Day 8 Cambodia

Day something

I would like to take this opportunity; no really I have to comment on the people here. They would have to be the friendliest people I have ever met. No one gets angry, no one bothers any body else, and the children are extraordinary. If you hear a child cry, which is rare, it doesn’t happen for long as a mother, sister, brother, uncle, aunt or friend will attend to the child immediately, and although I said before that I couldn’t say they were happy or not, I am now starting to gain some insight and realise that “yes they are happy”. Regardless of their poverty, regardless of their “class” they do what they have to do. And this involves surviving. Marty commented yesterday on their state of “poorness” and how they were starving, but one thing I have observed, is that the one thing they don’t lack is food. They may not have what we call a home, or even a place to live, but they do eat. Rice, vegies, eggs, some meat, and they are probably a lot healthier than us. If you get the opportunity to travel, come here, the people alone are enough to fill your hearts. The people are dirt poor, but they are so proud of their country, so happy and the thought of crime (theft) is out of the question. A City of Wonder.

Anyway, this morning we went to the Children’s Hospital and donated blood. This was a first and eye opener for Marty. They give you a “thank you “ bag which includes biscuits, Tshirt, and a packet of vitamins to take for the next week (I am assuming iron supplements), but also a can of soft drink and a card to return in a week to get your HIV/HepC/HepB/Syphilis result, gotta love em. Then when you walk out of the hospital, there are all the locals with their children and they are thanking you for what you have done. Humbling to say the least.

Off to more temples, just about over them by now, so ventured into a few but by 12 midday we were done.

Our next stop was to book our flight to Vientiane for next Monday, but unfortunately (not) that day’s flight was fully booked so we will just have to spend another day in this beautiful city.

We had lunch at a restaurant in Pub street and we both agree it is the best meal we have had yet. Fried rice and Chicken and Yellow Curry – awesome. Then we went for a walk to the local markets and “same, same, but different”, so we made our way back to the hotel, which is always a challenge as the tuk tuk drivers obviously don’t venture far from home. But we made it, and had a relaxing afternoon chatting to our son Matt and others on MSN. 

Later on we went back into town and had another awesome meal, incidentally, the meals are even cheaper here than PP, most are $15 - $20 which includes beer (50cents a bottle) and tip. Even though we said we weren't going to have another massage, (we have had a foot massage every night), we couldnt resist and opted for a full body massage. They are so different to anywhere else, and soooo painful, but you feel fantastic afterwards and really get a good nights sleep. All for the bargain basement price of $5 each. 

photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/ruthymartyc/Day8Cambodia#