Kingdom of Cambodia

we are in cambodia and loving it! other than the heat humidity. we got here yesterday, june 14th in the afternoon, not without our fair share of arguing and bickering with taxi drivers. we started in Bangkok at 5am, took the 3rd class train to the border(1 dollar for the 6 hour trip!). i was able to get a little bit of sleep some how...the night before sandie and i tried to save money by sleeping in a un-air conditioned dorm room in a hostel and discovered that it was not possible for us to sleep. it was over 90 degrees. i had the lovely luck of a bunk over the toilet with a fan between the two rooms.

on arrival, we met a couple traveling and decided to share a cab to our destination, Siem Reap 150km's way. We had a small crowd following us, wanting to take us to the destination, but had read in the guide book about various scams. buses that took travelers all night, then arriving in some back alley...this sounded horrible naturally so i was extra sensitive...i did not want to get scammed. finally after walking in the heat away from the border we found some guy that seemed like he may actually take us to where we wanted to go...and also for around what we wanted to pay. less than an hour into the trip our driver pulled over and said we had to switch cars and drivers to complete our journey...i started imagining driving for hours and ending up where we started. So our new driving immediately diviated from our road and started going down some little dirt road where i ...lost it. he spoke no english. so i started opening my door with the idea he would stop...no he didnt stop...so i continue to yell ...not knowing ANY thai or khmer...he doesnt konw english... so i started slapping his arm ...stop! stop! stop!....he made a phone call to his friend and then ...well we ended up on the correct road.

we found a decent AIR CONDITIONED hostel and showered and went for a walk in search of ATM~! they dont work here. we then exchanged money...apparently the guy that we shared a taxi with told us that they use US dollars here...and my friends and family know...I DONT LISTEN. so i exchanged cash for the local currency...$1 = 4000riels. So i know what it feels like to be a rich mafia guy.


Today we walked and walked and walked around Angor wat, Bayon. Really amazing temples. i have to say, the most interesting historical site i have seen yet. we also saw monkeys, and oddly a random crab (bizarre)...and lots of dogs and puppies. i was keeping my eyes open for elephants but none to be seen. they are busy hauling tourists around.

Next up is massages from the blind (there is a school for the blind that are trained in massage therapy.

soon will buy air tickets for Laos (leave on saturday i think) then bus over to vietnam...and take a train to china!