First and foremost, I would like to extend a “Kudos you!” to Korean Airlines. Hands down, the best traveling experience I’ve had so far. Fantastic flight attendants who come around at least every half an hour to offer beverages and such, personal video screens with newly released films even for those of us who will only ever be able to afford "economy class," slippers, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and decent food for being 30,000 feet in the air.
Rating – 2 jazz hands!
Now, about the city-
I have been in Phnom Penh less than a week and have already experienced so much. Traffic that appears to flow seamlessly despite the overcrowded streets, filled with motos carrying entire families (3 adults and 2 children…no joke), bicyclists riding casually as if they’re oblivious to the fact that they could easily be taken out at any moment by something with a motor, and tuk tuks transporting foreigners to their next destination. It seems as though the laws of the road are more like unwritten rules…quite a sight to behold. There is somewhat of a sense of peacefulness among the chaos. And then you try to cross the street on foot. If you're religious, you pray and if you're not, you hope that you have enough good karma stored up to help you make it safely to the other side.
With all of the moto and tuk tuk drivers around the city trying to make a buck, visitors are likely to be asked time and time again (this is a euphemism for harrassed) if they need a ride. “Tuk tuk?” I hear from a Khmai man as I step out onto the street from a friend’s apartment. “Moto, you need ride?” I hear from another man. “ot te, ot te,” I reply…the first Khmai word I learned which means “no.” I can’t count how many times a day I use that word, but maybe I should. Yes…yes, I will do that and put it in a future post for my readers because I know that you’re just dying to know.
Pictures will be coming soon!
