Bang Mealea Jan 23

Hi, Trying a bit larger font. Visited this temple which is about 1 and half hours drive and is as large as the great Ankor Wat but it was built in the 12th century before Anbkor Wat and has not been restored and the jungle had taken it over so most of the Temple has fallen to the ground. I went with another volunteer named Claudia ( a bit weird to be with a Claudia). We rented a car with no guide for $40. We got their early before 9 a.m to beat the crowds and to get the morning light. I really liked it as you crawl and climb about on these fallen limestone blocks that have been toppled by the huge trees that entwine their roots in the most amazing and beautiful ways over and around the Temple. The birds are chirping and there is a haze in the air from the leaves being burned and I just stretched my imagination to make the smoke smell like incense. There are not the beautiful carvings in bas relief like Ankor Wat but there is peacefulness and sense of well being that pervades; this is until later the buses arrive with the hordes of Japanese, Chinese and Korean tourists. At that point it is time to leave and then we saw a quarry where many of the stones came from.
Stopped at a market to try and buy a sleeping mat. The Village Cambodians sleep either on the floor or on a raised platform made of bamboo upon which they lay a mat. If is often made of palm leaves or grass, at least it used to be, and it is the grass mat with a design by vegetable dies. However now predominantly most of the mats or ( kotlet) are plastic and made in China or Thailand. So far I have not found a grass one that I want. The Cambodians do not have many native crafts and those that they do have are copied over and over again. Very little originality. Perhaps again because the artisans and their traditions were lost in the genocide. The arts really needed to be fostered, as we visit the Village I do not see any local indigenous designs or crafts or implements that catch my eye.
Last night had dinner with Brandon and Andrea at the Nest which was expensive and OK but ordered a broiled Australian steak which was poor; however, as usual the green mango salad was great.
Also had some time at the pool at sunset and had a glass of wine with friends that I have met. One is from the UK who lives in the East Village and has lived in India and Japan; and Warren is from the UK and lives in the Costa de Sol in France. I had dinner with them the night before at a Cambodian all you can eat barbecue for $3. Had squid tofu chicken beef fish noodles spring rolls and beer. The barbecue is set on the table and you cook your own food and it was frequented mostly all by Khmer.