So, after 3 days in Cambodia we departed Siem Reap, and flew to Ho Chi Minh city in Vietnam, to re-join the ship. Our shore tour was to the Cu Chi tunnels, some 120+ miles of tri-level underground passageways, living quarters, etc used by the Viet Cong resistance fighters in the 60’s and early 70’s. Utterly fascinating, in an innovative, depressing sort of way.

Cambodians *love* Christmas - there are elaborate decorations everywhere. 🎄

Probably the best Angkor Wat photo I got.

Not bad for a couple of old farts.

Angkor Wat was originally a Hindu-based construction dedicated to Vishnu, built probably in the 10th century (depending on who you talk to). It gradually became a Buddhist shrine in the 12th century, as Cambodian theology shifted. Cambodia is now 96% Buddhist.

After coming all this way, we were pleased at this.

We’re here ! (Angkor Wat)

Off to Siem Reap.

Evidently a traditional Cambodian Christmas table decoration is a bag of water. (on all tables - open to explanation)

Diet Coke:

more market stuff

Prowling the shrines & marketplace of Sihanoukville, before the flight to Siem Reap.

Having a nice lunch on the coast of Sihanoukville. The circled are individual pepper slices, each about half the size of a pea. I tried *one* and my mouth will apparently remain on fire for the foreseeable future🔥🔥

Ok, this morning begins the best part. We will be off the ship for the next several nights, staying in Siem Reap in northern Cambodia and thoroughly exploring Angkor Wat. This is the part that sold me on this particular cruise! Now waiting to disembark & head to Sihanoukville’s airport.

We did a water sport thing where they towed a two-person inflatable behind the zodiacs. I couldn’t get pics or video because one really had to hold the hand straps right, or risk getting thrown off. At about 30 mph we bounced around and got soaked, it was *really* fun!