We left Ko Chang about a week ago, and after a fortelling bumpy boat trip across the Gulf of Thailand we ended up on Laem Knop where we met up with our current Danish travel companions Andreas and Lessa. From Laem Knop we headed north to the Cambodian border crossing of Poipet....Entering a completely different world. Begging children and adults a like surround you as take your first few steps into the dusty, dirty streets of Poipet-a town that resembles a set in an old spaghetti western. Knowlegeable of the bus scams to Siem Reap, we still decided to take a bus to save a little money; however, after spending about 5 minutes of a possible 8 hours on the air-conditionless 1970's Studebaker of a bus we opted for a private taxi. The best eleven dollar's I ever spent. The road from Poipet to Siem Reap is something you have to see to believe. Hardly a road at all I suppose, at one point the car was in pot hole so big I couldn't see out the window.
Four hours later we reached Siem Reap, our guesthouse had cancelled our reservation because we arrived too late, but we were able to get in the next day and it was great. I highly recommend the Golden Temple Villa for anyone heading to see Angkor Wat. They arranged a driver for us for a minimal fee, and we got to hangout with the unforgettable Chive for the next three days as he took us to Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and seemingly hundreds of more temples. Chive chilled in the car or found a hammock as we explored and wondered about the great accomplishments of the ancient Khmer's. How they were able to build such elaborate, intricate, massive structures a thousand years ago is amazing.
And although I'm skipping over a lot of detail; after three days in Siem Reap we hopped aboard the air conditioned Mekong Express bus and headed towards Sihanoukville via Phnom Penh. There was a little discussion about a stay over in Phnom Penh, but after touring it by bus, I think it is going to get a complete miss. Now we are in Sihanoukville, a pleasant town on the South Coast. It kind of has a Thailand vibe, just a little more local. Perhaps that is because it is rainy season, or maybe because I keep hearing people say it is like Thailand was 20 years ago.
Today Mizuki and I are heading to the Starfish Cafe and Bakery, and NGO started by an American woman. A master baker, she trained a couple of disabled Khmer women in the art of baking, and now it is self sufficient organization run by disabled Khmer's- that seems to help a lot of people.
Which is good, because there are a lot of people who need help here. For the most part, I have found Khmer's to be very kind and friendly people; often smiling and engaging. Nonetheless, the lack of infrastructure in Cambodia is startling. My expectations weren't high, but I am still surprised. The number of street children and amputee's is als very high-- so although I have found Cambodia to be a pleasant, beautiful place..... It certainly has not come without encountering a lot sadness.
