KMK: Cambodia – Wat Phnom and The Royal Palace

Naga, snake deities, guard the entrance to the temple. The place really is a sight to see with street vendors shouting for customers and beggars tugging at your heart and purse strings as well as children running around and elephants taking a break between trips up the hill.

There were also monkeys running around so close that you could almost reach out and pet them. Though I wouldn’t recommend it.

Next we stopped for lunch at the River house Restaurant and Lounge. The heat was so oppressive that we moved inside to enjoy the air conditioned splendor. Yet, instead of a cozy riverside eatery we found ourselves sitting in what felt like a mausoleum. Everything was done in white and black felt as sterile as an ER surgery unit. The air conditioner moaned a steady thrumming sound that hushed the quieted the room, but not our appetites as we wolfed down another delicious meal.

After lunch we split up with the gals going on an impromptu shopping spree and the guys checking out the Royal Palace.

 

While waiting to buy tickets for the Palace I discovered that my tank top did not meet royal standards. I had to improvise and buy a T shirt (how convenient!) from the gift shop. Unfortunately, the shirt proved to be way too small and I had to squeeze and wiggle my way into it.

 

Curiously enough, it was also at the Royal Palace that we were accosted by a couple of Buddhist monks. Well, accosted may be a tad too severe, but they were certainly forward in asking if we had girlfriends or boyfriends. I never knew Cambodia was so liberal or that all monks weren’t celibate. Of course maybe that too tight T shirt overcame their reason. We made our get away and continued with the tour of the grounds.

The Silver Pagoda was the highlight with shining silver rooftops and glorious polished tiles, it was a lovely building.

 

Stay tuned for the next installment: Sailing to Siem Reap aka The Life Aquatic with GKI