Well Tyler, I think I have something your not going to believe but your going to have to read a bit to get there in this post as soo much has happened in the last week. To address Ray, I owe about 3 thai girls engagement rings but now that I am in Cambodia that is no longer my one of my concerns haha. Just kidding of course, I was never that concerned. I did meet a really awesome girl about my age that spoke english but of course it was on my last night. Nothing else in that department worth writing about (i.e. gramma reading).
Cambodia is great, the people are friendly, its safe and best of all pretty damn cheap. I took a bus from Bangkok to the boarder with a friend that was rather uneventful. We both had stayed up all night because we knew we would never get up in time otherwise so the ride was good to catch up on some sleep. Unfortunately, I wasnt able to sleep that much witch just made it long. Once in Cambodia the ride got very interesting. When people talk about "roads" in Cambodia they are using the word loosely. It wasnt uncommon to not be able to see the road because it was covered in water a foot or two deep. Most of the roads were rock or dirt, and even on the "highways" you share the road with cattle.
When we arrived it was late and raining so we just got a room at the place the cabby took us. Not bad, a double room for $8 (total) and it even comes with a pet gecko that I named "Lizardman". He is handy to have a round since he is eating all of our misquotes. I also feel safer in this hotel knowing that there are no guns, drugs, or grenades (see pic) allowed haha. It made me wonder though... if that needs to be specified then did someone at one point bring a grenade into hotel?
Siem Reap is most well known for Angkor which is one of the largest religious structures in the world. As they are quick to point out, its where tomb rador was filmed and they refer to one of the temples as the "Angolina Jolie" temple. The area is so big that you need to hire a driver to take you around the inside. We purchased a three day pass and were not able to cover all of it. The temples are amazing and there are sooo many of them. The most impressive is Angkor Wat which is surrounded by a huge moat. Around each temple are people selling food and souvenirs but if you even look at them you get mobbed with people selling stuff for $1. We actually had a couple stands fighting over who got to sell us water. Below are some pictures as I could never write anything that would do this place justice.
Being in Siem Rep is crazy. If you think Mexicans are the king of cramming people and objects into automobiles then you have never been to Cambodia. There were several occasions where we would see a family of 6... yes 6 on one motor bike driving down the road. Its also not uncommon to see them with large boxes, chickens, pigs, tables, chairs, or any combination on a motor bike. Motor bikes are by far the main source of transportation and there are parking lots filled with them everywhere we go. We have also seen pickup trucks so crammed with the above mentioned that they have trouble getting up over the curb.
Tyler, this one is for you. We became pretty good friends with our tuktuk driver and he invited us to a traditional Khmer wedding. This was such an awesome experience. Nate and I were the only two white people there (and also by far the tallest). The reception was, as they say in this part of the world "same same.... but different" from an American reception. Everyone was seated around small tables similar to a US wedding reception but instead of a buffet they brought out course after course....after course of food. The food was terrific starting with traditional bar food, moving to seafood salad, to some of the best duck I have ever had, to soup. The last course was pork fried/ white rice. Each table was also equipped with a bottle of Johnny Walker red label along with some soft drinks and of course beer as well. Nobody at any table seemed to be shy with the booze and by the end of the night there were drunk people (mostly the men) everywhere. They also had traditional dancers on stage that were not only incredibly beautiful but very fluent in there movements. Once everyone was done eating the dancing started. Some of my new found friends took me to the dance floor and showed my how to dance like a Khmer. I felt like Danyalson in the Karate kid. The movements were bacially heal to arch with your feet and open palm movements while twisting your wrist. Many of the guests got a kick out of my not being able to do this with any rhythm but it was all in good fun. One thing that was very different from an American wedding was the guys danced with the guys and the girls with the girls and always in large groups.
After our third day in Siem Rep we decided to head south to Phnom Penh. The bus ride hear was a bit smoother than Siem Rep but we took a very cheap bus with the locals and again we found ourselves as the only white people which made it so much more fun. We had to make several stops so they could spray off the engine with water to cool it down. At one of the stops Nate got out and did yoga for a few minutes and the way these little girls (some from bus, some selling stuff on the side of the road) stared at him like he was from outer-space was priceless.
Well, thats it for now, post again when I can.
In Cambodia, having a blast but I cannot locate a wifi connection to post pictures. Please be patient as the stories I have require photo evidence and will be worth the wait.
Well, its been a good run but my adventures in Bangkok are coming close to an end. A bit later this week (probably thursday) I will be off to Cambodia to see what type of harm I can do to the US and A's reputation. Although, I do tell some people I am from Canada.
A few more Ko Tao pics that were sent to me
One more thing worth mentioning that I forgot. We went to the main "strip" of Ko Tao one night and got to see a live fire show on the beach. These dudes were amazing. My camera could not do it justice but one of my friends was able to take a few cool shots and send them to me (below). Basically there were three guys swinging balls of fire attached to a chain, throwing them back and forth across the beach and swinging a stick that was had flames coming off of it on both ends.
Ok, so if you ever have the desire to scuba dive I must insist you go to Koh Tao (Thailand) to do it. A very small island with white sand beaches and crystal clear water. It is what you think of when someone says tropical island. Through out most of the island they have a "no shoe" policy. When entering most restaurants, hotels, stores, travel agencies etc you are to leave your sandals outside. So a hint if you do go, dont bring shoes because they will be a pain, sandals are ideal and some people simply stay bear foot.
Ok, so after talking to my mother on the phone it has become quite apparent that all my stories involve alcohol. She was quick to point out that "your grandmother is reading this" (love you gram, and thanks for reading). Well today I actually made it through the night sober! Actually all day if you dont count the fact I was up to 5 am last night drinking haha. Ended up in a bar with some friends after discussing our scuba trip and played Wii. In my mothers honor didnt drink anything but coffee and sprite.
