Sunday, July 16, 2006
Cambodian Culture Shock
I have arrived safely in Siem Reap, Cambodia and I immediately had massive culture shock! I went through customs and immigration fine and approached the taxi stand. I requested, along with an American called John who I met on the flight, a taxi to the hotel. The guy told me that it would be five U.S dollars and then asked me "if I needed some fucking?" We were taken back by the question but quickly said no. Later we confirmed with each other whether he had really asked us what we thought he had asked us.
Cambodians strike me as being poor and desperate, which is understandable when one considers what the society has gone through in the last few decades. The taxi driver couldn't stop talking about what a good deal he could provide his services as a tour guide. After lunch we walked into the centre of town to surf the internet. I was also looking to buy the Cambodia Lonely Planet, which conveniently enough one can buy photocopied versions of for $5. We came across a little boy who was selling such books, well buying from him really pissed off the little girl next to him, especially when we refused to buy another book or postcards. We were followed into town, this 8 year old girl yelling the most rotten things that I have ever heard coming out of a little childs mouth. We were ugly. Liers. Our children will be ugly. We won't get girl friends. She definitely won't be getting my business now, the only reason I didn't buy postcards was because I didn't have anything smaller than $5 U.S.
To say the least, this place is tense and intense. You can see victims of landmines everywhere (I will definitely be very careful about where I place my feet.) Maybe Thailand isn't so bad after all!
I'm not sure about the road ahead. Maybe I will look for a volunteer placement somewhere more quiet!
Cambodians strike me as being poor and desperate, which is understandable when one considers what the society has gone through in the last few decades. The taxi driver couldn't stop talking about what a good deal he could provide his services as a tour guide. After lunch we walked into the centre of town to surf the internet. I was also looking to buy the Cambodia Lonely Planet, which conveniently enough one can buy photocopied versions of for $5. We came across a little boy who was selling such books, well buying from him really pissed off the little girl next to him, especially when we refused to buy another book or postcards. We were followed into town, this 8 year old girl yelling the most rotten things that I have ever heard coming out of a little childs mouth. We were ugly. Liers. Our children will be ugly. We won't get girl friends. She definitely won't be getting my business now, the only reason I didn't buy postcards was because I didn't have anything smaller than $5 U.S.
To say the least, this place is tense and intense. You can see victims of landmines everywhere (I will definitely be very careful about where I place my feet.) Maybe Thailand isn't so bad after all!
I'm not sure about the road ahead. Maybe I will look for a volunteer placement somewhere more quiet!
