I have a post about Singapore, but it’s on my netbook and probably won’t be published until I get back to the states. I’m still trying to figure out what is the best way to get my thoughts out of my head. Should I write on my netbook and then publish when I get back or make it to an internet cafe? Or should I write everything down?
I may write everything down when head to Wat Opot. The government shuts down electricity between 9AM and 5PM there .
We’ve spent our first day learning Khmer and touring Phnom Phen. Here are some random first thoughts of the city:
Going from Singapore to Phnom Phen is like doing a 180. In Singapore, you could hardly see any trash anywhere. Driving on the streets is orderly and there is very little danger. Phnom Phen, however, has a lot of developing to do. Trash still lines the banks of their rivers, people wear masks to help ease the smell of pollution and urine.
When you read about the death rates for motorcycle accidents, they’re quite high. Anyone not from Cambodia would strongly discourage you from riding any motorcycle. I think those statistics don’t show how many motorcycles are on the road. Cars are on the road, but not in the quantity as most countries. Since most Cambodians cannot afford a car, motorcycle is the main form of transportation. You can forget any rules of the road here in Phnom Phen. Motorcyclist will drive on the opposite side of the road, on the sidewalks, and in-between cars.
Our main form of transportation so far has been a Tuk tuk.
While eating dinner with Brit, I told her I wasn’t sure what Cambodian poverty is like. Compared to American standards, there is stuff around that would be considered poor, but does that mean the people are poor? I’m reserving judgment until I see something that really strikes me.
