Friday, February 20, 2009

Day 1 - Phenom Phen

So, wow, today and yesterday (which have definitely blurred together for me) have been a whirlwind. I guess while I endured the 17 hour flight it didn't seem to be going at whirlwind speed, but overall it wasn't too bad. Lots of hollering babies and some crazy turbulence, but fortunately my ear plugs and serious fatigue served me well and I slept for most of the flight. I have to say that China Airlines was pretty decent, aside from bad food (to be expected) and poor movie screen set-ups. Anyway, it's currently 7 pm in Phenom Phen and I arrived at 10 am this morning. I was obviously in no mood to be seated any longer, so I immediately found some lodging and started trekking about this crazy city. Yes, crazy it is. I had been told about the poverty and lawlessness, but I guess it's a whole different thing to experience it for yourself. Tons of homeless children missing eyes, arms, feet, begging for money. Motorcycles zipping down the streets with no apparent pattern. Solicitors aplenty. Exhaust that makes your eyes burn. And, by golly, it's hot here! Like, sweat through your clothes in 20 min hot. Anyway, I can't say that I've fallen in love with Phenom Phen, but I am happy to be experiencing it. It's a trip to be in the real "3rd world" if you will, replete with all of the things that come along with an economy that still hasn't gotten the hang of western ways and suffers from major governmental corruption. Now that it's nighttime, the city has taken on more of an unimposing feeling in my opinion. Families are out playing badminton since it's a bit cooler, the moto salesmen seem to be a little less aggressive, or maybe it's just cause I had a few $1 beers at an awesome happy hour spot on the river. So, what other awesome things did I get to do today, you may be wondering? Well, I got a half kilo of delicious lychees from a street vendor, I got a $6 hour long massage, and I got to see legions of Cambodians do an aerobics routine in front of the city's opulent royal palace. So, yeah, the adventure has begun! I'm beelining out of Phenom Phen tomorrow and am headed to Siem Reap which is where Angkor Watt is. I've really been affected by the in-your-face poverty here, and will be back in Phenom Phen for my return flight and will perhaps be able able to better handle the realities of life here then....

5 comments:

  1. when you get back to Phnom Penh, if you have time, head to the Foreign Correspondents Club. it's a great bar with slow-moving fans and a nice view of the river. you'll feel like you're an intrepid reporter caught up in a story, and also you can have a gin and tonic.

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  2. Start taking pictures! I want to see what it looks like there. So glad you arrived safe and sound, and keep writing -- I will be following your blog! :) Be safe. Have fun.

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  3. i'll second the request for pictures! looking forward to living vicariously through your asian adventures..

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  4. I second Matt's FCC suggestion!!! (the one in Siem Reap looked slick too)

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  5. ha ha, the FCC is where i had my happy hr drinks tonight. def. a cool vibe there, and i love the black and white photos (which are super intense).

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