Crossing the border on the bus left me with the uneasy excitement of new surroundings, smells, and heightened sensations and emotions. I passed the time by snapping my window's ever-changing display. Such a contrast in terrain within only a few kilometers inland from Vietnam—large trees again.
I happened to arrive in the capital city of Phnom Penh over the King's Birthday. Through past experience, I expected some sort of city wide parade/event with adorned elephants, etc. Each day I waited to little avail. Apparantly the King's Birthday isn't the nationwide
celebration I thought it might be.
So, I spent my days bipedal, as usual. Found some great pics on my Walk-a-bouts. For a capital city, I really enjoyed Phnom Penh. Reminded me a little of South India, mixed with a little of Vietnam, and a little of Thailand. I had no idea—at one time, Cambodia's Kmer peoples had stretched through Laos, South Vietnam and most of central Vietnam, touched the China border, and had ownership over much of mid and all of South Thailand. Wowsas.
Better than hackey-sack, this game is popular in both Vietnam and Cambodia. I especially liked how they kick the “ball” from behind their heads, up and over their heads in dancer-like poses.
National Museum
One of my last days, I ventured forth into the Palace. After seeing so many extremes in Cambodia, this place left me feeling uneasy. It's beauty and wealth is about as extreme as one can get here.
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