No longer in Thailand... hello from Cambodia!
Yes, it is true. After one month I have left Thailand.
I am now in Cambodia!! I am writing to you from Siem Reap!
This is a very brief update as I just arrived in Siem Reap today. But I wanted to share my initial impressions:
the people are very warm and welcoming, and all of the tuk-tuk drivers asking me if I'd like a ride reminds me of Bangkok
Cambodian people's calmness yet at the same time persistence is similar to the personality of Thai people
As soon as I arrived, it felt so different from Thailand, yet similar at the same time. Still trying to figure out exactly what that is, but I think the way of life moves differently here in Cambodia. At first glance, the big difference is Thailand is much more developed, but at the same time, this city is not far behind. There are many tourists, and after walking through some of the busier streets for a few minutes it appears Siem Reap has great nightlife. Perhaps the best I've seen so far in Asia.
Pub Street in Siem Reap
I was with a friend today and we were sitting in a nice city park and I noticed that this park could literally be anywhere in the world. You only notice that you are in SE Asia when you turn your head and see all the tuk-tuks and motorbikes on the street. To go with what I said earlier, this place feels less developed than Thailand, but it's not even what some would call a "third-world city." Feels like any other normal place (or maybe I am just super cultured now???). But the roads could use some work...
I also had the chance to have some local cuisine. It is quite good! I had some fried pineapple with rice for lunch, with a dragon fruit smoothie, and some fried noodles with vegetables for dinner. I also had a cashew nut smoothie. Tasted great!
A local market
Final observation: this place is CHEAP, but the US dollar is king here. All prices are listed in USD, but you can pay with the local currency if you'd like. Basically, $1= 4,000 Cambodian Riel and the most common bill is a 500. Talk about a stack of bills for just a dollar! Also, when you pay with USD, you will most often receive your change in Riels unless you request USD. They do not have coins in their currency and I don't think they use nickels or quarters so if your change is $1.50 you will receive the $0.50 in Riels (2000).
Siem Reap is home to Angkor Wat, the historic and largest religious monument in the world (a huge complex made up of many temples). It has been a looong day (early flight this morning) and I am catching sunrise very early tomorrow and then I am exploring the temples all day. Looking forward to tomorrow and exploring Cambodia! More pictures coming soon! Also, can't wait to watch the World Cup here!
Happy Father's Day to all the dads!
Zach