Osmose - This NGO promotes awareness in local communities of the value of the

environment by proposing responsible tourism to natural sites and contributing financially

to the conservation of those sites. One of their most popular eco-tourism trips (which

I can thoroughly recommend) is a half-day tour of Prek Toal, a UNESCO-protected bird

sanctuary and floating village located on the northeastern shore of the Tonle Sap,

only one hour from Siem Reap town. The vast array of water birds will excite both

bird watchers and non-watchers alike. Bookings: [email protected].

Body Tune Spa - On Wat Bo Road, a new luxurious place for massage and other relaxation

therapies has opened. This house of pampering is complete with water features, a

bougainvillea garden and a calming pre-massage area. The center promotes massage

as "a pleasurable experience, and as such it assists the mind/body mechanisms

to produce endorphins, which are the body's own natural pain relievers." So

stop thinking of it as an indulgence and see it

as a necessary health treatment! Reflexology $6/hr, traditional massage $6/hr and

aromatic oil massage $9/hr.

Kama Sutra - A new culinary addition to Bar Street has recently opened its doors.

The ultra-modern, slick look has already tempted many a passers- by to try the restaurant's

spicy creations. A larger-than-normal selection of thalis (a meal with a selection

of a few different dishes and naan bread) are on offer, as well as all the standard

favorites from the sub-continent. The owners and staff may look a little familiar,

perhaps even reminding you of the staff of the recently closed Tandoor, which was

around the corner. Dishes $2 to $6.

Hash House Harriers - Franklin the Hare has hopped all the way back to the England!

Hence the Siem Reap branch is desperately looking for a new Hash Hare! For those

of you not in the know, Hash House Harriers is an international running group found

in most cities around the world. The idea is that the "hounds", or runners,

follow a 5 km path carefully laid out by the hare. The route includes clues, dead

ends and red herrings, and passes through local villages surrounding Siem Reap. The

group still meets every Sunday at 5 p.m. outside the post office. If you are interested

in the "Hare Position", contact Bronwyn on 012 924 429.

Slices of Siem Reap is a regular column that aims to provide information on happenings

and what to do in the Siem Reap area. If you have something to add, email Michael

Hayes at: [email protected]