Bumpy road to Siem Reap
Trip Start
Sep 10, 2007
1
27
40
Trip End
Jan 03, 2008
Siem Reap,
Cambodia
Friday, November 16, 2007
By looking at a map, one would have never guessed that it would take over 14 hours to get from Bangkok, Thailand to Siem Reap, Cambodia. The distance looks so short on the map, and I've taken long bus rides before, but nothing in my past could have prepared me for such a turbulent day of travelling. Getting to the Cambodiam border was not a problem. The border crossing was the most hectic and comfusing scenarios I've had to manuever in a while. I'm just happy I got through with all my baggage and was able to catch the proper bus on the other side.
The differences between Thailand and Cambodia smacked me in the face immediately after crossing over. The main highway turned into a wet, glopy dirt road littered with potholes, ruts, cows and detours. Thailand's double decker luxury, plush seated, aircon bus was switched for a 14 seat minivan from the 80s with hard vinyl seats. Not problem, I thought, my butt has been well prepared from all the meditaion sitting, I can handle this. However, seven hours later, with all the bumping and the swerving, I was wincing a different tune.
I'm still not entirely used to the fact that Cambodia is much, much poorer that Thailand. Having children always running up to you asking you to buy something from them or to just simply to give them money, is very heartbreaking to deal with. I've always heard that Thais are supposed to well known for their warm smiles, but I think that the Khmer people are a million times nicer, from what I've seen already. Perhaps they are just in more of a genuine need of your patronage and appreciate the tourists and their dollars. I'm still getting used to the currency exchange. Most prices are listed in US dollars, even though Cambodia does have it's own money, the riel. Using those figures just seems unreal, as it is about 4000 riel for one dollar. It's surprising that most Cambodians are fluent in English and that language has not been a barrier what so ever. This is a stark contrast from Thailand, where not even those who dealt with foreigners knew much English.
I plan to spend about three days in Siem Reap before catching a boat to the capital, Phnom Penh. There are quite a few sights, museums and such, that I am looking forward to visiting, plus while in town I'm going to get my visa for Laos. Originally I had planned to spend about three weeks in Cambodia, but the more I read my guidebook the more I'm thinking of cutting my visit short and spending more time in Laos. Unfortunetly, there's just not a whole lot I want to see and do in this country. But, nothing is ever really set in stone for me, anything could happen.
Comments
Missing my baby
Don't get lost! I miss you. Your in Cambodia now, and I wonder if we'll still be able to talk? =( Well I love you, and hope your having fun! Try not to give all your money away, I'm sure that is hard.
Love Darren