Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh
A Journey back in Time.
Cambodia is playing catch up with other Asia nations this modernization can be seen in Phnom Penh however it has a long way to go and for many expats the longer it takes the better as it is a laid back and a cheap place to live ,I have noticed with Thailand that its modernization has taken away a lot of its magic.
One of the biggest attractions for Phnom Penh and Cambodia for visitors are the ancient temple ruins of Angkor Wat surrounded by encroaching jungle adds to its appeal.For those who decide to stay longer in Thailand a visa trip to Cambodia is highly likely,although you cannot judge a country by its border the difference is startling,the motor bikes and tuk tuks are old,the people move their produce on wooden carts with wooden wheels and they are the horse power pushing and pulling surprisingly heavy loads,small and wiry people they take on the daily challenge eeking out a living as best they can.
When I go to the border I take a good handful of 1 baht coins for the child beggars, a few baht each isn't much but if they can buy a sweet or drink at the end of the day it can break up their desperate and listless day and a handful of baht is not something I am going to miss.
We take for granted our social services,unemployment benefit,solo mothers and retirement pension often complaining it is not enough but in Cambodia there is none of that no work no money,consider that,earn enough for yourself,take care of the siblings and look out after your parents through their later years,a commitment most westerners would not consider.
For those who have made the journey through Asia will have noticed the sellers walking the bars and beaches with the watches and sunglasses as annoying as it can be do keep in mind this is often the only work open to them,12 hours walking and peddling,if no sales they go home empty handed the whole day for nothing.
Visit the wonders of Cambodia and if you can be generous.

• 19 Nov, 2015
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