What did I think of Cambodia?
Well it certainly is quite the country with amazing locations to visit
and some of the most wonderful people, in some areas you can see/feel
the full bad influence that large scale tourism and ease of access is
having but even in these locations you can avoid these negative elements
by wandering away from the main well trodden paths and you will find the
more chilled relaxed Cambodia
As a destination I would say the highlights are the history - with outstanding
temples and the people of Cambodia, take the time to talk to them and
you will have some great experiences.
The beaches are lovely and offer that mix of warm water and sandy beach
while having activities, food, drink and entertainment all on hand.
Phnom Penh the capital of Cambodia is a hot sticky busy city, you get
some relief down by the river front but it is the food and nightlife that
make Phnom Penh, otherwise the silver palace, museum and the foreign correspondents
club are really all there is to see and do in the city, you may arrive/depart
or pass through Phnom Penh during your visit to Cambodia but unless you
are after the late night party disco scene there is not a lot to hold
you in the city.
Taken in its stride Cambodia will help you walk a little slower, relax
a little more, hopefully not test your patience too much and you should
leave with great memories of a country that really has its feet in two
different worlds. I love this, the way you Cambodia can offer modern amenities
(internet, phone, ice cold drinks, comfy quality accommodation, tasty
food) at a reasonable cost while treating everyone with such respect and
comfortably accepting the visitor into their ancient culture where monks
roam the streets and temples, shoes are traditionally removed when entering
buildings, 'normal' local life continues around the modern visitor who
should choose to embrace this culture - (not change it or 'update' it)
I hope this blend of old and new lasts for many more years before the
lure of money takes over and everything becomes commercialized and traditional
standards of love, life, respect and religion are abandoned for money
and goods.
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