Artists & Fleas Williamsburg

Disco Emporium, headed by my friend Lauren Feighan. 

Memorial Day Weekend BBQUEZ!!!

Siem Reap

Siem Reap. 

The scene where I wept like a little baby, so I guess it's more like Siem Weep. 

What words can I use to describe Siem Reap? Epic, charming, hot, touristy, spiritual. 

Where we stayed: Purple Mangosteen (through Booking.com)

Dates: 5/20/14-5/22/14 (2 nights)

Price per night: $50, for Family Suite, tax/tip included!
How we got around: A driver we arranged to be our driver at the airport

My tips for Siem Reap: 

1) Angkor (duh). Going to the Angkor temples was the main reason why we chose to stop over in Siem Reap. 

PRO TIP (and by pro tip, I mean tip from me which is basically, take it or leave it): check out a bunch of pictures on Google beforehand of something huge like the Angkor temples because a) it helps you see what angles other photographers have used, or best time of day to shoot. b) it makes it that much more surreal when you actually see it in person! Because you're all like, 'OMG! I was JUST looking at this on my COMPUTER SCREEN!" .. at least that's how I felt. CUE TEARS!

We woke up at 5am to go catch the sunrise over Angkor Wat. We chose this because it'd be at least cooler in temperature, hopefully would avoid most of the crowds, and the soft lighting of a sunset seemed gorgeous to me. Our driver unfortunately slept through his alarm, but luckily we were able to get a hold of him and rush over to the park in time for sunset. The result? Will SHOCK YOU. 

2) Floating Cities. 

Do NOT; I repeat - DO NOT go to Chong Kneas. I read later that there are a couple other options and there's one that seems to be reasonable. 

Here's the scoop: They charge you a large amount to ride a boat, which in it of itself is not that terrible if the money actually goes to the village, but I heard it doesn't. The boat driver and tour guide take you around the lake, which is an experience. The lake itself is beautiful, and the way these people live on water their whole lives is eye-opening. Then towards the end, the driver takes you to a "market" and asks you to buy rice and other things for the nearby orphanage. This, is a scam. A scam I say! We managed to refuse buying anything expensive and settled on the cheapest bundle of water bottles. My brother, who is 6'2" was with us, so we didn't feel too intimidated. Then they drove us to the orphanage which just made me feel sick to my stomach. It was like we were visitors at a zoo, feasting our eyes on these innocent children who were unknowingly part of a huge scam. It felt all wrong to me. 

Other than the fact that it was completely exploitative, seeing the conditions these people live in is truly eye-opening. The children were all extremely excited to us though!

All in all, two nights was a great amount of time spent in Siem Reap, but just going there was not enough of Cambodia! I'm jonsing to go back and see more of the gorgeous country. I leave you with.. more pictures!