On our second day in Siem Reap, we traveled out to Banteay Srei. The temple is on the outskirts of the Angkor Wat complex, so the journey there is a nice diversion. By tuk-tuk, it's about an hour and a half trip and passes through the Cambodian countryside. Even though we were sitting in a loud tuk-tuk, it was really peaceful. I remember I had my feet up and gazed out at the scenery. During that time, I thought to myself, "I can't believe that this is my life." If you asked me two years ago if I would ever travel to Cambodia, I would've said no. I started to think about the crazy adventure that Markus and I lived every day and felt very humbled and thankful that this was our life.
When we passed a rice field, MJ stopped so that we could get a closer look. I've always seen pictures of this sort of thing or in movies, but it was pretty cool seeing it in real life. There were only a few people out by the street and most of the other workers were farther out in the field. I do think that it was coincidental that there were people next to the road. I think that they do this sort of thing so that people will stop and the children can attack.
As soon we walked out of the tuk-tuk, there was a horde of Cambodian children asking us to buy crafts. They were really adorable, but they were also really persistent. This is one thing that you will endlessly encounter in some third world countries. It truly is heartbreaking seeing these young kids follow around tourists asking for money. Even though these kids did the same thing, they were a bit different. I think being in the countryside makes them a bit happier. After we spent a few minutes with the kids, we climbed back into the tuk-tuk. I again, propped my feet up and went back to enjoying the beautiful Cambodian countryside.