We are now in Siem Reap, due to set off for Singapore tomorrow. Today we did the full tourist thing - temples and tourist attractions in a tuk tuk, with Mr Marom, who has been my driver all three times I've been here. He said he remembered us from 7 years ago, and that Louise hadn't changed - the charmer!
The previous two days were mostly spent on the road, 6 hrs from Phnom Penh to Kratie, across the Mekong to our island hotel - no air-con or internet, but very close to proper rural Cambodia - then 8 hrs from Kratie to Siem Reap, but with a two hour diversion in Kampie to see the Irrawady Dolphins. They proved very obliging, though not for still photography. They were close enough to hear them snort as they surfaced, but they don't jump or follow any pattern so your camera is usually pointing in the wrong direction.
Our long road trip enabled me to observe some interesting rural Cambodian traffic behaviour:
- They drive on the right in Cambodia, but it is not wise to rely on this as a universal rule.
- The left indicator is used to show that the driver intends to overtake, is overtaking, has just overtaken, or overtook some time ago and is now on the phone and unable to operate the indicator switch.
- Left and right hand turns are indicated by a sharp turn of the steering wheel in the appropriate direction.
- The right indicator is not used.
- The Cambodian equivalent of our double white line is a broad yellow line - it has the same meaning to drivers as a broken yellow line, or no yellow line at all.
- One handed riding of a motorcycle is a useful skill, not only does it make you look cool, but it can also be helpful when smoking, using the phone, texting, holding a 25 litre water container, steadying a small child or carrying a 6m length of drain pipe (all on a main road)
- Public transport is provided by small minibuses with 4 rows of 3 seats. Cambodians are not large people so tickets are sold on the basis that 4 people will fit on each row. If the bus is full it may also be possible for a passenger to sit on the roof. Luggage is piled around the passengers and behind the back row of seats. Larger items of luggage may be strapped on behind the rear door, such as six air-conditioning units, two motorcycles or a double bed. If you wish to carry a mini-tractor as well as a motorcycle the rear door may also be opened.
Solving a luggage problem:
Crossing to the island:
Rural Cambodia -1 :
Rural Cambodia 2:
Ready for bed, only 3 bites each so far:
Herons are easier to photograph than dolphins:
Cambodians go to the temples too:
Waiting for sunset at Angkor Wat, Louise photographing an interesting tree. The small boy didn't sell us "10 postcards one dollar".
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