Most visitors to Cambodia are eager to see the remains of the vast cities of civilizations that date back to the beginning of the 12th century, and in particular their impressive temples, not far from Siem Reap. We spent two days touring the ruins in a tuk tuk. This photo is a reminder that the ancient temples are still places of worship for today's Buddhists. 
This is the only picture I'm publishing of Angkor Wat. The buildings were majestic, beautifully restored and preserved, and the stone carvings were intricate and beautiful, however we couldn't get over the disappointment of seeing this wonderful monument covered in scaffolding, and having our photo opportunities ruined! Also, the clang of hammer on steel destroyed what might have been a lovely peaceful ambience. The view in this photo is one of the few angles from which the restoration work was not visible.
This is me at Angkor Thom, with one of the lady statues. Angkor Thom was much more cosy and atmospheric than Angkor Wat, and we felt more at home in its less pristine surroundings.
OK, I lied, here is another photo from Angkor Wat, showing the incredible detail of the carvings.
Angkor Thom again.
Brian relaxing on a convenient tree root - it was very hot and humid here.
Now for some photos from our favourite site, Ta Phrom, which has been left to the ravages of the jungle. Massive spong trees and strangler figs have intermingled their roots with the stone walls of the temples and grown to a mighty size through the fallen structures. These ruins were magical, mystical, sensational. The stone caught the afternoon light to display the ageing colours of green and pinky red, and the effect was stunning. I can't wait to watch Lara Croft, Tomb Raider, as soon as I get home, just to remind me of this fabulous place.
Cheesy pose from me, but it gives an idea of the size of these fabulous trees.
See the colours of the stone, and the sturdiness of this ancient building. 
Will the tree eventually win the battle and swallow up all trace of mankind? Or will a structure that has withstood eight hundred years of nature's battering prevail? Answers on a postcard please (but don't bother to send it - we haven't got an address).
Click to enlarge this photo and see the beautiful lady peeping out of the tree trunk. Isn't she something? Better than the Mona Lisa!
We had to stop for fuel for our tuk tuk on the way back - this is a filling station Siem Reap style. (Mr Sam An, our tuk tuk driver in Phnom Penh, kept a few litre bottles of fuel under the passenger seat, giving rise to the uncomfortable feeling that, as we rattled and bumped over the unmade roads, we were sitting on a Molotov cocktail.)
More tussling between tree and stone.
Brian is thinking of switching careers - from selling hearing aids to driving a tuk tuk could be a good move.
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