I'm reunited with my bicycle in Savannakhet after 8 days of seeing Cambodia. Felt a strange sense of "home" when I re-entered Laos. Man I love this place. Will be hitting the road tomorrow (Wednesday) and should be in Vietnam in 2 or 3 days. .
Cambodia was fascinating. The highlight was the Angkor Temples outside of Siem Reap, absolutely astonishing. I spent 3 days making my way through these ancient Khmer ruins and still didn't see even half. I also spent 3 days trying to stay alive in Phnom Phen traffic-visiting museums, markets and, of course, the Tuol Sleng prison and killing fields. Tuol Sleng was disturbing -torture facility turned tourist attraction only one year after it was shut down. This probably speaks to the poverty of the country as much as it does to their need for emotional reconciliation.
Honestly, Cambodia made me look at myself and my hardened Western attitude more than any place I've been yet. It's a complex country and the people are perhaps more sensitive than I was prepared for. I left feeling a little depressed, like I bargained too hard or maybe I just didn't give enough of myself. The next time I go to Cambodia I will stay longer and figure out how to be of service to the Khmers.
Sorry I don't have more to say about all the incredible experiences I'm having. It's hard to put into words all the beauty and magic I see here everyday. I'm happy, I'm healthy, and I'm safe. Thanks for reading. Love from Asia....K
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