After years of graaand parties dha-ling, a little...just a little...drunkenness and total debauchery for some 30+ birthdays past, I decided to go all spiritual while travelling and spend this last 30+ commemoration watching the sunrise at Angkor Wat, just outside Siem Reap, Kampuchea (aka Cambodia). Secretly, I was also hoping that some...any...deep thought would arise on this auspicious day in front of this grand temple. The meaning of life. The source of the universe...Who am I...Who are you...(I wasn't going to be picky).
Needless to say, the day proved magnificent...I mean anything at 5:00 AM with a sunrise is amazing, especially if it's a rare occurrence. Perusing through nature, in front of and through the magnificent ancient ruins believed to be dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu was awe-inspiring, including the approximately 30 minute rickshaw ride through the Cambodian countryside to see Banteay Srey. (breathtaking, especially when you're in a completely open rickshaw during a heavy, heavy spring rain)
Ultimately, though, it wasn't only Angkor that made the day awesome but more the colorful characters who traversed with me...and of course, the street-side meal(s) I had that day.
Low and behold you can actually make friends at the crack of dawn: Wrongly assuming that I would be the only person at the Wat so early (there were in fact around a 1,000 people there), I met Holger, the German, immediately upon arrival and he kindly served as my BFF for the rest of the day. Although funny and entertaining, his marked characteristic was to get me to eat at a $2 noodle cart across from the entrance of Angkor. A feat unto itself.
Low and behold you can actually make friends at the crack of dawn: Wrongly assuming that I would be the only person at the Wat so early (there were in fact around a 1,000 people there), I met Holger, the German, immediately upon arrival and he kindly served as my BFF for the rest of the day. Although funny and entertaining, his marked characteristic was to get me to eat at a $2 noodle cart across from the entrance of Angkor. A feat unto itself. 
If I remember correctly, the meal, purely vegetarian, was Khao poun (rice noodles in a coconut base sauce). Savory, warm, flavorful - it hit the spot. aaaannd....for the gastro sensitive, I was spared any "issues" post consumption. Success all around. 
The fun part about Cambodia is that you can't eat a meal in or around any of the famous temples without a group of the most adorable children trying to sell ya something: scarves, fans, t-shirts and a whole set of very necessary miniature toy soldiers. Yes, some travelers may not seek new little friends, but I highly recommend engaging them in conversation. It is hilarious: they ask you where you're from and "swaziland" as a white european or "the moon" as an indian-american elicits large smiles, giggles and new found buddies. And, you'll learn every U.S. state capital from Cambodian children who spend most of their time out of school. [More than most Americans learn in 12 mandatory years]. These pics are two separate groups of kids who I wish only the best in health, wealth and happiness.
quote of the day:
"you take my picture, you paaay me!"
"you take my picture, you paaay me!"
Upon returning to my guest house that night, I learned that my parents "harassed" the very kind receptionist and laughed heartily in disbelief when he reported that I had left my room in the wee hours to view the sunrise at a holy temple. To this statement my incredulous family demanded that he not dilly dally and immediately connect them to my room by phone, exclaiming that their [very accomplished*] daughter would nhhhhhhheever arise that early and for a holy adventure. Shame on you moms and pops for doubting the sanctity and maturity of your only daughter, unapparently your pride and joy!
*emphasis added by yours truly
sugar sweet oooh la la made me want to keep this native frenchie in my kitchen..any kitchen..for a very long time.
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