We're not in Kansas anymore
I'm in Phnom Penh and I'm really surprised at how different from Vietnam it feels. I remember when I was little, I used to play the computer game "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego." Anyone remember that game? It was also a tv show on PBS. Anyhoo, I distinctly remember 2 places from that game: Lima and the picture of Lake Titicaca that accompanied it and...you guessed it, Phnom Penh. I had no idea how to pronounce it. I still don't, really. It's funny to be someplace that I don't think I even had a concept of as a real, actual, existing place when I was playing that computer game. Am I making sense???
I think the French influence is much more apparent here than it was in Vietnam. I'm seeing and hearing a lot more French tourists, and the signs in the museums were in Khmer, English and French. Sometimes only French and Khmer. I went to the National Museum today, which houses all kinds of art and stuff. It was cool. There was an exhibit of photographs and drawings done by Rodin of Cambodian dancers. He was here back in the day. That never even occurred to me.
I also visited the Royal Palace today. Lots of gold covered everything.
Call me raised in the Judeo-Christian, monotheistic, thou shalt have no idols, etc tradition, but I found the temples I visited today a little odd. Excuse my judgement, but I saw a 100% gold, diamond encrusted, 90 kilo buddha today. I guess the whole worshipping a man-made statue full of such oppulence seemed strange to me.
I broke down and had a completely Western meal in a totally Western cafe that might as well have been in the States. I had a chicken, sun-dried tomato, artichoke and hummus wrap. It was divine. Then they played "Superstition" on the stereo and things just got better. I didn't get up and dance, though.
There are lots of monks here. I saw very few in Vietnam. They're all over the place here.
I got up and practiced yoga this morning. It felt really nice. I let myself sleep in and chill out for a while in the morning. Then I moved to a slightly more expensive guest house that feels less dodgy than the last one. What's a few dollars when it means sleeping well at night! They're super friendly here and one of the women that works here speaks the best English of anyone I've met so far in Asia.
I'm seeing a lot of cars here. Lots more than in Vietnam. I've seen a ton of Lexus(es?), which seems strange. Also, monkeys. Monkeys running free. This makes me nervous. Don't they sometimes have rabies?
I'm writing very stream of consciousness.
I feel like there's more disparity of wealth here than in Vietnam. I've seen some really grandiose things and then you turn the corner and there's a giant pile of trash, people sleeping on the sidewalk and a pile of fly-covered fresh meat for sale. Eeew. I also saw tiny roasted chicks for sale (head and feet not removed). I'll avoid eating those. Where's my sense of adventure! I don't know.
I was finally able to upload lots o' photos on a refreshingly fast internet connection. Apparently the earthquake in Taiwan dislodged all kinds of internet cable and interupted internet service all over Asia. Enjoy! http://new.photos.yahoo.com/laurenemilywinter27/
Look at ''all photos' when you view them--I was having trouble organizing them into albums.
posted by Lauren at 5:22 AM
4 Comments:
Hi Lauren;
Phabulous fotos! We really enjoyed looking at them and reading your description of the sights 'round about Phnom Penh. Your observations and insights about the country are particularly interesting and reminiscent of my old copies of the National Geographic Magazine, still stashed under the stairs in the basement.
You are certainly a faithful and timely reporter in keeping your family, friends and acquaintences informed of your whereabouts. With the apparent lack of folks responding to your blog via the "comment" section I can only assume that they must be corresponding via e-mail. I trust that is the case because I know how important it is to get some feedback about your travelogue and to have that connection to the people at home. So I hope that I'm not hogging the podium here.
A couple of newly acquired observations and questions here:
a) I never knew that there was any location in Vietnam that was high enough elevation and cold enough to freeze your collective "ahems" off. (That is what you meant by "a---s", isn't it?)
b) The Black Hmong and the Red Dao.......what is the significance of the descriptive color? Clothes?
c) How does one load a dead water buffalo onto a motorbike?
d) Was the pedicurist aware of your blog identity? (itchy etc.)
Thanks for keeping us up to date. Be sure to let us know how the New Year holiday is celebrated in SE Asia. We wish you a Happy one with continued good health and enjoyable experiences.
George
4:40 PM
George,rest assured that Greg and I are sharing all of the minute details of our daily lives via e-mail with Lauren with stimulating titles like Mom's and Dad's boring day. We are not going public for fear of boring the rest of you. Thanks so much for following her trip and your comments!! Nancy
10:12 PM
Hey there lo-a-go-go
Sorry I haven't been writing you more. I think that its "what could possibly be interesting about my daily life at home" syndrome. I should know better of all people. I still can't thank you enough for your rigorous commitment to blogging for everyone. Thanks as well for all the photos. Its especially nice to get an idea of what your new travel buddies look like.
I find myself trying to imagine what its like on the go all the time like you are. It makes me feel a little anxious to think about not knowing where I'm staying or going (you know me.."what time is it?" "what time is it now?" "what are we doing next??") but it sounds like you are handling it with aplomb.
I miss you. There is definately a noticable void where you should be especially at the ol' SnB meetings. Did you get the meeting notes we took from Cate? I hope you enjoyed them. Its was an odd meeting to say the least. Love you sugar bear. Have a happy safe new years.
XOXOX Rachel
10:49 PM
Well, I've been a lackluster commenter, but an avid reader, lorena. However, I have an airtight alibi of being in the backcountry most of my free time, mushing dogs, both at home and work. I just got back from a 3 day trip into the park, our first, since we only had 3 inches of snow until a week and a half ago. But we've been running them dogs regardless of the lack of snow, and now because of the little more snow. On the runners, I do have plenty of time for thinking, if not writing (its really too bumpy to do that) and I've been thinking of you, Slugger.
It's nice to come home and read about your travels. Isn't it amazing all the things that can happen in three weeks? Whereas sometimes in your life three weeks can go by without anything eventful, much less life and perspective changing, ever happening. Your days seem full, my friend, of stories that will be shared for the rest of your life.
I miss you and your (and our) stories.
Much love to ya, killer.
1:53 AM
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