28th July 2007 - Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Up early again. Head down to find our tuk tuk driver and today he wants more money. Convinced he is trying to do us, and don’t really want to go to where he is suggesting. So just decide to go to the balloon first. Its on a rip cord, so you don’t float about. Go up and get some great views over Angkor Wat and the surrounding countryside. It is amazing up here. Its really cool - now I know I want to go up in a proper one. Then head way out of town, over to the landmine museum. Pass through some fantastic countryside along the way. Again, the poverty is a bit more obvious. The landmine museum is run by a guy who has been dismantling landmines for years, and has also escaped the Khmer Rouge. They also have a home for children who have lost limbs and/or been injured by stepping on mines. Some of the mines are hugh - there are a collection of hundreds of mines and other bits of ammunition around the place. There are also lots of photos of victims on the walls, and ones showing them disposing of mines. The heat is unbearable, so decide to just go back to the hostel and stay in doors for a while. Relax for the afternoon and then head out for dinner. Wander around the market and try and avoid the monsoon rain!
