We’ve been in Siem Reap for the past few days, enjoying the temples, the town, and the food. The contrast to Bangkok and Jakarta is astonishing. I haven’t seen land this flat in many years, nor sky this blue.

I’ve taken hundreds of photos yet again, but this time it’s more for my own personal enjoyment; I know that these sites and temples are heavily photographed and there’s not much new I’ll be able to capture. I’m trying to concentrate more on taking in the history and the overall feel of this spectacular place.

It seems everywhere we travel, the locals think Novita is from there. In Thailand, they spoke Thai to her, in Cambodia, they all think she’s Cambodian and approach her with that language. Even in an Indian restaurant, they asked if she was Indian. Perhaps her Chinese animal should be Chameleon, instead of a Dragon.

It feels odd to be using U.S. dollars again. I find myself converting prices back into Indonesian Rupiah to get a sense of the value! I really wish we had time to visit Laos as well, but feel that to do it justice we need to set aside more time. I wouldn’t want to be rushed in a place like that. Perhaps another trip to Vietnam and Laos is on the horizon.

My sister is on one of the southern islands in Cambodia. Can’t believe she wouldn’t join up with us for Christmas, but I think she was ready to move on to a beach.

We will be taking the Mekong Express back to Phnom Phen tomorrow morning, and an immediate flight to Bangkok. We have about four days left in Thailand; but don’t think it’s sufficient time to get to the southern islands. Perhaps Chiang Mai if it’s do-able in that time frame.

Luckily, once we get back we’ll have about a week to chill out or maybe do a small amount of traveling in Jakarta before work resumes. It’s amazing how much time slows down when you’re packing your days full of variation.

I wish you all Happy Holidays, wherever you are.