Sunrise, Angkor Wat

Up at 4.30 and off at 5. The road to the park was a stream of tuk tuks. the occupants anxious to catch the sunrise.

We saw the sky pink over the moat and then positioned ourselves on the wall outside the complex looking over the moat to the Angkor Wat skyline. It was magical. One of these unforgettable sights.

Then it was into the complex itself. We had finished at Angkor Wat on Tuesday but hadn't been able to climb as it was closed for a Buddhist festival but today we could. We had to wait 45 minutes, as the heat built, until it opened at 7.30. The view from the top is worth climbing the steps for but it is difficult to get pictures without other tourists.

Then breakfast and the n J persuaded me to join her on an elephant ride. I never realised she had a thing about elephants. I went, but can't say I absolutely enjoyed it. It felt a bit exploitative, but sometimes it is good to make a friend happy.

Then the grand tour of temples. Ones that are not fully restored, ones in artificial lakes, now dried up and ones way out in the jungle. Another hot day, 36/37 degrees. By the end you feel a bit 'templed out'. But it is so fascinating, especially when you consider the effort it must ahve taken to construct these amazing monuments.

By mid afternoon (after lunch back at Tuesday's lake) we were exhausted so back to the hotel for a swim in the pool and a tan top up.

The sun was shining so while J baled Mr Po and I set off for the sunset. But it was not to be. I climbed a very steep temple to see clouds and a mass of French and Japanese tourists. The pink clouds over the moat on the way back were better.

It had been a long day, our lat full one in Siem Reap so packing (note to self must carry less) and then back to the Alley (by tuk tuk this time) for another lovely meal and some more shopping. I was persuaded to buy a silver necklace in the shape of Angkor Wat. It is a one-off and will always bring back happy memories.