After a night of very little sleep, one would normally find it difficult to wake from their slumber. But not I. I show no sign of grogginess or tiredness, just a build up of pure excitement and anticipation knowing that today, a dream will become a reality.

It’s 4am and pitch black. I dress quickly and make my way outside to meet the others. The air is crisp, cold and bites at my skin. Many have not woken from their slumber and peer at me through drowsy eyes while releasing enormous yawns.

We pile into tuk tuks and begin the journey. We pass other vehicles also making their way to the same destination. When we finally get there, we purchase our tickets for US$20 which includes our photo. For many it’s far too early to have their picture taken.

Darkness surrounds us, people turn on their flashlights and mobile phones to light the path. We walk in silence and hushed whispers. The walk seems long and before I know it, the group separates. I perch myself on a sandstone monument, an ancient ruin, waiting, waiting. The air is still and dense and people start to crowd around me. I begin to feel nauseous.

Time passes slowly, then quickly. Then I see it, subtle hints of colour. Purple, pink and orange until it finally turns a golden yellow. Sunrise over Angkor Wat – simple and magical and while the colours aren’t quite as vibrant as I’d expected, it’s still magnificent in all its beauty. A sight so amazing, everything and everyone around me disappears.

The group reunites for breakfast and afterwards we make our way towards the ancient temple. Excitement builds inside of me and suddenly I feel like a child again as if it’s all a dream. I am surrounded by the most exquisite Khmer architecture entwined amongst Hindu and Buddhist mythology.

I rub my hand over the weathering sandstone and pinch myself to see if this moment is real and it is. None of this is a dream. I am at Angkor Wat.