From Fractured Myanmar to Funky Bangkok & Beyond... Destination Cambodia

Thoughts at leaving Myanmar....... As we go down the busy streets of Yangon I think of my father and his first and last impressions of this country. Busy people eting a quick breakfast at th side of the pollution riddled roadway... Red spittle in the dust and dirt (beetle nut)...
How people live in the city amazes me. Yet they are, on the whole, very joyful, not just happy. They have a look of hope or is it just acceptance of the inevitable?
"Tell our story in your country, Get the message out!!" This is what we herd nd other tourists shaed about their encounters with the locals. This country does not need embargos, it needs a return (?) to democracy. Get rid of the fear these people live with daily. You can't even trust a beggar or a hawker on the street. intelligence is an iteresting word used to describe secret police. If they were intelligent would they infom on innocent people who quietly voice their opinions?
We were told of an instance where a beggar on the street was recognized by a citizen as a fellow student and friend. When he approached the young man he clearly got a signal to stay away. later, at a tea shop, he ran in to him again where he was told that he wa with the secret service. You can't trust your friends or even some of your own family.
How can you be happy and feel fear? Somehow these people pull it off.
Inflation is rampant. Gas reserves are sold off to other countries while rationing goes on leaving businesses crippled as their vehicles stand at the side of the road waiting... the cost of gas on the black market is $5 / gallon and the wages start at #30 / month. Rice is $7 / kilo.... on the other side of the coin anyone working for the military gets at least double the average wage.... doctors and professionals even more
These thoughts still work in my mind as w enter another world. From the fredom of being able to wite information in my journal to the chaotic freeedom of Khao San Rd in Bangkok. Absolute craziness in a carnival atmosphere. Have I been transported to Height Ashbury in the 60's?? Haven't seen so many hippies in one place for years. Some our age stuck in a greying time warp. Others living the lifestyle... still others fresh faced wannabees out of high school! This is the first time we have stayed in this area of Bangkok. The street has been blocked off to traffic since the bombings which only adds to the atmosphere. Balloons, carnival clowns, tattoo artists, beads, leather , bangles & flashy artsy clothing....did I mention food?? Great pad Thai Satay and Banana pancakes as well as an assortment of deep fried bugs (think I''ll pass).
Got a place with a pool which was nice but didn't make up for the noisy neighbours. We finally fell asleep at about 2AM and had a wake up call for 4:30... on the plane to Cambodia.
Phnom Pehn... our first impressions of Cambodia... Well it helps to have both the president and the king drive by to say hello as we entered the city. They were going in the other direction but close counts. The next biggest impression was that the country was very wealthy compared to Myanmar. We travelled at least 7km by motorbike to the bus station and didn't hit one pot hole.. didn't even see one.
There are many new private cars & motor cycles. Buses aren't over crowded & you can see in to the distance!
The touts, however, are pretty bad here. The first 24 hrs are always the hardest as you get to know the ropes of a new country. Paid $7 for a $5 ticket to Siem Riep.... Oh well, we're learning.
Back on transport to Siem Riep we passed the flattest country I've seen since the Canadian prairies. Mostly sand we kept looking for the water but it just isn't there. Palm trees and sand gave you the illusion of lapping water. No such luck... hot and dry. We are away from the cool of the highlands. The houses are more ornate than Myanmar. Higher off the ground with more ornate roof decoration. No bamboo ramps to the front door the stairs lead up to a level high enough to park a car as well as your cow.
Here, in Siem Riep we took the day off to recover from the hours of transit. Tomorrow we will go to Ankor Wat.