Ta Sum and A Little More Siem Riep
There was still one temple left, Ta Sum, late 12th century, King Jayavarman VII (he sure did like to build). We all thought, "oh no, not another temple. Just shoot me." Big but...Ta Sum is a smaller, less crowded version of Ta Prohm. The biggy there was a huge tree at the eastern end that looks like it is growing out of Buddha's head.
A fast walk through one end, out the other end, and back again. Totally uninteresting until Norang pointed out the beautiful and distinctive "devata" carvings, every one different. One, a woman showing off her hair. Another, displaying earrings in one ear. A stone lotus flower...View image... and more. You either need a good guide or buy one the the picture books all the people are selling with descriptions of each sight. Karen and Jeremy were smart enough to do that and then knew what to look for while visiting the temples.
Are we done yet? I need some food! Indian tonight at Kama Sutra on Pub Street. Excellent up-scale India food, beautiful restaurant and clean. A little more expensive than some of the other restaurants on Pub Street but worth the money. I also needed dessert... Back to the Blue Pumpkin for a little cheesecake tonight. Well, maybe a scoop of ice cream on the side would be good and nourishing.
Done, fini, no more temples. The next day...a scheduled boat ride on Tonle Lake to visit a few small fishing villages. (Group concensus: underwhelming with the exception of one little girl paddling in a wash basin.) We took a pass and spent a leisurely morning walking around Siem Riep. It's dead during the day because most tourists are visiting temples.
If you are into serious antique shopping - the shopkeepers will only say that everything is under 100 years old. Nothing is allowed to be exported from Cambodia if it is over 100 years of age. Therefore, the shopkeepers respond to every question with "under 100 years old." If you like the object, buy it. Never mind how old it is or may be.
It's impossible to stop buying in Siem Riep and/or Cambodia. Almost a compulsion by now but a good compulsion. In one little store run by and for the disabled. Little original watercolors for $1 each that will help support the artist who uses the proceeds to support his wife and child. Five watercolors added to the suitcase.
Goodbye, Siem Riep. We're going to miss you. A prop plane operated by Bangkok Airways back to Phnom Penh for one night. A fast dinner at the Pink Elephant down the street on Sisanouk Quay (good pizza, Khmer food and all kinds of Western.), kisses and hugs to one and all, and Heart of Cambodia was over. We never did get to the Russian Market or 240 Street with its boutiques and restaurants.
""Windsurfing holidays with Neilson""
