Phnom Penh Lesson

Streets of dirt and garbage, motodrivers of annoyance, and people of beauty. I can see why people who come here fall in love. I spent the day walking from my comfort at lakeside to the Wat Phnom (temple) to the museum to the Royal Palace and back.

Khmer Cuisine
Veasna and Matha made a traditional Khmer meal for me and Roath and it was not only different, it was good. Of course I can not pronounce or begin to spell the dishes I ate but I can tell you that I ate fish fried with marinated ginger and peanuts, soup of rotten fish (foreigners call it smelly fish), mixed greens, and rice. I was quiet surprised of how much I enjoyed it. Then, Roath made some chocolate cake for desert...so yummy.

Khmer Language
I have given myself two hours each day to learn the local language, Khmer. Veasna is a great teacher and knows the English language very well. In the city, I was able to somewhat communicate with locals so I know I will enjoy the morning lessons over the best milk coffee in the world - at least, in what I know so far.

Wat Phnom
I was a little apprehensive to walk into the temple but I tried not to let my white skin shy me away. I gave an offering and said a prayer of health and safety then made my way out. Some women my age were giving me quite a stare and so I waved them over only to realize they just wanted a picture with me...same same as India. It's the women here that I find are more curious then the men. Although, I do look like a young man by their standards (short hair, t-shirt, and pants) - too funny.

Statues of Gods
Never have I seen so many statues of Buddha in my life; not only Buddha but also Shiva (god of destruction and creation), Vishnu (god of protection), and Genesa (The elephant with two arms). The history in the museum is mostly of Siem Reap so I will be for sure visiting soon. Siem Reap is about a four hour bus ride north...maybe a boat ride will be more interesting.