Cambodian writing, so cursive, artistic and difficult to write and learn, I imagine!
This lady has about four dogs and was hand feeding puppies. The mother dog was close to her pups on the ground so maybe she was helping the bitch out. I saw so many pregnant dogs in VN and Cambodia. Neutering isn’t common. Given vets fees at home I can guess why.
My initial impression of Cambodia was that it was very similar to VN, and yet, subtlety different. Still lots of food vendors and bikes on the pavements and crazy traffic. Lovely though.
After settling into our hotel in Phnom Penh, we decided to do a quick recon of the area, which turned out to be rather tricksy. Exiting the hotel was a little awkward as the staff pounced, in the nicest possible way, asking us where we were going and insisting on us taking a tuk tuk ride. They also rearranged my handbag across my shoulders and tucked my camera in. I felt like a teenager again!
We did go out, without a tuk tuk, as often as we wanted and really, the risk of being robbed was negligible. We genuinely never felt threatened in any way while there.
To my utter joy, I saw pigeons! Lots of doves too. I didn’t realize how much I’d missed them. A city is not a city, anywhere in the world without my beloved, common pige!!!
Here they are….back in business! Look at those doves…..sighs, just like my flock!
Is it only me who loves these wily, intelligent survivors?
How does a pigeon cross the road?
Monks.
The advice for a woman, here, is never to sit close to a monk, or take a photo of one without permission, and, NEVER go for a selfie with one. Fine by me, don’t DO selfies, and I asked for permission for this pic. They had no problem with that.
Moving on….to Siem Reap, by bus, which takes about seven hours. You would never guess this is a bus station, it looked like a shop front, blink and you’d miss it!
The first rest stop, oh, so, lovely …to the right of me, two adolescent pups playing. on my feet….
to the left, a black cat, just gazing at me, wish I’d had a little something for her. That left eye didn’t look good. I really enjoyed their company. I am missing my animal friends.
All was going well until the bus broke down, given it quickly became a furnace we were all ordered off and directed to…….
a random house, in the middle of the countryside. The villagers on the other side of the road gathered to watch.
There was a guy sitting outside, initially, who seemed to live there, but the minute we showed up he went inside. He ran a small shop yet he didn’t ask for anything, or even try to sell us his produce, how accommodating! Sixty people turn up at your home and that’s okay!?!
And Finally……
Random thought/observations
English is translated on all signs, shops etc. There was no English in VN, liked that, inspired you to learn as much as you could!
70% of rural homes have no electricity, by 2025, most should have.
Large chunks of the countryside are still polluted as a result of the Khmer Rouge regime.
There are fewer dogs and chickens roaming the cities but they are widespread in the countrywide.
People greet you with praying hands and a bow here, just like in Thailand.
China is very influential in Cambodia and corruption is said to be rife.
You travel to the most interesting places! I love your wanderlust. :o)
Great post and images.
I do enjoy the pigeons too; just not on my window sill. I let Nechama scare them away. Really liked the picture of the monks… they’re far more exotic to me than the pigeons. Ah, and the poor cat… though young, I fear he’s already seen some hard times…
You’re having a very adventurous trip. Not sure if I would be happy to see pigeons. Why can’t you even sit next to a monk?
I think it’s just a cultural thing and advice Jason, the monks I saw seemed fine around women. xxx
The birdies have all moved to where they are free to roam by the looks of it.
The cursive script is very artistic, it flows.
Coaches and Tuk Tuks – what an interesting juxtaposition of types of transport.
My immediate thought about the lady assisting with the feeding of the pup was, (could it be the runt?) she might be someone after your own heart.
xxxxx
P.S
How’s your new hip bearing up, oh, and how is your ankle now?
Ah Yes! Didn’t think of the runt scenario!!! That makes sense! My hip has been marvelous, the ability to clamber and do steep steps is coming back rapidly. I’m still hobbling on the ankle so I think it is a pulled tendon but it’s beginning to improve I think, I brought anti-inflammatory tablets for my hip, just in case which have come in handy for my ankle! They also helped a guy on the boat in Ha Long Bay, he had a terrible swelling on his elbow, I had codeine too for him! Thanks Menhir.xxxx
Another enjoyable post with lots of good pictures. I certainly don’t envy you the long, and I guess tiring, journeys. It made me smile that in such an exotic place you were pleased to see pigeons. xx
I am enjoying all of your wonderful trip posts and seeing your photographs.
All the best Jan
Really enjoying your trip… The roads don’t look quite as hectic in Cambodia? You are so right about the pigeons they are the birds survivors of the world… & have been very useful to humans throughout history as messengers.. We owe them plenty!
My brother has been in Cambodia recently & mentioned the strong Chinese influence too.
Keep enjoying your trip.
More wonderful photos of your adventures – I feel as if I am right there with you. Glad you got your pige fix! xx
Love reading about all your new adventures, looking forward to the next instalment!
Wonderful hospitable people, bringing out snacks for 60 people – you find such hospitality in so many places, particularly poor ones, and I think it shows us English up as being a bit mean and suspicious!
I’ve put some seeds into a flower pot just outside my den window, and a rather stout pige can’t believe his luck.
More adventures, especially a bus breaking down! I love your photos, so much color and so many crowds. I have to imagine the heat and smells.
I can tell you’re missing your winged and 4-legged beloveds, Dina; I do, too, when i’m on vay-cay, but, like you, I find others everywhere to share the love. 🙂
I love the way you’re observing so much and learning to detect subtle differences between countries; your lessons are so interesting to read!
Be safe and merry, and thank you for these wonderful posts, Dina! 🙂
Enjoying these posts……Pleasantly envious of you……Most delightful….I love the exotic….Enjoy! Hugs! <3
Talk about seeing some life. I’m so enjoying following your journey! I hope you made it to Siem Reip..
You’re certainly having an eventful trip and so many new experiences. Glad you managed to track down your beloved pigeons.