A Day in the Life

We are currently on the bus to Sihanoukville, Cambodia - at least that's where we hope this bus is taking us! Cambodian pop music intermittently blaring on the tape player! Driving through the Cambodian countryside, very lush with lots of green vegetation. Not much development in between places. Ramshackle huts line sections of the street, water buffalo grazing, garbage strewn about, clothes drying and the occasional rice paddy.

After we got away from the border crossing and the bus depot, where they know we are easy prey, Koh Kong wasn't too bad. They seem to have an economy that doesn't rely solely on tourism - fishing docks and a large market evidence of that. At the same time, since tourism isn't fully booming here, they are less equipped for it as well - less spoken English and signage. As I was discussing with a hotel employee on Koh Chang, Thailand, we, as tourists tend to gravitate towards the easier way - where we are able to communicate, understand what we are signing ourselves up for, buy a bus ticket, a place to stay and food to eat. This was even more obvious after our initial exposure to Cambodia.

Unfortunately Cambodia is among the top 20 worst countries in the world for corruption - so it is hard to know who to trust - that in itself is tiring - constantly being on guard. We frequently saw big, bling-y rings on the hands of some of the "helpful" people we interacted with, and also saw some pretty flashy SUV's in town as well. Some people are obviously doing quite well.

Traveling can be such a roller-coaster. Two days ago as we were scootering around on Koh Chang, I found myself with a big grin on my face (then having to remember to keep my mouth closed to avoid choking on a bug!), and loving it all. Then days like yesterday just take it right out of you - it becomes hard work - sometimes you just want things to be the way you are used to it at home - knowing where to go in order to get what you want, being able to ask as many questions as you want - and be sure you understand the answers, and that the information you are being provided is probably reasonably accurate. As a fairly trusting person, I really have to make sure I've got my 'tough girl, traveling hat' on - in order to make sure we aren't getting taking advantage of (too much), or being totally taken down the wrong path.

Through it all, I've been so grateful that Tristan and I are on this adventure together. Sometimes you just need a cheer me up hug and someone to share responsibilities with. It's nice to have a partner in it all - for the good and the bad! :) On that note, here are a few of the arm's length "selfie's" we've been taking along the way!