Wow… I've been in Delhi 5 hours, and this place is officially crazy. Walking through the Main Bazaar in Paharganj, I saw people, cars, bikes, rickshaws, scooters, tuk-tuks and even cows. There's garbage, spit, cow shit and all sorts of unidentifiable things strewn across the ground. I've been hit by rickshaws and bikes a couple of times, jostled by passers-by and stared at by the locals. The shopkeepers won't let you leave until you buy something. (and when you say "No thankyou" they think you're bartering!) The little of Delhi I've seen is so crazy and so ALIVE. I can feel that ball of fear rising up my throat, and growing bigger and bigger. It's the fear of something new, something different. I can't wait to explore more of Delhi tomorrow!
Monthly Archive for November, 2006
Over the past two days, Will, Sarah and I have developed a severe case of temple-itis. Since watching the sun rise behind Angkor Wat at 5.30 yesterday morning, we've looked at something around 15 temples in the surrounding area. Suffice to say, we're quite over it now!
However, I do have to say that Angkor Wat and the other temples are simply amazing. From the majesty of Angkor Wat, to the jungle-infested walls of Ta Prohm, and the sweeping views from the top of Phnom Bakheng, I am in awe of the sheer size, number and complexity of the architecture.
Angkor Wat was magical at sunrise. Very beautiful and serene. The only dampener was the hordes of tourists shouting and clambering to get photos, when all we wanted to do was sit and take in the sunrise. In fact, that's been my only major gripe with the whole Angkor Wat experience – busloads of tourists that are inconsiderate, loud and most of all, step in front of us when taking photos!
Tomorrow, Will and I are heading back to Phnom Penh, and then onto Bangkok early Tuesday morning. I'll be sad to leave Cambodia, but I'll definitely coming back!
I felt a little bit like that today. We hopped on a "speed" boat from Battambang to Siem Reap (which took around 6 hours). Along the way, someone brought a chicken on board! We couldn't help but laugh!
The boat trip was alright. It was quite pretty, and gave us an opportunity to relax (not that we haven't been relaxing, stuffing ourselves silly and drinking!). It was also a great opportunity to see how river people in Cambodia live.
Again, I was amazed at how friendly all of the people were at the places we passed. Tomorrow, we're waking up early to go to Angkor Wat, which I suspect will be amazing!
