Monday, February 2, 2015.  Today, we went back to Angkor Wat.  It's known for its monkeys, although I only saw one from the bus.  Others, who were on the driver's side saw three.  Other than that, no wildlife.  We entered Angkor Wat from a different gate and another entrance into the temple.  Some of it has been restored, but they have a lot left to go.  Along one of the colonnaded walkways, the carvings depict 23 punishments for various sins, drinking, adultery, theft, gossiping, etc.  Brutal punishments, extreme physical torture, actually.  Our guide pointed out each one and described in detail how the punishments were carried out.  I know that this is part of their history, but I really didn't need to hear it. 

We went up steep steps to get to the next level.  And then, if you were brave enough, you could climb the steps up to the top.  Needless to say, I did not do that.  I took one look at steps that were probably 10 inches high and had about a five inch place to put your feet and decided I really didn't need to see it from up there.  About half the group did it, but the rest of us wandered around and looked at other vantage points.  Those steps were extremely steep, I took pictures but I haven't gotten them off my camera yet. 

I came across a shrine where, after making  a donation, you could worship.  A man dressed in saffron robes was there to take your money and give you the incense stick, etc.  I suppose he was a monk, but I was a little suspicious since he had on gold colored robes and all the others we had seen were wearing orange.  And there was also a man dressed in robes that appeared to be a healer of sorts.  Our guide had warned us about the kids that try to sell you a wide variety of items.  He said that most of them work for a business in Siem Reap and that they do not get to keep your money for themselves so don't get fooled and feel sorry for them and buy trinkets just to support them. 

We then continued on to Angkor Thom, which is in the same complex.  It's another temple that has had some renovation but needs a lot more.  Stella is still having a lot of pain with her knee so we elected to not climb all the way through it.  We entertained ourselves by people watching at one of the entrances.  A never-ending source of entertainment, like always. 

Oh, on another note, after we left Cambodia, two young American sisters were arrested and banned from the country for taking pictures at Angkor Wat mooning each other.  We did witness a security guard there blowing an extremely loud whistle at tourists for doing things that weren't allowed, so they do keep a close eye on everyone there.  Very poor behavior, you need to respect places and other's beliefs when you are outside the USA. 

When we got back to the hotel, we went to the market and walked around there.  Yesterday, when we went to the Hard Rock Café so I could expand my collection of pins, Stella mentioned to the tuktuk driver that we wanted to look at jewelry.  And it was just like they tell you, he said I know where to go and whisked us off to a very upscale jewelry store, more than likely he gets paid to do that by the store.  Anyway, we both ended up buying ear rings but we did manage to only pay half of what they wanted.  Learned our lesson there.  Do not tell your driver what you are looking for. 

We ate in the hotel dining room this evening.  After being in the crowds of people today, it was nice to just eat and then relax in our room.