Cambodia: Deep Thoughts

Boy beside the moat.

Well, my time in Cambodia was much shorter than what I anticipated, but it was definitely enough time to see most of the country's major hot spots, experience the culture, and witness rural life. For such a geographically small country, Cambodia definitely has much to offer, from spending hours upon hours wandering aimlessly and in awe through Angkor Wat, to the educational aspects of learning about the atrocities suffered by the people during this country's history.

Traditional Dance show in Siem Reap.

The rumors of Cambodia having the worst roads in the world are definitely true. I do not believe that the potholed, dirt paths should even deserve the honor of being called roads! However, the bus drivers barrell down these trails as if they were on L.A.'s 405, honking at and swerving toward any poor living being that dares to come into their path. Also, many of the automobiles have the steering wheel on the right side; however, the road rules (if there really are any) state that cars should drive on the right side, making for some serious blind spots.

Through a doorway at Angkor Wat.

The people of Cambodia are certainly the friendliest Southeast Asians, in my humble opinion. They are always smiling and happy, even though most of them have been through unthinkable horrors. Unfortunately, the tell-tale signs of the tragedies of landmines are ubiquitous, as seen from the hundreds of people with missing legs and arms. I have heard that as many as fifty people a month are killed or injured by landmines! We were all told that just stepping onto the side of the road during a bus break could be fatal. Many of the poor victims beg for money in the streets of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh; others refuse to beg, instead finding creative ways to make money, such as playing instruments or making handicrafts.

Two more victims of the Khmer Rouge.

Landmine victims are not the only ones who beg in the streets of Cambodia...I wish the government would step up their efforts (if there are any) and financially help the people. Women sit on the side of the road with their babies all day long, and dirty children run around begging while their parents lie in wait on a side street to collect the earnings. Of course, many people sell various wares, especially books, candy, and toiletries in the cities, and hair "threading", massages, and manicures on the beach.

Dancing Ladies at Angkor Wat.

The shopping in Cambodia is not much to write home about, but who can leave the country without picking up a "Danger: Landmines!" t-shirt? Other tourist buys include scarves and jewelry. As for food, things are much similar to Laos, as seen in the baguettes and fruit that are always easily bought on the side of the road. Cambodia's one claim to fame is the "Amok Fish," which was a greasy meal of fish in sauce.

Erin and I at the Tomb Raider wat. 

Once especially surprising aspect of Cambodia was the high cost of travel! We found the hotels to be quite expensive, as well as the food, drinks, and even bottled water! The main currency in Cambodia is the US Dollar, and all the ATMs spit out crisp$50 bills! I do not know how this works or what kind of agreement the US has with Cambodia, but dealing with dollars sure makes keeping track of how much money one is spending so much easier!

Headed out for a big night in Phnom Penh.

Our visit was quite short here in Cambodia, but we had a good time and felt like it was the perfect length to get a feel for the country. Our 18-hour bus ride from hell gave us a nail-biting tour of most of the eastern part of the country and an insight into rural living, we spent two days wandering through Angkor Wat, poked around the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng prison in Phnom Penh, and even managed to soak up some sun on the beaches of Sihanoukville, all in just over two weeks! We met some great people, from Al, Millie, Anna-Karin, and David of the "Hell on Wheels" gang, to our Swedish buddy Nicholas, to Cooper in Sihanoukville who is tempting me to try working in a bar for a month...do I love Cambodia enough to come back? We shall see!