Berry's SEAJ trip Day 28: Our (abridged) epic day (7/3/15)

We arranged a van to take us for this day of exploration through Sam. I got the idea from Mike (Wanderlustmike.com whom I met in Nam who ran the TT charity) Our first stop is Beng Mealea, the lotus temple that had been over run by the jungle so you can really see what the jungle does to the buildings over time. This is also the place where we are able to climb on the temple and explore off the path. We tried to in the main part and the docents scolded us for being off the path. Once we got past them, we were able to climb and explore the rubble on the outskirts which was cool. Even without being able to climb on it, it is cool to see a temple in ruins at the hands of mother nature.

We get there and the rubble is everywhere. Berry wants to to go explore but we stick to the path for now.

Berry and his snake friends. They will always find each other.

Berry surveying the ruins.

Rubble Rubble everywhere.

Dylan was playing hide and seek with Berry. 

Berry staying to the path while in the main area.

We went up on a platform to look at the destruction down below in the front part of the temple.

Looking out the top of one of the walls at the walk in.

Get to the back side and exploration begins. Berry wants to go in that room, so we do.

Climbed up some ruins and Berry stops to look around.

Cmon up Dylan. 

That will be our way out. Lets start making our way down, what do you think Berry?

Berry and I are really getting this model thing down pat! Sultry and provocative.

Begin the climbing team.

Victory! Alright here we come.

We then go to the water temple, Kbal Spean, which is disappointing once again due to the drought – normally the carvings are covered in water and there is a waterfall to enjoy, today neither was the case. After the walk back to the van, we head to the ladies temple, Banteay Srei, which is pretty cool. Nothing too over the top or fascinating, but just a pretty temple with intricate carvings and a nice one to visit if you have the time.

The walk to the water temple was long (1-1.5 mile each way). We stopped to get a picture at a ledge on the way.

The gang and Berry checking out the dried up water bed. When water is flowing over these stones, it is supposed to be stunning.

A close up of one of the stones that should be covered with water.

Temple ahoy Berry! After a little walk, we have made our way to the Women's Temple.

Entrance to the women's temple. Time to go inside and check it out.

More of the design in the women's temple. Wonder where all these temples got their stone from.

One of the many carvings that I enjoyed at this temple. I think the color (instead of the dark gray that most the other temples were) is a main reason I enjoyed this temple so much.

Berry and Dylan enjoying the women's temple artwork

Berry looking over the women's temple before leaving. Really enjoyed this temple for its simplicity while also having amazing carvings.

Unfortunately, we did not have time for the 4th thing in Mike's epic day, the landmine museum which I heard was good so it was sad we couldn't make it to that. We get back to the hostel and we get ready to head to the kids circus which is put on by local school kids training to be acrobats (or something like that). The show is in this small intimate tent and was about 1h long. Was a good show and was worth the visit. After that we decide to walk back into the main part of town and stop at a bar with pool tables and we play some games while having some drinks. After that, we head back to the hostel to play some drinking games which were entertaining playing with people you don't really know.

Berry leaving the circus. Was a nice night for a walk so we walked the mile or 2 back into town.

Playing some partner pool with Team Berry.