In Cambodia

We are now in Siem Riep, Cambodia, staying at one of the flossiest hotels we have ever encountered - the Hotel de la Paix. The last word in decadence amid, regrettably, abject poverty.The currency (the Riel) is so unstable that all transactions are in $US, and the ABM's disgorge only $US.
Since our last post Koji reminded me that I forgot to mention another highlight in Taipei - the Longshan Temple. It is very old, very ornate and very busy. Along with the National Museum, another reason to visit Taipei in our view.
After Koh Samui we flew via Bangkok to Phnom Penh, and were entranced by it's exoticism. Some would call it hell on wheels because of the complete lack of road rules, as mopeds (thousands of them) and cars (much fewer) jostle for every opportunity. But the city has the excitement of Bangkok without much of the modernisation. Asiatic architecture with a heavy overlay of French Colonial Belle Epoque creates a kaleidoscopic treat for the eye. There are a few wide boulevards inspired no doubt by some colonial Baron Haussman, but most streets are narrow lanes crowded with small market stalls selling everything under the sun - and I do mean sun. One swelters here.
It need hardly be said that although Siem Riep (an hour's flight from Phom Penh) has charm, the only real reason to visit is the temple complex with Angkor Wat as its centrepiece. We saw delightful temples yesterday, but nothing can beat Angkor Wat itself, which we saw this morning (before the "midday sun" became too intense - Noel Coward notwithstanding). Angkor Wat is so magnificent that we instantly changed our mind about the Alhambra being the ''best manmade thing'' we have ever seen. It is an absolute ''must''.
We invested in a private tour here, as we did in India, and we couldn't be more grateful that we did. Both Koh Samui and Siem Riep are infested with Western and Eastern European tourists, though there is a surprising lack of North Americans, Ozzes and Kiwis. But we have struck this before when travelling in SE Asia at this time of year - along with masses of Chinese from all over celebrating Chinese New Year (which officially occurs on February 04).
We have another one and a half day's touring here before we leave, back to Phnom Penh for more sightseeing, and then via Bangkok as a stopover, for Chennai (formerly Madras). Then begins our month-long private tour of both Southern India and the Golden Triangle around Delhi, and on to Mumbai for three days before tackling Egypt. Currently we take the optimistic view that as  it will be almost six weeks until we get there, and that we are not Americans, the ''troubles'' will not affect us. If, however, we misjudge the situation, we may go to Sardinia, Ibiza, or some other warmish location - even perhaps Madeira.
It is now almost time for another decadent lunch by the hotel's watergarden, so enough for now.
More when we get the chance - Bangkok during an 11-hour layover perhaps (thank God for Business Class Lounges) or when we catch our breath in India.
Our health, by the way, continues to be good, though the temples present a bit of a challenge to my post-stroke handicap.
Best wishes to all.
                                      Keith & Koji