Celebrating our nation's birth the right way...

...by going to the ruins of an ancient civilization.

Katherine and I are going on a road trip.

Saturday, July 1, we are going to pile in the car and head South through Thailand to Khao Phra Wihan (in Thai), or Praeh Vihear (in Khmer), a cliffside ruin that pre-dates Angkor. The site sits on the border, and the easiest access is actually from the Thai side, as it sits on a 600 meter cliff. The temple complex was the cause of a long-running dispute between Cambodia and Thailand, finally given to Cambodia in 1963 by the World Court because, well, it's a Khmer ruin. Historical sites are still emotional touchstones for the Thais and Cambodians, as demonstrated when in 2003 a popular Thai soap star was said to have stated that Angkor Wat was 'stolen' from Thailand. In response, Cambodian protesters burned down the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh and attacked Thai-owned businesses.

From there, we will head into northwest Cambodia, former stronghold of the Khmer Rouge, to visit Banteay Chhmar (Bawn-tay Ch-ma), a large, and largely unrestored temple complex in the jungle. Banteay Chhmar was a favorite of Lara Croft-like raiders, who took many of the statues and reliefs before order was restored in the area in the mid-90s. Regardless, it should be cool. A lesser temple complex than Angkor, to be sure, but still stunning, and blissfully devoid of tourist hordes, at least as compared to Angkor.

This weekend, however, we are staying close to home. Tomorrow is the American Community Picnic. Katherine is on the organizing committee, and I'm scheduled to pour sodas and beer for a few hours.