written to a friend...
Just thought I would drop a line to say "hello." I am rather unimpressed with my inability to access the internet and also my equal lack of cell coverage (I suppose a more adequate description would be my rather frequent incurrence of odd error messages - which I am unable to understand).
I am waiting for my flight in Cambodia and have thankfully found a little cafe with an "internet lounge." Cambodia is an interesting place. Stepping away from Angkor Wat yesterday, I was so stricken by the powerfullness of the site - by my utmost and compelling desire to be there for so long, that I had to fight back tears of emotion, sweeping from the ground and through me like a strong wind. The site is far more impressive than I could have ever imagined. One of ten places crossed off the list.
I visited about 8 other sites throughout Siem Riep. Although I had a driver, he was more of a "dropper offer." I arrived at 8:30 AM on Wednesday, began wandering around 11 AM and was out at the temples until after sunset. Quite beautiful. Night swimming beneath the stars here was quite spectacular, much of it is unfortunately marred by the desperate poverty here - where tuition for school almost seems to be "expected" from the pockets of foriegners. The children are much wiser than their years from working on the streets and carry an edge no child should ever know, inducing a feeling which feels so out of place in such majestic scenery.
In two days I have done much hiking and climbing, likely a good 16 hours worth, I can say that earnestly, as if you care to see some of the +400 photos since the inception of my travels, the temples do not really have stairs and most of the signs (if you are allowed to ascent) say "climb at your own risk." They are quite steep, the roads - with the exception of main roads, are almost nonexistent. I am grateful for two things on this trip - my hiking boots and my havanas. Between the two, my feet are doing quite well, my pelvis and back I've stooped to ignoring (running - while I've gone about 2 miles each day on paved road, except for when in Cambodia, has not felt too great, but makes "me" feel good).
My Best,
j
