Temples of Angkor, Climbing in Thailand, and Water Wars in Krabie

Yikes, it’s been a while since my last post. But to my credit, I’ve been a bit distracted lately: my cat, Meow, lost an intense battle with lymphoma and passed away just over a week ago. My sister was with her and did everything she could, but it was Meow’s time to move on and raise hell in kitty heaven. A celebration of her life can be found here. Kyle also joined me for my last week of travels in Cambodia and first week in Southern Thailand. Here’s what we’ve been up to:

The temples of Angkor were nothing short of stunning. Ankgor Wat was cool, but we were actually more impressed with Angkor Thom’s Bayon (FACES!) and the tree embattled temple of Ta Prohm. I’ll let the pictures do the talking...Climbing in Railey Beach and Ton Sai in Southern Thailand was totally sweet. 700+ bolted routes occupy over 40 limestone walls that jut up into the sky. Kyle brought a rope and quick-draws so we could lead our own climbs, and it was easy to join up with other climbers and share routes as well. We went ‘deep water solo’ climbing on our last day there – this is where you boat out to rock islands, climb up without belay gear, and then fall/jump into the water to finish the climb. It beat us up pretty good (who knew a 50 foot jump into the sea would sting?), but was plenty of fun.
Yesterday in Krabie, after Kyle left, I discovered the hard way that it was the Thai New Year. The town suddenly became besieged by a full-blown, show-no-mercy water war. Mobile attack squads manned the back of pick-up trucks with huge bins of water, launch buckets, and super soaker water guns. Stationary strongholds defended street corners and guesthouses with hoses and their own set of H2O projectiles. Quarter was shown to no one. Little old ladies were lit up in broad daylight. Protesting travelers with full packs were doused. Passing motorbike drivers were ambushed while they feebly attempted to navigate around improvised barricades. Allies turned on each other as quickly as haphazard treaties developed. In the end there were no sides: it was every man, woman, and child for themselves. And then nightfall came and everyone got drunk. Horray Thai New Year! Apparently the water war has become a tradition that welcomes the coming of the rainy season – the New Year marks the end of the dry season and the beginning of the wet season.Likely moving on to Malaysia and Singapore soon, but no hard plans yet. My bank account, however, is telling me I should return soon. (What’s that bank? Perhaps within a month you say?…) We shall see.