Itchy Footed Monkeys: Cambodia Intro

Stop, go, stop, go. We move through city and countrysides pushing further and further towards own next destination. The same pattern emerges at each new location, no matter the country, landscape or language: food, shelter, clothing (or whatever is left thats close to clean). It has been in these moments of searching to meet our most basic needs that two types of people have emerged. The first, sees only the backpacks carried by confused looking white people. Their prey is easily distinguishable and well rehearsed sales pitches are aggressively unloaded. The only concern they have is the sale, no matter the value to the customer. Weak travelers easily fold under the relentless pressure of their presence and misleading statements. On several occasions we have fallen into these spider webs and have learned the teachings delivered through our pocketbooks. A second type of local exists, albeit in fewer numbers. They perceive travelers as fellow human beings, not simply as a pay check. They have been warm. generous and patient. We have been treated like long lost friends and sometimes as close as family.

Mr. Dara International Tiqu Tica,

Seng,

Sing

These characters have brightened our spirits and have taught us to keep an open mind and open heart, because sometimes a tuk tuk driver can end up being so much more.

Vietnam had left us feeling more and more like strangers in a strange world. The hospitality of Thailand was far behind us and we yearned for a friendly smile from a local and our pocketbooks were looking forward to more fairly priced amenities. Cambodia has proven the ability to deliver on both.

Months before the trip had begun I had a gut feeling that Cambodia would offer a full experience. The country is rich in history, both ancient and recent. Cambodia and it’s people were turned on its head 40 years ago and is still recovering from the atrocities committed under the rule of the Khmer Rouge. Many shining examples of hope, education, entrepreneurship, and an overall sense of recovery exists throughout the country. 30 days later, we can barely say we scratched the surface. Rapid development by Russian and Chinese interests will surely dictate the direction of this country, but I believe it would be difficult to strip such a culturally rich country of all of its identity.

Cambodia has been such a consuming experience that we neglected to write much the entire time we were there. Our reflections will be quite retroactive, but hopefully the time will afford us greater insight to our time in this incredible land. We currently find ourselves in Tonsai, Thailand and the pace of life here is such to allow us time to post more about our travels.

stay tuned…