Goodbye, Cambodia!

09/08/2013, 7:21 am.... 

I am sitting at the hotel lobby and waiting for a bus to Bangkok from Seam Reap. It will be a very long bus trip, about 9 hours plus some time on the borders between Cambodia and Thailand. 7 days in Cambodia has passed as quick as any other trips in any other countries but honestly I am having a bit different feeling at the moment. I love travelling and experiencing different cultures and people's life so each time I feel so attach to the country that I want to spend more time in the countries but not in Cambodia. Don't get me wrong that I didn't enjoy the time in Cambodia. I absolutely did enjoy travelling and seeing interesting things here. I still believe that Cambodia is one of the countries to visit and I am glad that we made to come here. However, there are some uncertain feelings bother me to wish to stay here longer. 

These are my simple summary of our trip in Cambodia. I want to make clear that these are completely my personal opinion from my short staying in Cambodia so please do not take my view for your decision on travelling to Cambodia. I just want to share my very personal feeling. 

1. Poorest country: Cambodia is the poorest country I have ever been to. I know there are many other countries that are even worse but It was a simply shocking experience to see how people can live under the harsh circumstances. On the way to Phnom Penh, Capital of Cambodia from Vietnam, I could not believe my eyes that people are living at the uninhabitable houses. I am talking about the people who live near the Capital city and I refuse to imagine others in the villages. Many kids are growing up in poverty and quite often told to beg for money by their own parents. "Hello, madam! one dollar!" seems to be the first sentence kids learn in Cambodia. Hopelessly looking at countless homeless people, especially vulnerable kids living on the dirty and muddy street made me feel sick. 

2. Saddest: Phnom Penh was one of the saddest city ever to me. Especially, half day trips to the killing field and S21 where millions of innocent people were brutally killed under the Khmer rouge regime broke my heart. Walking on the pathway that I could still find the pieces of clothes of the killed people in the killing field while listening what actually happened to the people was unbelievably shocking experience to me. Whenever I think about them, I feel my heart is sinking down. 

3. Messiest : I was told that Cambodia is famous for dusty roads and I can easily add one more thing that the country is extremely messy. Streets are full of rubbish and the people don't seem to mind the mess. People throw away rubbish on the floor although there are rubbish bins next to the table. We had to ask waitress to sweep the floor before serving the food. Can you imagine the smell from the rubbish in over 35 degrees of heat? Simply disgusting. 

 4. Darkest: The first night when we had to look for a restaurant after 6 hours of bus trip, we couldn't believe how dark all the streets were. There were not many street lights. Lack of electricity supply would be one of the main reasons. I still don't know how the local people can live in the dark but they seemed to be fine. 

5. Worst roads: Cambodia is full of dust. It doesn't matter whether you drive motorbike, are in a Tuk Tuk, ride a bicycle or walk, you will need to cover yourself. Most of locals are wearing masks. Only main roads are sealed and the rest are just dirt roads. Condition of the road is also overwhelming. You never know when the unsealed dirt roads will start. When we went to one of most popular tourist places called ' floating village' by bicycles, the last kilometer was totally muddy that we had to ride on the opposite direction. It was a special experience but I really don't want to have another one. 

I have been quite negative, haven't I? I admit that I was very critical but I didn't want to disguise my ture feeling and wanted to share what I exactly felt. As I mentioned earlier, I did enjoy the time in Cambodia. Especially, Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and many historical monuments were amazing. I think there are not many places in the world can capture your eyesights instantly as they do so it is definitely worth to visit. I couldn't stop taking photos as I felt like being in a movie or a picture. Food was also fantastic. Full of fresh local herbs create amazing taste and fish dishes were simply divine. I am sure that I will miss the food a lot. 

When I am ready for leaving Cambodia, I couldn't hide my mixed feelings. I was very sorry for the people who were killed under the Khmer rouge regime and who are struggling their daily life in poverty currently. I truly hope that one day Cambodian kids don't have to beg to foreign tourists for a dollar. I have packed the mixed feelings inside of my luggage and heading to Bangkok for flying to Moscow. 

Goodbye Cambodia!

Angkor Thom

Riding bicycle was an excellent way of travelling in Siem Reap.

Angkor Wat was absolutely impressive.

Local people's house. no water....

Another house of local family

Kids are selling stuffs in restaurants

Royal Palace