Korea July 2011

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Our last day in Cambodia. We travel about 6 miles south of Siem Reap to Tonle Sap lake. This is the largest freshwater lake in SE Asia. Designated as a UNESCO biosphere in 1997. Its flow changes direction twice a year, and the portion that forms the lake expands and shrinks dramatically with the seasons. From November to May, Cambodia's dry season, the Tonlé Sap drains into the Mekong River at Phnom Penh. However, when the year's heavy rains begin in June, the Tonlé Sap backs up to form an enormous lake. It is one of the most productive inland fisheries in the world, supporting over 3 million people and providing over 75% of Cambodia's annual inland fish catch and 60% of Cambodians' protein intake! Basically we got an idea of life on the river (which looks kinda rough).

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Sadly, our last day of exploring the temples. We started at Banteay Samre then drove north of Angkor to see the beautiful intricate carvings at Banteay Srei Temple. Then went on a short hike to see the river of 1000 lingas. We then stopped at what I think was Pre Rup before heading back to our hotel to get ready for another night on Pub street downtown!

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Our first full day in Cambodia was a busy one! Our guide had a pretty amazing past. He survived the Khmer Rouge where he was kidnapped to become a boy soldier. They killed his whole family with his uncle as his only surviving relative. He was able to escape the Khmer Rouge and then illegally studied English. The Khmer Rouge finally collapsed in the 1990s and he has been ahead of the 8 ball with his ability to speak English the whole time! It's a crazy but inspirational story. Today we go on a whirlwind tour of seeing the South gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon temple, Phimeanakas, the Elephant and Leper King Terrace, Ta Prohm, Angkor Wat, and finishing the day at Phnom Bakheng Hill. Later that night we go to town in a tuktuk to eat and explore.

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