438 replies to this topic

[dixon cox]

Opposite the end of Street 104 (not the Riverside end) is where the Post Office is located and a short walk beyond that is Wat Phnom (Temple Hill). So if you ever have a parcel to post this is the place you want, personally I would only send packages signed-for and insured and I'd also want to witness the stamps being stuck on the package too.

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[dixon cox]

Despite moving into the Super Star Hotel we decided renting an apartment for the last 3 months of my stay would be most beneficial in terms of money saved, stability and giving us more of a feeling of homeliness and a base.

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[dixon cox]

We had a look on the internet but everything seemed mostly high-end and not our cup-of-tea or price range, so we kept our eyes open and looked for "For Rent" signs of which there were quiet a few, although many written in Khmer and we preferred to avoid the tourist streets hoping for somewhere a little quieter but still within easy walking distance of the centre.

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[dixon cox]

For apartment viewings I asked her to call them and then go for the viewings alone without me, that way we'd hopefully get an unbiased price and with a clear understanding of what was or wasn't included in the rental price.

She saw a few first as I hovered around nearby, they were fine, but the third ticked all the boxes and the location was good. We didn't commit on the spot but made them an offer below theirs and left. Within an hour they'd called us back and accepted so we returned with the deposit and would move in the next day.

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[Uncle]

An endless feast for the senses and the lens DC.

I never know which way to look when I'm there for fear of missing something.

Still enjoying your work thank's.

[dixon cox]

An endless feast for the senses and the lens DC.

I never know which way to look when I'm there for fear of missing something.

Still enjoying your work thank's.

Many thanks indeed Uncle and I appreciate your kind comments

Cambodia has fast become my favourite country and I'll probably be skipping past Thailand for the foreseeable future. Having some good local friends there certainly helps.

I hope to catch up with you there someday, perhaps even later in the year when I'll be back again for an extended stay. Let me know when you next plan to return.

[pacman]

Great stuff DC & such pithy captions to your pictures. I am once again reminded that brevity is the soul of wit.

And I found your picture of the lovable street-urchins to be most poignant. Two innocent children in a Third World Asian country will discover soon enough what life holds in store for them.

My hope is the girl will one day head up the UN & the boy will be Cambodian Prime Minister. I shudder to think that if that picture was taken 20 years ago they could be working in Pattaya today. Like so many others.

[dixon cox]

And I found your picture of the lovable street-urchins to be most poignant. Two innocent children in a Third World Asian country will discover soon enough what life holds in store for them.

Cheers Pacman, that street-urchin pic is one of my many favourites too for a number of reasons, but sadly it was taken into the sun from the shadows with a bright background so therefore over-exposed to some extent.

They were a great pair of kids by the way and never held out their hands, but it makes you feel a bit guilty only to smile and walk away.

[pacman]

It's natural to feel a bit guilty when you see these kids in rags but you did the right thing walking away. Giving them money only teaches them how to beg. The next thing that happens they are all chasing you down the street looking for more.

But not wanting to give them something can make us question ourselves as human beings. OK, maybe not all of us but I know I was suffering from donor fatigue after spending 9 months in Asia many years ago.

I woke up to how tourists are a big part of the problem in India where kids had a limb lopped off to better tug on western heartstrings. The scene in Slumdog Millionaire where they poured molten lead into the eyes of children is very true.

[dazedandconfused]

Hi DC

I just sat down and read this from start to current post in one hit. Fascinating read thanks and one that bought back plenty of memories. I spent several months traveling around Cambodia about 11 years ago and really enjoyed my time there.

Sihanoukville though..... my judgement slightly affected by being held up at gunpoint on a bus between PP and S'ville and then seeing precious little of the place as it poured down with rain endlessly for days on end. What I did feel though was that there was a slightly strange vibe to the town that was a bit out of kilter with the rest of the country. Not particularly unfriendly just a bit odd and nightimes seemed a tad moody. Mind you, looks to have changed a fair bit since then and definitely seems busier / much more commercial from your pics. Which is (just) possibly all to the good.

Looking forward to the next installments....

[redrock]

Nice one DC. Just got the chance to read this thread. You're making a sound case for Cambodia. You make me realise I'm not just fascinated with Thailand but with this whole part of the world.

btw, where's the cock and arse pics man? I thought this was a naughty lb shaggers' site not Lonely Planet

[dixon cox]

I just sat down and read this from start to current post in one hit. Fascinating read thanks and one that bought back plenty of memories. I spent several months traveling around Cambodia about 11 years ago and really enjoyed my time there.

Thanks D&C, I'm very pleased you've enjoyed this thread so far

Comments like yours makes the effort so much more worthwhile as it does get a little quiet in here from time to time apart from the sound of my own voice (keyboard), so your post is most welcome.

Quite likely this thread means more to those who've already been, like yourself, but hopefully may inspire a few others to come and visit, at least for a visa run from Thailand, to get a taste of the country.

That episode where you were held at gunpoint sounds terrifying and would likely put many off. But a decade or so ago I think it's safe to say it was a lot more 'Wild West'. I recall hearing gunshots (not sure if they were in anger) most nights in PP back in 1999, but last year there was none of that. However, common-sense rules should always apply in any foreign land regarding self-preservation and in Cambodia that should still remain the case.