There’s a lot to say
about Cambodia, and about Phnom Penh, in particular.
An overwhelming amount. History,
current political tension, cuisine, the arts, the people, my shenanigans here
past and present…it goes on and on. A prevalent
theme that I’ve noticed while researching other blogs and successful posts are
the ever popular top ten lists. A nice, simple,
consolidated way to give the reader useful information, presented in a user-friendly
format that’s short enough not to bore and long enough to give the impression
that the topic of choice has been adequately covered.
Well, I don’t have a
top 10 list for Phnom Penh. What I do
have is a random conglomeration of tips, observations and whatever else I feel
like throwing in. I’ve got to start
somewhere. Enjoy!
1. You can drink the water now! Sometime in the last five years or so, Phnom
Penh’s previously death inducing (if you were already sick or had open
scratches, which you most certainly would, given the mosquito population) water
supply was purified. In most
places. It’s still a bit touch-and-go. I would recommend using a filter. Alright, screw it, just buy bottled water.
2.
People are
finally wearing motorcycle helmets!
Mostly. At least it’s now a law.
But not at night. Because there
are no cops at night...yeah... Most of
Phnom Penh traffic consists of motorcycles and last time I was here I was the
only one wearing anything resembling protective gear. If you are visiting be sure to purchase a
motorcycle helmet before getting on a moto-taxi. This is a land where traffic lights are
suggestions, NO ONE has the right of way and there is no right way to
drive. Or wrong way, apparently.
3.
DON’T
flush toilet paper down the toilet. You
dispose of it in a bucket conveniently located next to the toilet. Start rewiring your brain now—call it “bucket
paper.” Also, you clean yourself with a
small hose attached to the toilet.
Multiple jokes and suggestions running through my head aside, this is
actually a much more sanitary approach toilet hygiene.*
4.
A
reasonably priced two hour massage is $12 + tip. $12 PEOPLE!!!
5.
Open air markets
are awesome. And also terrifying. But mostly awesome.
6.
The
FOOD. There has been a huge boom in the
restaurant scene in the last couple years but don’t neglect street food and
market vendors (if you dare!). I will be
doing a photo guide as an ode to all the easily accessible and delicious
tropical fruit that I’m surrounded by. Which will probably just turn into an ode to food.
Passion Fruit!
7.
Art,
silks, watches, pretty much anything you can think of is available here (see
#5). Be prepared to bargain. Vendors can smell fresh meat and will charge
you about four times or so what something is worth. This is an excellent opportunity to engage in
a cultural phenomenon and to practice your Khmer! Remember, it’s all in good fun (and if it
starts not to be, just walk away).
8.
The
weather/climate. There are four “seasons.” June to August is hot and rainy. September to October is cooler and rainy. November to February is cooler and not so
rainy. March to May is HOT and mostly not
rainy. Overall, think humidity. My NOLA people know what I’m talking
about. Also, be aware, when I say rainy
some people say “monsoon season.” Plan
accordingly.
9.
The
people. They are very friendly! You have a few buttheads everywhere, but hey,
if you are looking for a place where everyone is the pinnacle of kindness and
virtue, I suggest you try the bottom of the ocean. Practice common sense, reach out to people
and have a good time opening your mind to another way of life! If you are a tourist, you are a driving force
of the economy in Phnom Penh and this is a mutually acknowledged mixed blessing
in your interactions with the locals.
10.
Last and
not least, Southeast Asia is most obviously and most applicably the place where
if you have enough money, you can do pretty much whatever you like and the
consequences will likely only be moral and between you and God. Hence, the shooting range where for $500 you
can blow up a buffalo with a rocket propelled grenade launcher.* I implore you not to do this. I might.
Just kidding…
Well there you have it. It even
came out to ten!
*If you think that’s bad, don’t go to Senegal. I was there on a service trip when I was
fourteen and all you were allowed to use was a bucket of water and your left
hand. Any contraband toilet paper that
found its way into the plumbing was to be removed manually by the unlucky culprit. I was informed of this last bit by my home
stay mother.
*My father says that he’s not positive that for $500 you can blow up a
buffalo. He says it might be $350…actually
he just said he isn’t positive the place exists at all and not to spread
internet rumors. I’m pretty sure it
exists, folks.
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