The Angkor 10K. December 6th. 2009
on So Now It's Cambodia (Cambodia), 01/Jan/2010 10:25, 34 days ago
We were very glad to arrive at our hotel in Siem Reap. We had forgotten what the hotel would be like and were expecting budget but it turned out to be a lovely hotel-the Bothar Angkor with a lovely romantic restaurant at the front.We checked in and found we had 2 adjoining double rooms. We tried to change this but were told it was all they had– so we had to make do!We were just checking out the rooms when a familiar voice said hello– it was Tricia who was the previous volunteer manager at the hospital and occupant of our house. She was soon to be returning to snowy Heathrow but was also in Siem Reap for the race.We had a lovely meal but Paul needs to remember not to expect a crepe when ordering a pancake! Everything else was delicious and a great relief after our long day.After being bored by the late night showing of Liverpool’s game against Blackburn we had another early start! Up at the crack of dawn to get a tuc tuc to the Wat. We had ordered - in fact been offered – a packed breakfast to go but when we went to reception to collect it they said they’d given it to someone else and had none left!! We had also organised a tuc tuc driver the night before but he didn’t show but fortunately there was still one willing to get some work.It was the coldest we’ve been on our tuc tuc journey to the Wat which started about 5.30am and could have done with a coat - which was a real surprise!! The atmosphere was amazing as we joined the queue of tuc tucs full of other runners on their way to the starting line.We got in with no problem (Paul not having a ticket) and quickly met up with a sizeable group of VSO runners and supporters. The sunrise over the Wat was beautiful with its subtle purple/pink hues. We could see the towers of the Wat in the distance and the pink light reflected beautifully on the water in front of the Wat. We shall save our proper tour of the Wat for another time as it takes time to see it properly. It certainly has an awesome atmosphere.Once the race was under way Paul and fellow supporters were glad to have breakfast at the café. This was another Blue Pumkin café which has a large and trendy café in Siem Reap centre. They have an impressive range of pastries and coffee and the Siem Reap one does wonderful ice cream!!Time passed very quickly in the cafe until someone remembered the race and we dashed out as Tricia– mentioned earlier- is a fast runner – we got there to find that she won it!!!Not long afterwards, Alison came into view– much sooner than she had predicted. She did a very good time considering the early starts and long cramped journey the day before!After a series of photos we made our way out. We struggled to find our tuc tuc but after sitting in the wrong one for a few minutes another tuc tuc driver told us we came with his uncle and soon found our driver for us!We were both glad to be back at our comfortable hotel and after a quick swim had lunch and made our way to another guest house to meet some VSO friends. One of these– Tim – was soon to be returning to England and reunited with his wife (who had also worked here but finished a bit earlier). He had a very nice 4by4 which gave us a very smooth journey home – it was also nice not to have the usual language problems with the driver!! His car is for sale but at$7,500 seems excessive!! I think I’ll just spend the money on taxis and the other drivers worry about the traffic!!