Hello friends! A very long day yesterday taking a van from Bangkok, through the Cambodian border (an experience I would not recommend!). We are really talking third world–not in a bad way, but just grossly under resourced and inept. We had the good sense to ask our hotel in Bangkok to help with the transport and a wonderful Cambodian held our hands through the process. Otherwise, we’d probably still be at the border!
When we arrived, the flood waters that have been plaguing the north have somewhat resided (and headed to Bangkok, we hear). However, John has some pics to post that make it all look so exciting! I wondered what in the heck we were doing as our tuk tuk driver left the main drag and headed down into the remaining flood waters to take us to our hotel. I asked John on the way down, “I think we already paid for this hotel, right?” As it turns out, we are in one of the sweetest spots we’ve had yet, a sustainable hotel run by a Norwegian couple, who are very keen on returning to the community. They contribute in many ways to the children who grow up here, and the arts indigenous to the area. Plus, it’s got the customer (us) in mind!
Out we went this morning with Thol, our tuk tuk driver, to spend the next 5 hours walking around various temples, the most famous being Angkor Wat. It is an incredible place, and has the attention of several UNESCO countries who are involved in the renovation. A daunting task to say the least. These temples were built 9 centuries ago over several decades, and housed many Angkor kings. At least those who were not being invaded by the Thais. The jungle literally takes over the stones that are not being renovated. I’m not going to try to get creative with the placing of the photos tonight, but here are a few I think you might enjoy. Miss you all!
Teresa Van Haalen Ventures 
It’s so non-Western, fascinating. Really enjoying your blog.
Hey–hope I’m not boring everyone with personal replies (not sure how this works), but we are learning to pace ourselves in this unbelievable heat! We befriended a young couple from England on the transport yesterday, and as we stood in line in an (unairconditioned) waiting area, he said, “I don’t recall ever being so hot!”. I think I’ve said that 20 times already!
It makes up for the heat that you didn’t get in Bellingham this summer. It is a beautiful fall here however. Still picking strawberries; is that bizarre!
Miss U 2
Loving it! Wow, what a great time and experience. You are missing a nice a fall here. All is good in Bellingham. Thanks for the blog!
What a fabulous experience….Keep us posted on all details….We look forward to hearing all your adventures. Things are great here, we are on our way to Oregon for some of our own adventures….spa, wineries, etc. and so it goes. N
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful beyond belief! I am so glad that you had a good driver! Have fun Teresa and John.
Tamara
What treasures! Loving this photo tour!
I am following and am just loving it! What an experience! Tell John Hello!
xoxo Lisa Imel
I follow you two each and every day, but usually by my iPhone. Well now that I am actually at the computer, thought i might have more success using this venue to communicate. Let’s see if this is any better than my cell phone!
Noticed that one person mentioned “so not western”, and then you see the ubiquitous Coke machine behind all of the food display. As for all of the rest, so beautiful, amazing. Wow!
let me say..as we settle in to our humid warmth in san pancho for our first night sleep..what a treat to know you are having a welcoming treasured experience. xo
What a marvelous trip you’re taking! This blog is a great way for all of us to share it with you – your narrative is just right, succinct but with vivid detail. We’d never be able to get this much info from you when you return. We miss you – hard to realize you’re not at the other end of the phone line – looking forward to your return. And glad you seem to be missing the worst of all that flooding. Keep enjoying yourselves. . .
XOXO
Judy
Hi Theresa and John! Bill and I will be using your blog as reference when we get to Hong Kong Tuesday 10/25. What was the name of the sustainable hotel in Angkor Wat run by the Norwegian couple? Sounds good! Too bad our paths are not likely to cross but we’ll try! Are you using an IPad or? We return home Nov 21 and we’ll catch up then!
Pam Heward
Pam,
Our hotel in Siem Riep was Anonda Villa. When we arrived, the city was flooding and our van passed the upscale, dry looking hotels on the main strip, and headed over the river that cuts through town (also flooding of course!) and took us down a small, wet street as the sun was setting. At then end of a long day, I thought “What have we done!”. All I can say is this was one of the premier stops on our trip. Owned by a Norweigan couple, who are seriously working to give back to the community where they live, the hotel was clean, comfortable, with great beds, great breakfast included, a hot tub and cozy roof top bar. You are never more than a tuk tuk ride away from the ruins or any other place you want to visit. I highly recommend the silk studio! An amazing feat of creativity and commerce in the area. I’d say Siem Riep was one of our favorite stops!
Teresa