What I've learned in Cambodia. Part 1.
I have been compiling a list of things I've learned during my months in Cambodia and I present it here now for your general information and education. I aim to inform.
Sometimes it’s worth….
-paying to park at the airport so you can eat at Dairy Queen.
-splurging on things like cheese or cereal at the grocery store.
It is okay to….
-wear your pajamas out in public at any point in the day.
-pick your nose but not your teeth (it sounds gross, but it’s true!)
-Honk at cars and motos as you pass them while driving during the day. It lets them know you're there. (**Does not apply in America)
Always…
-anticipate at least one hour of total drive time when you run an errand.
-stack your truck as high as possible. No, actually, stack it far beyond what any vehicle should ever be capable of carrying. This is acceptable, and common, even if the truck becomes entirely lopsided while in transit.
-move slowly and use “big arms” (elaborate motions that alert drivers and keep onlookers amused) while crossing the street in traffic. The cars and motos will then weave around you (theoretically).
-let your car “rest” for a few minutes if it doesn’t work right away. Cambodian time-tested wisdom.
Never….
-look directly at the sparks when people are welding. It will glue your eyes shut.
-put sugar on your Mangosteen (SE Asia fruit). Sophera says you will die. Is it worth the risk?? We haven't yet decided...
-rely on the Phnom Penh maps and/or having an address as being adequate enough to get you where you need to go. Streets will cut off without warning and re-join at locations not on the map, house numbers will be out of order, street signs will most likely be non-existent. You have been warned.
-think that cows will act or respond in a logical manner. They won’t.
General....
-After a while you start to spot the “barang” (white Westerners) around town and you begin conversations about the various ways these people stick out so blatantly within Cambodia. Then you and your husband, as you laugh and continue with your remarks, will catch a glimpse of your own reflection as you walk by a building and realize... you are also a barang.
-Putting the words “candy” or “ice cream” after the word “Durian” do not make it a delicious treat.
Sometimes it’s worth….
-paying to park at the airport so you can eat at Dairy Queen.
-splurging on things like cheese or cereal at the grocery store.
It is okay to….
-wear your pajamas out in public at any point in the day.
-pick your nose but not your teeth (it sounds gross, but it’s true!)
-Honk at cars and motos as you pass them while driving during the day. It lets them know you're there. (**Does not apply in America)
Always…
-anticipate at least one hour of total drive time when you run an errand.
-stack your truck as high as possible. No, actually, stack it far beyond what any vehicle should ever be capable of carrying. This is acceptable, and common, even if the truck becomes entirely lopsided while in transit.
-move slowly and use “big arms” (elaborate motions that alert drivers and keep onlookers amused) while crossing the street in traffic. The cars and motos will then weave around you (theoretically).
-let your car “rest” for a few minutes if it doesn’t work right away. Cambodian time-tested wisdom.
Never….
-look directly at the sparks when people are welding. It will glue your eyes shut.
-put sugar on your Mangosteen (SE Asia fruit). Sophera says you will die. Is it worth the risk?? We haven't yet decided...
-rely on the Phnom Penh maps and/or having an address as being adequate enough to get you where you need to go. Streets will cut off without warning and re-join at locations not on the map, house numbers will be out of order, street signs will most likely be non-existent. You have been warned.
-think that cows will act or respond in a logical manner. They won’t.
General....
-After a while you start to spot the “barang” (white Westerners) around town and you begin conversations about the various ways these people stick out so blatantly within Cambodia. Then you and your husband, as you laugh and continue with your remarks, will catch a glimpse of your own reflection as you walk by a building and realize... you are also a barang.
-Putting the words “candy” or “ice cream” after the word “Durian” do not make it a delicious treat.
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