Unique Places in Phnom Penh

We spent a morning with a bunch of children who live next to the dump. They have to spend all day rummaging through the garbage to find recyclables to sell back to some Vietnamese company. We played with the children as well as fed them. I forget the name of the organization that runs the program but will post it soon as well as more infor about the place and the organizations mandate

Angkor Thom covers a large parcel of land of approximately 9 sq kms and was the capitol of the ancient Khmer kingdom. It is surrounded by a moat which is protected by a 26ft high wall. There are 5 causeways that cross the moat to the gates.

Location : Angkor, Siem Reap

Ta Prohm is located to the east of Angkor Thom. Apart from the architectural interest, the ruins have been left just as they were when they were rediscovered. Massive Tree roots spread out like tentacles over the stonework and drape down the sides.

Location: Siem Reap

This area was most awesome and inspiring place I have ever been to (along with the Great wall). The main temple of Angkor Wat rose up to 3 enclosures on the inside. You can climb to the 3rd level, up stone stairs of no more than a few inches in depth and up a 60 degree angle. It was pretty frightening going almost vertically up. Once on top, the view was superb.

Location : Angkor Wat

Hey, as a former French colony, you can learn French. Well, I didn't take the courses here, but I visited teh centre and it was very nice. They have 11or12 week sessions. 3x a week (M,W,F) for US$130. Or middle or advanced 2x/week (Tues/Thurs) for US$100.

Or private classes for US$18/hour.

The definition of "beaten path" is one I've always debated. Technically, Cambodia is off the beaten path. I mean, how many people do you know (besides me of course) that have been to Phnom Penh? Compare that number to the number of people you know that have been to Europe or the USA. See what I mean? There's no path even close!

But if you do go to Cambodia, then Phnom Penh is quite on the path. And the city is still dangerous enough that you might not want to get to far off the path. If you do, you'll see a very impoverished city, with shacks serving as makeshift whorehouses, unpaved dirt roads, and solvent-sniffing beggar children. Phnom Penh is getting better, but it is still the capital of one of the world's poorest countries.

Bayon Temple is the focal point and mystic centre of the Royal City (Angkor Thom) chiefly noted for its 54 powerful four-sided Towers of Faces. Each bares the same blank image of the Jayavarman as the reincarnation of Buddha with the eyes closed and a disturbing smile.

The temple features over 1,200 metres of reliefs carved on the outer and inner walls depicting the lives of the people and the historical events.

I saw many interesting lizards in Phnom Penh. Most were hiding in/on trees (like in my picture), so keep your eyes out. They're so cute.