Not in Thailand
I woke up this morning and saw the coup in Thailand. Lucky I was staying in a hotel with tv or I wouldn't have known. News travels slowly in Cambodia. The only news I've heard from oz in the last couple of months is about Steve Irwin. I wasn't planning to go back to Thailand for a couple of weeks anyway so I will wait and see what happens. At first I wished I was there, but now am glad I'm not.
After crossing into Cambodia and Krong Ko Kong I took a mini-bus to Phnom Phen, although only about 500 kms, the trip took 11 hours. After one bogging, 4 ferry crossings, one check point, a dodgy back door that flew open at random and a funny noise that required mechanical attention we finally arrived at PP about six hours behind schedule. I normally hate bus trips but this one was full of adventure, cigarette breaks and lovely people. I was dreading it but it was good.
The scenery was beautiful and driving on red dirt roads, through open country and wetlands past buffalo reminded me of Arnhem Land. For anyone who loves a wet season (and I do), this really is a fantastic time of year to visit SE Asia.
I was worried about Phnom Phen. I’d heard stories about crime (one guy told me he had his wallet stole out of his hand by a man on a passing motorbike) and spent the first 24 hours clutching my bag, but the Khmer are really lovely people. Yes, there is poverty and rubbish and shit, but the resilience and optimism of the people here, considering what their lives were like less than 20 years ago is incredible.
I am no longer clutching my bag, but I am still careful. I left Phnom Phen this morning for Siem Reap via a 6 hour boat ride. I will go to Angkor for a few days then look forward to returning to Phnom Phen(where I shall be picking up my hand-made-to-measure knee-high leather boots!). Then my plan is to travel north along (or on) the magic Mekong up to southern Laos and Si Phan Don, four thousand islands. I am looking forward to seeing the lovely Laotians again.
Can't post pics so you have to use your imagination.
After crossing into Cambodia and Krong Ko Kong I took a mini-bus to Phnom Phen, although only about 500 kms, the trip took 11 hours. After one bogging, 4 ferry crossings, one check point, a dodgy back door that flew open at random and a funny noise that required mechanical attention we finally arrived at PP about six hours behind schedule. I normally hate bus trips but this one was full of adventure, cigarette breaks and lovely people. I was dreading it but it was good.
The scenery was beautiful and driving on red dirt roads, through open country and wetlands past buffalo reminded me of Arnhem Land. For anyone who loves a wet season (and I do), this really is a fantastic time of year to visit SE Asia.
I was worried about Phnom Phen. I’d heard stories about crime (one guy told me he had his wallet stole out of his hand by a man on a passing motorbike) and spent the first 24 hours clutching my bag, but the Khmer are really lovely people. Yes, there is poverty and rubbish and shit, but the resilience and optimism of the people here, considering what their lives were like less than 20 years ago is incredible.
I am no longer clutching my bag, but I am still careful. I left Phnom Phen this morning for Siem Reap via a 6 hour boat ride. I will go to Angkor for a few days then look forward to returning to Phnom Phen(where I shall be picking up my hand-made-to-measure knee-high leather boots!). Then my plan is to travel north along (or on) the magic Mekong up to southern Laos and Si Phan Don, four thousand islands. I am looking forward to seeing the lovely Laotians again.
Can't post pics so you have to use your imagination.
posted by x kel at 8:32 PM
2 Comments:
hello from NZ,
it seems to be ok right know in BKK.
I've been in indonesia during a coup.the trouble usualy starts before the new election is anounced.try to avoid that period of time.keep traveling.
alex
Thanks Alex,
it seems at least 6 months before they call a new election, I shall be safely in europe by then, maybe even Germany. Have $$ will travel.
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