A nation run by children

But first, the rest of Laos. I made my way south through the remainder of Laos. The last place I hit was Si Phan Don (literally "4000 islands"). After one of the most memorable Sawngthaew rides I've ever taken plus one rainy water taxi ride, we finally arrived that gray/monsoon afternoon. I have to expand on the ride in however. Picture at least 20 people, sacks of rice, backpacks of the falangs, and one pig... in the back of a modified pick-up truck. (I stepped on the pig TWICE before I realized it was on the step-up for the truck. Basically it went 'oink!'-> 'AH' -> crowd laughing) But we made it. Not much to say about Si Phan Don. We only had power from 6pm-10pm, which made for an early mandatory curfew. 2 days there was enough, especially when we didn't spot any of the alleged dolphins. On to Cambodia!

I'm only a couple of days into my Cambodian escapades... but this is shaping up to be the best country yet. Quick example, after we transferred to our other van in Cambodia from Laos, it took all 15+ tourists 2 hours to realize we had another guy riding on the roof of the vintage (read: old/beat-up) 1970s van. Seriously, the guy got down to tell our driver something like it was no big deal. We all basically looked around, gave the "did you know he was up there?" look, shrugged, and moved on.

Like the post title mentions, this country is a nation run by children. (kind of like 'Kid Nation', but all the kids are Asian) I read that something like 40% of the country's population is under the age of 15. They all speak English, they're all clever, and they're all out to make a buck. I've never seen a better prepared group of salespeople (saleschildren?) then these.

Them: 'Hey mister, you buy my book.'
Me: 'I don't need book.'
Them: 'You buy for your girlfriend.'
Me: 'But I don't have girlfriend.'
Them: 'Because you don't buy my book!'

They have an entire arsenal of them in their back pockets. I seriously think that's what they're teaching them in school.

On to the historic. The main reason any foreigner comes to Siem Reap is for Ankor Wat. I don't know what I expected from it, but it exceeded it. It's the largest religious building in the world, has 900+ years of history behind it, was the center of one of the greatest empires in history, and most importantly... was where they shot Tomb Raider! (Angelina Jolie subsequently adopted a Cambodian child shortly there after) It really is impressive. I made the 8km journey at 5am the first day, hoping I was the only one with the bright idea to shoot Ankor Wat at sunrise. I was met, however, by every other tourist who apparently had the same bright idea... still worth it none the less. We also hit the various other impressive Wats until we finally broken down from Wat-fatigue. (and Japanese/Chinese tourist fatigue. Someone please tell me WHY the tour groups dress alike? And it's not like they're all wearing brown capres and a white top... they're rocking bright aqua blue athletic pants and GIANT visors/hats. I don't get it.) I'll probably be here a couple more days, then on to Phnom Phen. The main reason I'll leave is not because I don't like it, it's because I can't afford to keep buying 'same same' t-shirts, bracelets, and fisherman pants... at least not from the same people. (even though I'd love to spend my 401k two dollars at a time)

Until I'm further east...