Phenomenal Phnom Penh

Yesterday was a grueling road trip from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh...and I do mean grueling.  Sam, our driver, explained that the overland trip was typically 4 hours but, due to road construction along most of the route, our trip was extended to 7.5 hours of bumpy, dusty roads.  Interesting to note that both Japenese and Chinese contractors were building the roads.  There was a noticeable difference in quality...let's say that the Chinese need to work on their product a bit more.

We saw plenty of interesting sights, though....most interesting are the way scooters are used here.  The most popular form of transportation is a 125cc scooter with a rack on the back.  What the Cambodians can load on these bikes is amazing.  Here are the records for several categories...

Most people....a family of 5 were loaded of the scooter.  Only the driver had a helmet.

Most livestock........4 pigs going to market ( cringe....)

Largest appliance.....a refrigerator (3/4 size) strapped to the back. 

Overall winner.....14 twin mattresses!

After arriving at Phnom Penh, we spent a couple of days at the grand palace and Wat Phnom.

While in Phnom Penh, we visited the National Museum the first day as the Grand Palace was closed.  

The museum was definitely worth the tour.  There were many statues representing both the Hindu and Buddhist roots of the country.  One interesting observation was that many of the artifact cards stated "provenance unknown."  According to our reading, much of Cambodian history is underground and has been excavated during conflict times and without good documentation of the archeological findings.

February 14th.....Valentine's day is also a big holiday in Cambodia.  It also seems to be a day of Prayer for Buddhist's.  Wat Phnom sits on a small hill near the center of town.  The day we visited, it was overrun with families praying together....I have never seen so much incense in my life!

We have really enjoyed our time in Cambodia...on to an interesting visit in Thailand where anti-government protests have been ongoing for the last three months.  More to come!