July 31 Just 2 Weeks Remain

We are happy to be leaving this hotel, the Cambodiana. A supposed 4-star hotel that at best conjures up visions of tired, musty museums. Besides the obvious smells of an old hotel, this non-English-speaking hotel (nor French-speaking, despite its ownership) lacked many of the simple services to which we had become accustomed: courteous service, quality and amenities. Luckily we spent 12 hours per day touring instead (makes us wonder why we were spending $100 per night instead of $5). On check-out we were even challenged about using the mini-bar. At 1000% markup, even I wouldn’t have dreamt about it.

Then our six-hour drive to Siem Reap.This was broken up by a stop at the local spider market (the spiders look like huge dock spiders, but in fact, they are land-based, hole digging spiders). We were a bit freaked out when the locals were throwing them onto our clothing, but it was fun. None of us, including our guide, ventured to try eating one (cooked in a broth but served cold)!

Eventually we arrived in Siem Reap and made the choice: Angkor Wat tonight in the rain or visit the market and head to a cultural dance & music restaurant buffet.We chose the latter. It was great – but we cut it short so that the kids could head home and watch a DVD, Strombreaker (sic). Those who have travelled to Asia will get it.