did. My days mainly involved, long walks along the beach, lots of sea swimming and novel reading. At this time in my travels, it was a perfect week. Maybe something I should consider more of….staying in one place for longer than a few days ??
Shrove Tuesday 
Rain!!!! 
From Koh Rong Samlon, I was going to travel to Siem Reap, northern Cambodia. Originally when I had planned my journey there, I had once again booked a bus trip (to save money). The bus journey alone would take approximately 13hours, but I was prepared for that, and also thought it would also be nice to see the country on route. I had made the booking while I hadn’t been feeling 100% (the sniffles), so when I checked my ticket, the departure was actually for 9pm, not 9am as I had thought ??♀️. At this point, trying very hard not to sound like a princess….there was no way I was going to travel overnight in a sleeper bus (you get a bunk!!!) with a bunch of strangers. And yes, I’m sure it would have been a brilliant experience, but on this occasion, not one I wanted!! Flight booked. Therefore journey to Siem Reap involve small boat, slightly bigger boat (no safety talk or life jackets again!!), taxi, plane and TukTuk. Door to door in 6 hours…such a smooth, successful journey. Good decision ??
Following my epic journey….it was time for the epic match…yes Brighton v Palace. I found a sports bar, and luckily for me, the match was the early kick off in the UK, so 7:30pm for me. I ‘treated’ myself to bangers and mash and settled down. I think the others watching were Brighton supporters because they were very quiet!!! Later on during the game some German fans turned up to watch their match, that would be on next, and they helped me celebrate the Palace win ❤️?❤️? Luckily the match commentary was in English, but the pre-post analysis was in Cambodian, I’m sure they hated Brighton as well ?.
Now to Siem Reap, proper. Siem Reap is most famous for the Temples of Angkor. There are loads of them and you need to get a ticket to access them which is $37 for one day or $62 for a 3 day pass. Not going to lie… I had thought to myself, ‘that’s a lot of money, and really what is the fuss all about’. Anyway, I had chosen to got to SR for the temples, so seemed ridiculous not to see them. I chose to get the 3 day pass because I was struggling with the humidity and rather than rushing around all in one day, would do a little bit at a time. However, when I got to the ticket office, the day pass actually covered 2 days… brilliant.
First I went to Angkor Thom Temple. I was so blown away by the sight of the temples. It was like something from a movie set, think Indian Jones, but for real. My photos really don’t do it justice and I can really understand what all the hype is about now. I wandered around for ages. I got chatting with an Italian woman, who said she had been there several times before, and how quiet it was. She said it’s usually packed with groups of Chinese tourists and difficult to get good photos (thanks coronavirus).
Following the Angkor Thom Temple, I went to Angkor Wat Temple. Once again, another really impressive monument. It is surrounded by a large moat and has a central tower. The whole area is massive and takes a long time to get around it. After climbing the central tower, a nice American woman asked me if I had water with me, because she was worried about me, as my face was so red!!! I thanked her for her concern and explained that my face is always bright red because of the humidity ??. How embarrassing ? Hence, no selfies.
Steep steps up to the tower 
View from the tower 
Next day I visited the Ta Phohem Temple. This temple isn’t in very good condition because it was built in a jungle and the jungle is fighting back. It is currently being renovated and is still an amazing temple. I loved that the trees are coming through the buildings. This temple is also famous because parts ‘Tomb Raider’ were filmed here. ‘There is a poetic cycle to this vulnerable ruin, with humanity first conquering nature to rapidly create, and nature once again conquering humanity to slowly destroy. Ta Prohm reminds us equally of the awesome fecundity and power of the jungle’ (Words stolen from Lonely Plant guide, because they said it best). Definitely one of my favourite places I have visited.
The rest of my time in Siem Reap, was just exploring around the town. A mixture of traditional and ‘western’ shops. Plenty to do and most things within a 10 minute walk, when the humidity didn’t get to me!!! My favourite place was a market called ‘made in Cambodia’ and was where artists and charities sold their ‘homemade’ gifts. Definitely better than the night markets that were just selling cheap Chinese mass produced crap. I also had to visit the famous Pub Street. Very touristy, loads of places to eat, and an interesting place to sit and watch the world go by.
It’s not all glamour on the road!!! 
So that’s my time in Cambodia. I have been so happy here. Beautiful country and beautiful people. Would definitely visit again, it has so much to offer.