February 3,2025

The time stamp on our final mirror selfie says 4:46 am…so why do I look so happy? Because we are off to fulfill a long held dream…visiting Angkor Wat. I honestly can’t remember when I first became aware of Angkor but the pull has been every bit as strong as Machu Picchu and Stonehenge.

We managed to wrestle our suitcases into the elevator and down to Crystal’s disembarkation set up. Aside from two Crystal security guards…not another person in sight. One of the security folks helped us to the end of the gangway and we made our way to curbside pickup…after passing by several Hong Kong security personnel who had no interest in us at all. Probably because we’d all been processed the day before. Great system…and the only reason we could disembark so early. The ride to the airport was sporty. Our driver is clearly in training for his next Formula One race. The infrastructure at the port made me think we were in a Sci-Fy action movie.

Anyway the driver handed us off to Tony at curbside and he walked us through the terminal to Singapore Air check in. We were ten minutes early for the 6:00 am arrival of the Singapore Air agents. Check in was easy peasy with Tony handing everything 😊

Tony accompanied us through a dedicated security check …again easy peasy.

…we walked a bit more, finally arriving at the lounge…

…which was empty at 6:15 am.

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Very yummy looking…we had some coffee and pastries.

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Our 9:05 flight left on time. We were flying to Singapore for our connection to Siem Reap. I know, I know…I never, ever…not on a bet nor a double dog dare…want to travel anywhere we have to make a connection. In this case, we had no choice…no direct flights from Hong Kong to Siem Reap 😢

…Museli was tasty …

Arriving in Changi we walked from one terminal to the other with the aid of moving side walks

I was happy for the opportunity to take in the airport because when we arrived in Singapore last month, we were whisked off to the JetQuay terminal and didn’t get to experience the beauty. And it is a beautiful space.

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We barely arrived at our gate and it was time to board.

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Curry for me

Lamb chops

We were met and guided through immigration…receiving an expedited visa. Took about 5 minutes. Savvy and Song met us right outside immigration…and…

…we settled in for the 45 minute drive to our hotel…

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These kids had just been released from school.

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Lunar New Year decorations…the Cambodian celebration spans from January 29 to February 13.

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Check in at Raffles Grand Hotel was lovely…cool towels and a refreshing ginger lime drink.

It was almost 6:00 pm by the time we got to our room …here’s Tim setting up our tech.

We rested for a while, then went to dinner at 1932…one of two restaurants at the hotel.

These Buddhas greeted us whenever we left our room…

Iconic Raffles checks

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The bread service is next level

Amuse Bouche…Cabbage and ground pork

A vegetable appetizer

Cambodian plum fruit salad

Spiced coconut, chicken, tomato and potato soup

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Tonle Sap fish with organic rice

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Banana fritters

We were grateful for our fruit plate…it was in the room when we arrived

Upon returning from dinner we found more goodies ♥️

We fell into bed…totally exhausted from traveling all day…we haven’t had such a long day in years. But we did it. 😊

Thanks for following along ♥️