Monday, July 2, 2012

Siem Reap, Seoul and Home (23-25 FEB)

My flight today to Seoul and then back home was scheduled for 3:00 this afternoon, so I had the morning and early afternoon to myself.  I took a leisurely stroll around Siem Reap.

A small temple in the middle of the street

Royal Residence--where the King stays while he is in Siem Reap

Local (or maybe national) candidates

National Museum

Oh, the places you can go.....

Wat Preah Prom Rath, a temple in the middle of Siem Reap

At Wat Preah Prom Rath

At the Old Market in Siem Reap

Wine available by the butter or glass
 
Entrance to the Siem Reap Airport

In the departure area of the Siem Reap Airport--very nice

My flight left Siem Reap on time and I connected in Bangkok for a flight to Seoul, and then home.

View of the area near Bangkok Airport

Bangkok Airport

Inside Seoul (Incheon) Airport, generally regarded as one of the best airports in the world.

Exterior shot of the terminal at Incheon Airport

I had a 10 hour layover in Seoul which gave me time to take a guided tour of the city.   The good news is that it was sunny.  The bad news is that it was 45 degrees, but at least I was prepared, sort of.

Apartments on the outskirts of Seoul

Korean riot police, presumably preparing for a riot.

Somewhere in central Seoul

Somewhere in central Seoul

Somewhere in central Seoul


Cheonggye Stream, which runs through central Seoul

Cheonggye Stream.  The temperature is about 45 degrees

Next stop was Gyeongbokgung Palace, which was (in my humble opinion) the highlight of Seoul.  Gyeongbokgungis the royal palace, first constructed in 1397, although it has been reconstructed several times.  It's not a single building, but a huge complex.  While we were there, I saw the changing of the guard, which several pictures are devoted to.

Gwanghwamun gate.




Changing of the Guiard











A map of part of the palace, to give you an idea of how big it was. 

Our next and final destination was the Jongno Gu district, for lunch and shopping.

Street in the Jongno Gu district

Where we had lunch--not the distinct lack of English.

Shopping area in the Jongno Gu district


Fortunately, I did not feel unconvenient

On the way back to the airport

Another view of the main terminal at Incheon Airport

My ride back home

And so ends another adventure.  You've been a wonderful audience--Good Night!