Great quotes and some advice when traveling through Cambodia

Words are the way we complicate the simple. The deepest aspects of life are about wordlessness. Something you can’t articulate.  - Pico Iyer

We’re currently in Siem Reap in Cambodia.  I brought these pearls of wisdom with me to chew on as I write in my journal.  John has forgotten the power supply cable for the laptap, so I haven’t been able to do as much writing as our last trip.  I’ve resorted to keeping very untidy reference notes which I will update for y’all at a later date, with photos included of course.  I have also continued writing in my personal journals.  To be honest though, this quote by Pico Iyer says exactly how I feel at the moment.  I’m going to need some time to sit and think about everything I’ve seen in the last 48 hours.  I’m at a loss for words.

Computers are really really slooowww and we’re having a hard time keeping in touch with folks.  Last night we arrived at our hotel and had no electricity.  The entire city of Siem Reap was totally blacked out for several hours.  We didn’t mind though.  Half the villagers in and around Siem Reap don’t have any electricity at all.  We enjoyed eating by candlelight.  Everyone seemed to have the same idea.  Food and lots of drinks.  There was a huge roar of happiness when the lights finally came back on last night.

Travel is not about collecting passport stamps, but keeping your eyes open.  - Pico Iyer on the purpose of travel

We’re staying in a beautiful villa on the outskirts of Siem Reap.  It’s operated by a lovely British couple who have been very accomodating and extremely kind.  We’re thrilled with our accomodations.  The staff are lovely and we’ve been able to have long talks with Dave, the owner, who has lived in the area for four years and also happens to be a professional photographer! 

Can you believe we didn’t even go near Angkor Wat on our first day in Siem Reap?  We went straight to a fishing village near Tonle Sap lake and spent time wandering through the village and meeting the local fishermen.  The village is totally untouched by tourism.  That means that these people are still unaffected and untouched by the advance of Western influence.  Children still run around naked and most of them had never even seen a digi cam before and were absolutely entranced to see their images on my screen.  I’m still absolutely floored by everything we saw and promise to recount all our travels for you at a later date.  All I can say is that we enjoyed the most magnificent sunset I’ve ever seen while floating in the middle of the lake on a fishing platform, surrounded by villagers and local fishermen bringing their catch in for the day. 

Never journey without something to eat in your pocket. If only to throw to dogs when attacked.
—E.S. Bates

I love this quote, but thankfully I’ve only had to employ this advice in Taiwan.  Even the dogs and cats are friendly in Cambodia!  The people here are incredibly friendly and kind.  They have the most engaging and sincere smiles I’ve ever seen.  After spending a day in the village and being welcomed with open arms, bright eyes and beckoning smiles, I’m in love with the people of this country already.  Today, we’re heading to the temples of Angkor Wat, the beating heart and soul of Cambodia.

The glamour of the East had cast its spell upon him; the mystery of lands in which no white man had set foot since the beginning of things had fired his imagination; the itch of travel was upon him, goading him to restlessness.
—Hugh Clifford, The Story of Exploration