Our New Office

Well, not really. Just once actually.

Check out this video of the crazy Spung tress in Cambodia. This is the same area where the movie, Tomb Raider (with Angelina Jolie) was filmed.

You should visit Cambodia.

We were both a little hesitant about visiting Cambodia because of things we had read and things we had been told about safety and malaria from our nurse at Denver Health. But now that we’ve been we are so glad we went and would encourage any traveler to do the same.

Yes, it’s true the government is corrupt and the police are pretty much non-existent, but the people are incredibly nice and the country has everything to offer that Thailand has to offer except at a much less expensive price tag.

Cambodia’s history is complex and sad, but I think that made the trip that much more interesting. If I had to do it over again we would’ve spent less time at Thailand’s beaches and more time at Cambodia’s. I think we could have made a larger contribution to the Cambodian economy than Thailand’s and we would’ve spent a few fewer dollars too.

Amazing sunsets in Cambodia. This is from the airplane, but even in Siem Reap it was impressive.

You’ll find the temple of all temples (Angkor Wat) here.

Before leaving for Asia we were warned by our well-traveled friends to expect children to come up to us trying to sell us things. We hadn’t really seen any kids working until we reached Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Now, you’re thinking cute little 8-year-olds that smile coyly waiting for you to take what they’re holding in their hands. Well, that’s not the case.

Yes, they are cute and holding items in their hands, but they’re not coy. They are probably the most aggressive salespeople I’ve seen. Even Jason’s friends at the car dealerships offer less stress and pressure than this place.

When we arrived in Siem Reap we were picked up by our tour guide and taken to a floating village where we went on a boat to see a whole community of people living in boats. Although it seemed a bit like we were just touring a very poor neighborhood, our guide told us we were just witnessing a different way of life. And maybe so, but I couldn’t help be feel like it was voyeurism at its worst.

Having said that though, it was one of the most eye-opening experiences we’ve had so far. It was incredible to see they way these people lived. There was a school on a boat, a basketball court on a boat, floating gas stations, grocery stores, gift shops, and dozens (probably hundreds) of homes.

Anyway, the reason I’m telling you all this is because after the boat ride was over we exited the boat only to be approached by a young girl about 10-years-old. She was holding this:

I laughed so hard. Partly because the picture of Jason is so hysterical and partly because it was the LAST thing I expected in this place. I mean Six Flags, yea, but Siem Reap, no.

The picture was taken as we were getting on the boat an hour before. I did remember seeing a young boy take our picture, but I didn’t put two and two together until afterward.

I got one too.

On the second day of our Siem Reap visit, we toured Angkor Wat. In several areas throughout the grounds of the temple (we’re talking miles and miles and dozens of structures, not just one main temple) there were stands set up housing a variety of touristy items—mostly water, Cokes, postcards, and replicas of the temples. While one person mans the stand, kids run to the tourists holding items and yelling at you to buy them.

I think we said “no” about 18 different times, but then finally at the end I told one girl I wanted a set of postcards. Since it was clear that I was going to buy, suddenly the price went up. It was sorta hard to negotiate over one dollar with a child in the middle of a Tuesday, so I paid her price. Oh well.

But before I could fork over the cash, there were five new girls surrounding me pushing postcards in my face too. Now, instead of one hard-core sales girl, I had five and only $2 to spend. There was lots of shouting and lots of pleading. At one point I looked over at Jason for help, but quickly saw that he was busy working a deal on a bottle of water so he wasn’t much help.

Videos are on their way, check back in a few days.