May 7th, 2013 -- Day 4 -- Waters, of Lilies and Mud

On our last touring day in Cambodia we visited another temple outside Angkor area called Beng Mealea (literally meaning River of Lilies). The temple is about 90 minutes drive away from the city. A local guide who speaks good English offered himself and took us climbing and hiking all around the temple area. My friends commented that this was by far the best temple visit in our entire trip.

In the afternoon, we visited the Tonle Sap (known to me as the South East Asia's largest fresh water lake). To my disappointment, it was the dry season and we have to pay 20USD per head for the boat ride to see the muddy water of the river (and the lake). Also, once we were in the center of the lake, the boat drivers asked if we would like to do charity for the children of the lake, who have shown themselves to be very capable at operating a basin (for a boat) to ask for "donation". I did not have fun there because I was greatly disgusted by the thought that a once great kingdom had such failing education as the children believe begging to be a licit and prideful source of income.

We left Cambodia on the next day by an early flight.