Cambodian Breeze

Phnom Penh was a lot more vibrant than I had imagined. And also extremely hot the first day we arrived. Noy said it was the very end of summer, and winter would set in around early November. Fortunately on the second day the heat was not as scorching, and Awe had a good time sweeping up beautifully crafted silk at the Russian Market.

Two days was about enough to make a quick trip around the major tourist spots in Phnom Penh. Yet the hospitality of our wonderful Cambodian friends made me want to stay a lot longer. They went to great lengths to ensure our comfort, taking care of every detail throughout our stay. It just seemed like second nature to them that they should take such good care of their guests.

We saw the Wat Phnom, Royal Palace, National Museum, and drove 42km south of Phnom Penh to Tonle Bati, also known as Mini Angkor, built in the late 12th century. Awe seemed to know a lot about the history and religious characters of the region.

While that was all very interesting, I found myself most attracted to the simplicity of the country scenery, the occasional breeze and the fresh scent of grass. My fascination with random things like an odd lotus pond in the middle of a wild field by the dusty road must have seemed strange to Raeksmay and Sokna. I was the city rat intrigued by the different shades of green that seemed unique to each country. The greenery that mother nature gave so unreservedly to those who would cherish it. Just like the warmth and friendship that were so generously showered on us.

Forest Reflections

The little red dot has been engulfed in haze for the past two weeks. The PSI has been yo-yo-ing between moderate and unhealthy levels, hitting 150 at some point. If it is so bad for us, I wonder what it is like for the Indonesian people living near the hot spots.


Is the land covered with ashes and dust? Are the kids choking on the acrid air? Are they straining their eyes to see the fish in the river? Is the fish choking too, as the pollutants contaminate the water?