Arrived very late Sunday and found our luxury(?) pad in Khaosan Road. Noodles from a street stall for brekkie then started ambling - 30 degrees and humid. Approached by a museum employee who told us the best temples off the tourist track. Negotiated a tuk-tuk for half the price and taught us the Thai for "too much". Nice chap. Fitted in a visit to the Grand Palace too - what (or wat?) a place! Spent the afternoon by and in the hotel roof pool. Had a great Thai meal and deceptively strong Chang beer.
Tuesday has us templed out. Wat Arun then the 43-metre lying down Buddha at Wat Pho which was a brilliant temple complex in its own right. Used the river to get around. Wandered through Chinatown faster than the traffic. Back to the pool then more food and Chang.
Bangkok is just teeming with colours and liveliness. We seem to be at the heart of it in Banglumphu.
Did a bit of shopping but failed to find any Marmite in the Tesco Lotus.
Next stop Cambodia.
Arrived in Phnom Penh Thursday pm and what a difference from Bangkok. Most
Traffic is scooters or tuk-tuk so much less manic. Terrific rain at night. Some lovely French style buildings. Wandered the streets and ended in Tuol Sleng prison where the Khmer Rouge tortured thousands. Very depressing and moving. Cheerful stuff next. Enjoying good food and cheap beer.
Did the palace and silver (floor) pagoda which were much more laid-back than Bangkok, more peaceful, more open. Then realised it was time to start the anti-malaria pills. More wandering the streets through several different areas, lots of variety and fewer tourists. Shops and stalls everywhere with so much stock. Had our first bout of bad stomach, but only brief.
Next 3 nights at a Khmer Village Homestay that turned out to be sponsored be Methodists. Two groups there - both from Singapore. What a difference! The evangelical lot showed Jesus films and did prayers; the other group of disabled teenagers brought gifts and showed Mr Bean.
Anyway, talked to lots of kids who wanted to try their English and saw lots of village life. Slept in a Khmer style cabin on mat on floor. Cold showers only and basic toilets, but we were better off than most villagers.
Lots of efforts being made to create jobs- a day's weaving on pre-industrial revolution looms could earn 3-4$US. The rice harvest is in full flow and a good crop this year. Countryside is nicer than the city, but most houses alongside the roads. Bicycles everywhere, scooters, mopeds pony- and bullock- carts.
Caught bus to Siem Reap and now with Debbie and John at No Problem Villa. Will send pics separately.
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