Goodbye Cambodia!

Back in Phnom Penh again for a few days and this was to be our last stop in Cambodia before heading to the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam. We got our visas for Vietnam sorted here at the Embassy - something we were reluctant to do down south as we were not getting full information about the use and validity of the entry visas that were being issued (we are still unclear what time frame we are allowed to stay in Vietnam ...we'll see when we get to the border, I suppose).

We have enjoyed exploring the coast and countryside of Cambodge, as it is called in French. The wonderful temple ruins were amazing, and the villages and towns still have lots of French colonial architecture around (if somewhat dilapidated), and fresh french-style baguettes! When we see how people live, though, it's heartbreaking. Rich and poor right next door to each other. Lots live in poverty...maybe making $200 a year - if they're lucky!! And, as if enduring the immense suffering inflicted by the Khmer Rouge isn't enough, there are still many people getting injured from the millions of unexploded landmines. In some of the bigger towns there are people begging on the streets - quite a lot of amputees, children, and mothers with small babies. When we can, we give food, but unfortunately we can't give to everyone; we don't like to give money as you can imagine. Inspite of all they have suffered though, the people are happy and don't seem to dwell on the past. They are a little uncertain how to take foreignors though, some are very friendly and laugh and smile, while others are unsure and seem stunned. We have definitely enjoyed the kids we meet as they get very excited when they see us, and they have a great sense of humour - lots of sarcasm - which I love. The Cambodian people are very resourceful managing to carry anything and everything on the back of a bike. This makes for some rewarding people-watching with excellent photo opportunites! Pictured here are 5 people on a bike, but this record was soon to be broken with 6! All in all, Cambodia has been an intense, but enjoyable, enlightening experience for both of us. So with that, it's goodbye Cambodia. *Mush