Hello from Cambodia! I have been having a great time, seeing the Angkor Wat ruins and enjoying Khmer cuisine.
It's funny, everything here is priced in US Dollars. And everything seems kind of expensive in dollars. At least among American tourists, I imagine that they'd sell more crap if it were priced in riels -- I know I'd probably not think as much about the conversion, but when it's in dollars, well, you know... "Why would I pay $4 for that?" when you'd pay 8000 riels for it in a heartbeat. And as my guide suggested, if everything were sold in riels, they could make a lot more money on money-changing fees and such like... I still bought a couple things and had a massage at the hotel.
But it's still an interesting place, and of course, the temple ruins really are amazing. What a treat to get to come see them. I'll have photos at some point, depending on how all the various internet connections work out.
For now, though, I believe I have a plane to catch. Maybe tonight I'll be able to figure out why I can't get into the blog, and even post some of the photos.
Hello Jon.
Did you see the man they call "The Sweeper of Angor Wat"? Very sad story which I'll try to find if you're interested.
Tom
I hope you're enjoying yourself!
Posted by: Greg at January 15, 2005 10:37 AMHello Jon, I'm sorry to hear that but you know not every Cambodain are like that!
I used to be a Angkor girl as well and i also used to sell stuff around Angkor when i was 16-17 years old, but i don't anymore!!
If you are still in Cambodai please when you have chance to go to Taprohm Temple don't forget to say hello to my family there for me too, her name is Saw!!
she works there still, anyways thanks!!