Back in Cambodia
Trip Start
Dec 26, 2005
1
277
285
Trip End
Jan 25, 2009
Phnom Penh,
Cambodia
Sunday, January 11, 2009
I arrived into Phnom Penh at 4.30pm and was whisked away by personal taxi to my accommodation at the Manor House for about US43 a night.
I hit the nightlife, including a basic meal on the Riverfront at the Paragon Hotel... $13 all up. I had children around the age of 8 asking me if I wanted opium, 'fu** with this girl', hash etc. etc. It was quite overwhelming trying to eat my food whilst I had these 8 year olds saying this. They also wanted to sell me books and post cards... after the meal, I left and went to the next pub on the agenda. At one stage, I had about 6 children following me, begging me to buy their things etc. before one little darling boy told me to 'fu** off and that I'm stingy'. I was watching for the rock but he left quite innocently. The poverty is striking here.
Last night I met up with Vaesna who has changed significantly. He is classed as one of the rich here in Cambodia and has his own motorbike. He has changed for the worse... but I couldn't believe to see him in the first pub I went to. He is training to be a flight attendant.
I ended up at the Heart of Darkness where the people were very friendly - both foreigner and local. It is quite amazing to have about 5 boucers shaking your hand as you enter the club. Meeting people here is a giver. I met Aleks. A heartbreaking story... or a con... he told me that his monthly rent is $US35 and that he washes dishes for a living that gives about US30. He informed me that he had 2 days to go before being kicked out of his house and that he was at the bar to meet a foreigner to have paid sex. After speaking to a few westerners at the Manor House, they are convinced that this is a con but it was quite distressing to see this guy cry uncontrollably saying that he is desperate to leave Cambodia ASAP because he is so poor and will be poor forever more.
The prices are drop dead low here... accommodation, food, getting around etc.
I'd love to write more here but I really need to get out and see that Royal Palace.
This place is sure an eye opener and definitely worth a visit. Every moment is interesting.
Comments
Cambodia
I'm in Ho Chi Minh city on business when I read your latest posting...It is sad to hear the deteriorating state of Cambodia...I was in Siem Reap yet again in July last year and the town's character has been destroyed by disgusting concrete blocks...some partially completed and appeared abandoned...the wee little boys and girls are still running around the temple complex selling me books and amazing me about facts about my country which I take for granted, such as the GDP, the latest election upset in March 08 etc... Luckily, none of them were offering me sex or using abusive language, but still the same, playing on my emotion telling me if they don;t sell the books, they won;t have money for school...or that I like girls more than boys cos I bought some souvenirs from the little girl and not from him... I can still see his sad face telling me that...reminded me so much of my godson that I ended up giving him USD10 for 3 bamboo flutes...I jsut wish I can do something really positive for these kids as I think they are really intelligent...one day soon, I will go there and follow the live of one of these little wonders and see if I can help if it's not a big con game and the poor boys and girls are puppets... Have a great trip thru Cambodia