Wednesday, July 9, 2008

transportation

Hey all,
Wow. I keep wowing. This is a different kind of wow though.
We've finally arrived in Cambodia. We are staying at the lovely Shadow Guest House for the low low price of 13 USD a night. And, we have aircon. I wowed because today was a really long journey. We spent the last 24 hours plus on boats, buses, tuk tuks, and taxis.

Here's the recap...
We spent a few nights on Koh Tao which was a lovely little island in the Gulf of Thailand. We enjoyed the luxury of chillin on the beach and scuba diving in some epic reefs. It was 'really lovely, but very touristy. We had a few hours of rain, but managed to see a lot of the island, drink and relax. It was needed. I'm glad Sada made it scuba diving- we saw sea snakes, some nemo fish and a few huge triggers. We also enjoyed some drinks on the beach and attempted to swim with sharks.
We met some really fantastic people also traveling and/or ex-pats so to say. Hearing some of the stories of refugees from Burma and Cambodia was really special. A lot of people make it to Thailand to work and make money for their families back home. Also, James, I'm sure I will never see you again, but meeting you was refreshing and real.
So left the little island on a ferry and made it back to Bangkok in only 12 hours time. This morning we boarded a government bus and made it to the Cambodian border. The whole border crossing, visa, money exchange was interesting. Wow, intensity. Now Thailand has a lot of money because of their tourist industry. In stark contrast Cambodia does not. It is very apparent as soon as you cross the border you see the condition of the people and the roads.
I personally think the biggest thing that a government can do is set up infrastructure. That is create roads; and in that process, create jobs. I think this country has suffered in extremes like no other place I have ever been. Their recent Khmer Rouge and war situation has left a lot of devastation here. It is very obvious on the 3 hour ride to Siem Reap. The road was in such a bad state that it should have taken about an hour, but because of the dirt and rocks and work going on it is a disaster. As soon as you approach this city it warms up a bit and you see some beautiful buildings and a bit of fashion. Fashion is always a sign of time and money. You cant have it otherwise. If you are too busy trying to get food or get to where you are going, you cant bother with what you are wearing.
Anyway, we met some fantastic boys from West Virginia on our taxi ride today. They kept us good company and we shared a roadside beer when we stopped to fix the window in the Camry today. The driver just pulled over and got the electronics of the mechanism to make the window go up and down fixed. It took about an hour and it we had fun playing jump rope with some kids.
I'm excited to see Angkor Wat and the ancient temples. We've met some really interesting people here and I wish I could share some photos with you all. I might be able to once I get to back to Bangkok.
I'm a bit tired, but I cant complain. Having food and a shower is really a luxury here and it makes me feel separate from those who could never afford those comforts. There are so many levels of poverty, but I think one of the worst is in having a government that is destructive and corrupt. We will visit the landmine museum and pay our respects to those who have lost their lives and limbs from such horrible acts.
This is a really incredible place and we noticed a lot of people wearing yellow shirts in support of their political party today. It is really in a bad state, but hopefully getting to know the people here I will get an understanding of how it is being worked on. I hope that for the sake of the people here they are becoming healthier and happier.
I will write more when I know more. Nap time.
Family, I tried to call, but its tough. The 12 hour time difference and the phone card thing is never easy. I'm doing just fine. Much love to you all.

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