Friday, March 29

Saigon to Siem Reap, Angkor

Saturday, March 30, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Leaving Vietnam and flying to Cambodia via Cathay Pacific traveling to Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument. We’ve been anticipating this excursion as one more bucket list items. Twenty seven of our fellow shipmates signed up with Azamara for this chance to see one of the world’s most famous and mysterious locations. Packing for two nights away from our seaworthy home, arranging to have the proper paperwork for Cambodian visas and getting clothing reorganized for this jaunt is putting us through our paces.

The Cambodia airport was clean, brand new and practically empty. Arriving at the Jaya House River Park was a delightful surprise — a very Zen like atmosphere with bowls of lotus blossoms, statues of various Hindu figures and Buddhas combined with tropical trees and water features. Truly inspired design and combine with unique features such as overnight complimentary laundry service and a spa massage included. Heaven especially after a hot, humid and tiring visit to the famous temple.

After a quick trip to a handicraft center where artisans were demonstrating their skills and a little shopping, we melted into our lovely room to shower and get ready for a Western style dinner artfully prepared and presented and a trip into town to sample the night life and night market. Topping off the evening was a $5 tuk tuk ride. The traffic here is not nearly as crazy as in Viet Nam or Manila . The people are genuinely friendly and eager to serve, the city is loud and busy, colorful and safe.

Spirit houses are the place for passing spirits to abide.

We took advantage of our tour guide’s cache of beautiful photos of sunrise at the famous scene, the heavy humidity was not conducive to a picture perfect sunrise this day.