Day 1 of visiting the Angkor temples. We have a great guide, Sam, who came recommended by some friends, and a driver. It takes some getting used to, having someone open the car door for me every time I get in or out of the car. Anyway, they're both great.

To beat the crowds and the heat we were up early for breakfast at 6 and pick-up at 7:30. Then we spent four hours wandering through the most amazing ruins from as long ago as the 9th century to the 14th century. The pictures won't do it justice, but here they are anyway.

The way the trees grow in and around the ruins is really incredible.

Because we got an early start it was pretty quiet, although the crowds grew as the day wore on. Apparently there are about 4 million people who visit every year.

Restoration began about 100 years ago but is on-going. This is what some of the areas look like before restoration.

Close-ups of some of the stone carvings. It's amazing to think about how long ago these were carved.

We even saw elephants. According to Sam in the past ten years or so they have been much better taken care of and look much healthier than in the past. All the same, we didn't go for a ride.