We left Siem Reap yesterday, a day earlier than planned. I can’t say it’s the best point on our itinerary, but I can’t complain either. Amazing temples are the only thing worth seeing/doing around here. It’s definitely a must see but the rest:, hassle, etc. is a huge minus. the atmosphere of tourists that came with their Samsonite coffers, the omnipresent hassle: “Miss, tuk tuk?”, “miss cold water/ Book/bracelet/ pineapple? For your boyfriend! Buy one more! 10 for 3 dolars!” are super annoying. Vendors see foreigners as big green USD bills on legs already. It’s already too late to get the true spirit of the town; one should have come here 5 years ago. And I already fear what will become of this place in the next 5 years. But I do understand it’s a trade-off: either support Cambodian economy (which Angkor is probably one of if not the most profitable %) or keep the place as it was few years ago. I guess you can’t stop globalization.
Generally, if anyone is to come here – do. Visit the temples but get out of here as soon as you have that over with. There are much more interesting places on the map and better value for money elsewhere.
Right now I’m on the night bus from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville. It’s awesome! There are tiny bunk beds instead of regular seats. I’m on the upper level of the bus on the bed above and there are no seatbelts or anything that would prevent me from flying out the front windscreen apart from a TV. I’d say Poland is (yet again) far behind Cambodia in certain aspects of developments, but this does not fulfill ANY safety regulations at all. This Iis such a cool adventure :]
ps. new photo album at : http://picasaweb.google.com/smartainSEA
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