Cambodia...land of the Camry

Seriously, we have never seen so many Toyota Camrys in our life! Everywhere!

Cambodia was a great country. What was strange about it though, was that even though it was not the poorest country we have visited, it seemed like the poorest to us. The capital was dirtier than other places we have been and there were more beggars than any other place. Despite that, we found it to be a good place to visit. Its a small country, so its easy to visit the three major sights in a short period of time and with the good roads and buses, getting around was a snap. Now for the wrap up.

Best of: Angkor Wat, Otres Beach, Cambodian people

Worst of: The heat (we know this garners little sympathy from you at home, but it was oppressive at times)

Best meal: Jarret - Pork Amok, Leigh - Veggie curry

Worst meal: Jarret - Fries at the beach (seriously, who batters french frozen fries before frying them?), Leigh - Veggie fried noodles

Yes please/no thanks: There really isnt one thing for either that sticks out to us

Hard to visit, but important: S21 prison in Phnom Penh was a really moving and difficult place to visit. The torture and inhumane treatment that went on there, and continued at the killing fields was horrendous. The pictures that depict how it was when it was found are moving, and knowing that it was a school before a prison, with the chalkboards still on the wall drives things home further. It was a difficult place to be, yet important.

Who'd a thunk it: Despite what you may hear about Cambodian cuisine, it is actually quite good, and they are famous for their pepper, served on your plate right off the plant at times! The Russian market in Phnon Penh had cheaper clothes than China, and they are the real deal, kinda like a Winners in Canada.

Something to think about: Next time you go to fill up the car and complain about the high price of gas, keep in mind that people in Cambodia who have a per capita income of around $2000, well over $35,000 less than ours, are paying over a dollar a litre for gas. Think about it.

Cambodia makes a good country to add on to a South Asia trip. While we are not sure there is enough to keep somebody busy for 3 weeks, it is easy to get to from Vietnam, Laos or Thailand, and makes a nice addition for some additional beach and temple time (btw, Siem Reap is a lot more happening with loads more restos and bars than you would think). Flat as a board, we also imagine that it would make a good cycling spot, as long as you dont mind camping in the middle of nowhere at night! Bottom line...if your in the area and have some time, give it a visit, we doubt you will regret it and at the very least will see one of the worlds truly great treasures in Angkor Wat.