And yep Spinky, it’s a Danger Mines t-shirt. I liked the colours and the skull and crossbones motif. Fran argued that it’s almost like a political statement, like a campaigning t-shirt, CND or something. Which kinda makes sense, but I’m still dubious about it. Reckon I won’t wear it till I’m out of SE Asia.

And yep, the hotel development is insane, absolutely incredible – and scary, considering probably 80% of those hotel customers are tourists arriving by plane.

And yep again – the restoration of the temples does seem a bit crude in places. I dunno though, the poor teams involved have a hellish challenge. It’s a billion-piece 3D jigsaw puzzle, and the picture on the box has been destroyed (by the Khmer Rouge destroying the inventories in Phnom Penh).

Despite the UNESCO support, money from France, the US etc, and all the tourist money, the resources needed to stop that place falling to bits any more, let alone restore it sensitivity, are inconceivable.

It’s still awesome though eh? And we’re very lucky so much is in remarkable condition, given the centuries, and the efforts of the KR to vandalise it etc.

Good to hear you’re still sounding reassuringly nerdy though
x

What did you think of Siem Reap? We felt that there might be too many hotels being built given the infrastructure around the temples.

And did you get the impression the Cambodians would rather restore the temples with concrete and modern stone, than to keep them authentic and ruined? I’m not sure about some of the stuff they’re doing – our guide told us they had teams of people to clear plants from the lake so that photographs would show reflections better.

(P.S I don’t think the blog’s boring!)