13 December 2010

Kittens are not the answer

I've been in Cambodia for a month...

...just let that sink in for a moment.

The last two weeks have gone so by so incredibly quickly, but I guess that's what happens when you're busy.  Work's been a bit insane - I've been traveling around with a visitor, so it's been catch-up time since I've been back. Plus, there's fun to be had!

All work...


My trip up to Siem Reap and Poipet was interesting.  I got to stay in a 5-star hotel in Siem Reap...

...which looks like this:


And the nicest place in Poipet...which includes a toilet in the shower...


Ironically, that was exactly what I needed at the time. The food poisoning also helped me sleep for the entire 12 hours I was there (but not working). So nice, they don't accept reservations or any form of payment other than Thai Baht (we were in Cambodia).  Sometimes I guess eating street food has its up sides!

...and All Play

 Siem Reap wasn't all work.  I managed to carve away some time to get to the famous Angkor What? (bar), see the temples with PCV... and ride this guy...


It was strange being at the temples again.  In 2006, the last time I was there, there were no safety precautions.  No handrails, fences, or tourist-friendly stairs.  Back then, there was no one else around, and we were able to climb on anything and everything.  These days, restorations are underway and the whole place has been a bit Disney-fied...which is a little disappointing but probably for the best.  Angkor Wat and the rest of the ruins are beautiful, amazing relics from the past and tourists running around with reckless abandon are probably not the best thing for sustainability.  

My return to PP was bittersweet.  AF went home to Hawaii, so there were lots of farewell parties (fun) but now no AF (sad!).  New friends entered the scene, and we found the best burgers in Cambodia - or at least in Cambodia after 0400 - so that's fun too...but the sunset cruise on the Tonle Sap was a bit less fun when we passed the Himawari...

As for the title of the post...

...if you recognize that, know that there are always options. even in Cambodia. And that's all I have to say about that ;)