Finally i can provide a bit more detail, although without pictures. Both the computer and Internet are just too slow for photos.
Yesterday we arrived in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The road from Bangkok to Siem Reap is rough and long. During the rainy season, the road is often impassable and a flight is the only way over. This is not a problem during the dry season which we are currently in, however an unexpected rain came though midway to Siem Ream and we were close to pushing the van. Luckily our 15 year old driver was pretty damn good and got us out of some muddy jams. The locals living along the way are poor, yet proud and happy. Many have found employment in the paving of the road which is expected to be finished in 2010.
The visit in Bangkok however short was memorable. The markets really come alive at night avoiding the high heat and humidity of the day. Under swinging incandescent bulbs, vendors sell everything from jack fruit to fake designer clothes to hot noodles.
Bangkok was once the Venice of Asia with khlong (canals) that were the main routs to transport goods and people. Today they are mostly gone, but a few have survived which I was lucky enough to take a long-tail water taxi through. These long-tails are powered by a car engine resting on a single pivot with a long shaft to the propeller. To steer the boat, whole engine is moved on the pivot by a single (frigging tough) boatman.
This morning , back in Cambodia, I have walked some interesting markets. This afternoon we will take a boat trip to a floating village and tomorrow visit the temples of Angkor Wat.
I hope I can find a computer which I can upload a couple of pictures from. For now, all the best!
Oh, crickets taste good and are better with Ankor Beer! Tonight, tarantula.
3 responses so far ↓
1 sld // Feb 28, 2008 at 7:39 am
Jay. Sounds amazing. Can’t wait to see your pictures. Curious to hear how tarantula tastes! Girls say hello. Can’t wait for your next post.
2 tg6675 // Mar 2, 2008 at 4:24 pm
I want pictures now!
3 tg6675 // Mar 2, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Sounds like an episode of fear factor…
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