Banteay Srei and Ta Phrom (Day 4)

Many would think seeing one more temple can become monotonous or cause a case of indifference, but no one showed signs of it today. If I was to guess, I would say this excitement stemmed from the itinerary for today’s travels: an hour tuk tuk ride through the rural countryside surrounded by open land full of rice paddies and a visit to the temple that Tomb Raider, staring Angelina Jolie, was filmed. The hour tuk tuk ride was so beautiful with its flat rice paddies, stilted houses made of various materials, and streets littered with sleeping people in hammocks or those carrying on with daily lives on their motorbikes and bicycles. The countryside seemed to cast Sara and I into a state of silence as my eyes struggled to imprint the views of the environment and the people in my mind.

Banteay Srei. This temple resembled the drip castle temples of previous days, and although smaller, its intricate adorned doorways, that must’ve taken artists months if not years, made the temple distinct. As soon as we were done discovering Banteay Srei, the tuk tuks departed for the landmines museum. Aki Ra, a Cambodian that was forced, at the age of ten, to become a soldier and plant land mines for the Khmer Rouge, created the Land Mine Museum and Relief Fund. A few years after he served as a soldier, he escaped and joined the Vietnam Army that fought against the Khmer Rouge to liberate Cambodia. His museum showcased thousands of land mines he has disabled and Cambodia’s dark history. The museum truly reminded me of the hardships that Cambodia faced in the past and present.

Ta Phrom is the temple made famous by Hollywood. Despite Hollywood’s introduction of this temple, the structure had characteristics that made it worthy and unique without screenplays. Ta Phrom has not been changed since its discovery. Every stone and fallen pillar has never moved or been replaced. And, I can’t forget the best part about this temple, the Sprung Tree. This tall tree has, like an octopus, taken over the temple. The roots drape over the ruins with elegance that only time allows and when you think the tree is done around the corner is another part of its root or trunk. How old the tree is, I have no idea.

For dinner, since we had such an unordinary dining experience the night before at the local restaurant, everyone agreed to eat at Viva, the Mexican restaurant. I have to say, it was a nice treat to eat an enchilada along with some chips, salsa, and guacamole. With stomachs full, the lights of the Night Market drew us in like moths. Don't worry though, we didn't thrash around in confusion like moths do (or did we?). The market was more enjoyable than the daytime market because music was playing, street food was cooking and sellers were far less aggressive. Well, minus the only lady seller who basically was putting pants on us to try and buy. With no money in my pockets and time proceeding to pass, I agreed to return with the rest of my group. Soon my eyes were closed and I found myself significantly fatigued from the day's excitement.