We flew to Siem Reap, Cambodia on Bangkok Air. It was a short flight. We were late, but we were met at the airport by our Cambodian guide, Reno, and his assistant. They had already obtained our visas. They collected our passports, pasted in our visas, and got us through passport control quickly. Our bags came out as we reached the baggage claim, we walked outside, our bus pulled up, and away we went to our hotel. It was seamless, and we appreciated it after a long, hot day.
We arrived at the Sokha Resort in Siem Reap and were greeted like royalty. Two managers in suits were waiting for us right inside the door. As they bowed at us, someone handed each of us a glass of juice and someone else gave each of us a cold washcloth. A small table by the door held envelopes with our names on them containing our room keys.
They told us dinner was ready and we should go eat right away and they would take our bags to our rooms. They did as promised, even though they had to figure out what rooms to take the bags to based on the airline tags.
The hotel had a courtyard in the center with a pool, fountains, gardens, and stone carvings.
Two tables were set up for our group between the pool and a stage. They were beautifully decorated. It was like going to a wedding. There were a number of food stations on either side. Everything from salads, sushi, meats barbecued to order, and a variety of Asian foods could be found. There were desserts, ice carvings, and even home-made ice cream in tropical flavors, encased in blocks of ice. And all of this was just for our group of 16. No other hotel guests were around, though later we did see a few on their balconies. It was so delightful and unexpected. However, we were all a little self-conscious about having so much food for our small group.
On the stage a small band played traditional Cambodian instruments. 
The show began as soon as we had our food. A troupe of young men and women performed a series of Cambodian folk dances. They were very polished dancers. The dance movements were very precise and the effect was beautiful. It was an enchanting show.
A dance with coconut shells
A story about a monkey prince who falls in love with a fish princess
When we finally got to our luxurious room, we found some small bananas waiting for us. They were the best bananas I have ever had. The taste was slightly different, and much better, than the bananas I am used to.
No comments:
Post a Comment