Monday, 15th October 2007
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Angkor New Freedom
We are happier - without 'Aki-boon' in the picture.
Hyundai is the preferred mode of transportation.
A monument en-route from Phnom Penh to Siem ReapToday was a relatively short run of 220 kilometers from Phnom Penh, getting our total distance traveled to some 2,850 kilometers from Singapore. The contingent was given a ceremonial send off at 7.30AM by the Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia and a number of special guests and senior Rally organizers. Much was made of literally flying each country’s flag by Rally vehicles and it all made for a special start to today’s leg.
Road conditions were good with a sealed road all the way to Siem Reap. There is a real sense of prosperity on this highway to today’s destination. Uniformed school children everywhere, most of whom had bicycles. At one particular high school, many motor cycles were in evidence. Everyone seemed to be busy. Cambodia has had a difficult history over the years and it is encouraging to see such strong evidence of a strengthening and growing economy.
Driving chores in team vehicle 1 were shared by Dr Tan Poh Heng and Arch Stewart while David Duffield took vehicle number 2 all the way from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.
We arrived in Siem Reap at about 12.30PM and drove straight to our lunch venue. This was all done in something of a rush because the afternoon had been set aside for a tour of Angkor - the highlight of the day. Weather conditions were not as harsh as yesterday and the walk was the first real exercise we have had since leaving Singapore. It was a real experience to see both Angkor Wat and the temple, Ta Prohm, for most of us, for the first time. The popularity of the Angkor temples and palaces is evidenced by the crowds circulating there today. Again, the organization by our hosts was fantastic. Nothing is left to chance.
Dinner this evening was a buffet spread at a nearby restaurant and included an entertaining cultural show. We must rise in the morning at 5AM so we are all taking the opportunity for an early night. The value of having a doctor with has been proven with Bingo requiring treatment for a mild stomach upset. Dr Tan has attended to Bingo’s problem and he is over the worst of it.
“Team Singapore, Motorsports (TSM) had its first taste in real world left-hand drive traffic conditions. Overtaking maneuvers on B-roads were further complicated by the different driving position. The team carried out its well-practiced radio communication procedures to overcome the adverse situation. Tomorrow, we are scheduled to return to Thailand via the toughest gravel road of the rally. In addition to undulations and big holes, we are expecting floods amid the monsoon rain. The tall stance of our Hyundai’s shall be put to good use”
Leslie Chang, Chief d’ Mission, TSM.
