Into Cambodia... easier said than done!

  Siem Reap, Cambodia
Thursday, March 6, 2008

Waking up at 7 am to catch a bus to Cambodia:  invigorating to the tune of "Don't worry· about a ting·"
Bargaining my way onto the bus even though I'm the only person who doesn't already have a ticket: 350 baht ($11) and no problem!

"3.5 to 4 hour drive" to the border at Poipet:  6 hours

Getting a $20 visa on arrival:  1000 baht, $33.5· with the option to pay more to the police officer who is standing right below the sign that says $20 and just begging for a problem!

"5 hour", 153 kilometer drive to Siem Reap:  12 hours and the bumpiest ride of my life!



Flat tire after about 50 kilometers into Cambodia:  Late· my bet was on going down after just 25 kilometers·




Inability of 25 people to change the flat tire after 2 hours:  Unexpected, at best




Hitch hiking the rest of the way in the back of a freight truck: dustiest thing I've ever done and tough on the cheeks to say the least!

Showing up in Siem Reap at 1:30am (18.5 hours later) and deciding to go to the bars before heading straight to see the ruins of Angkor Wat before sunrise:  Classic·


Seeing Angkor Wat at sunrise:  PRICELESS!!!