Leaving for Cambodia on the 4.30am public bus.
Yesterday's wander around the city was rather rewarding overall. Saw most of the main tourist sites, as well as a couple of glimpses into Thai life. Temples at 50THB [Baht, about €1.25] are great value. The Grand Palace at 400THB is not.
Monks cannot sit next to women it seems. There were three on the back of the ferry, and one gestured to me to sit beside him as a buffer. Made me feel a little holy. Hopefully it made up for being reprimanded in the temple earlier. A monk told me to sit down. Not sure of the etiquette, but think one shouldn't stand before Buddha. Or point your feet at him. Take your shoes off in temples is also standard, and there is a simple spiritual effect when pattering around in one's bare feet.
Thai people are either very helpful, or out to make a quick buck. I can't tell one from the other. At least the tuk-tuk drivers offering 'happy hour' prices are quite obvious. The ones who approach you on the street to draw new temples on your map, temples that are free because of the 'special holiday'. Thos I do not trust. Which means if anyone starts talking to, I dismiss them immediately. "Where are you going?" "This way."
A reminder: driving in Beijing traffic is like cycling in the peloton. You have to be aware of every movement around you, always ready to brake.
Siem Reap! Home of Angkor Wat! Got through the border crossing fine, Seb leading the way. Avoided the scams, but Cambodian border police demanded 100BHT for 'express' service. Also paid 40BHT for the toilet without thinking. Taxi met us - Paeak drove us into SR along the flattest, straightest road I've encountered in a long time. He said it was only built two years previous. The old road was know as the 'fucking road'. Flat, green, wet countryside. Paddy fields and emaciated cows. Armies of clouds marching across the sky, yet we seemed to have constant sunshine.
Arrived at the guesthouse, right on the river front - and then some! SR is suffering some flooding - rainwater descending from the typhoon in Thailand. Tuk-tuk to the old town (US$2), a fish massage (very ticklish at first) and a quick market buy. The walk back through the flooded streets.
Hostel is very laid back - owned by Rachel, Aussie twang. Cheap beer, pool table, good food, DVDs, books... who needs Angkor Wat?
***
Yesterday's wander around the city was rather rewarding overall. Saw most of the main tourist sites, as well as a couple of glimpses into Thai life. Temples at 50THB [Baht, about €1.25] are great value. The Grand Palace at 400THB is not.
Monks cannot sit next to women it seems. There were three on the back of the ferry, and one gestured to me to sit beside him as a buffer. Made me feel a little holy. Hopefully it made up for being reprimanded in the temple earlier. A monk told me to sit down. Not sure of the etiquette, but think one shouldn't stand before Buddha. Or point your feet at him. Take your shoes off in temples is also standard, and there is a simple spiritual effect when pattering around in one's bare feet.
Thai people are either very helpful, or out to make a quick buck. I can't tell one from the other. At least the tuk-tuk drivers offering 'happy hour' prices are quite obvious. The ones who approach you on the street to draw new temples on your map, temples that are free because of the 'special holiday'. Thos I do not trust. Which means if anyone starts talking to, I dismiss them immediately. "Where are you going?" "This way."
***
A reminder: driving in Beijing traffic is like cycling in the peloton. You have to be aware of every movement around you, always ready to brake.
***
Siem Reap! Home of Angkor Wat! Got through the border crossing fine, Seb leading the way. Avoided the scams, but Cambodian border police demanded 100BHT for 'express' service. Also paid 40BHT for the toilet without thinking. Taxi met us - Paeak drove us into SR along the flattest, straightest road I've encountered in a long time. He said it was only built two years previous. The old road was know as the 'fucking road'. Flat, green, wet countryside. Paddy fields and emaciated cows. Armies of clouds marching across the sky, yet we seemed to have constant sunshine.
Arrived at the guesthouse, right on the river front - and then some! SR is suffering some flooding - rainwater descending from the typhoon in Thailand. Tuk-tuk to the old town (US$2), a fish massage (very ticklish at first) and a quick market buy. The walk back through the flooded streets.
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| The water in the background is actually the river |
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