Back in town, my waitress at the hostel restaurant asked to practice her English with me. We were having a good time until she starting complaining about how little money she made and asked me how much I made. She made sure to tell me that if I left a tip on the table the boss would take it, so I should hand money directly to her. I began to feel uncomfortable. Then a tuk tuk driver from Kampi recognized me as he walked by and sat at my table to chat & ask if I traveled alone. Nervous, I left and booked a ticket out the next day.
I don't mean to generalize, but I have felt a difference in how Laos and Cambodian folks treat tourists. Laos people had an almost endearing shyness to them, but warmed quickly when approached. Here folks are bold, both in asking questions and asking for money. I'm trying not to take it personally when a new 'friend' asks for money at the end, but it's hard to feel like a walking wallet.
Perhaps I let my guard down too much in Laos. In Thailand I immediately dismissed anyone that came up speaking English to me as a scammer, and it seems I need to resume that behavior. I've been approached by an orphanage owner wanting to take me to visit and another man that somehow had something in common with everything I said, and also wanted to take me away to visit his daughter ("she's moving to LA!"). It's funny how "don't go off with strangers" from childhood is advice I have to use again.
The worst may have been a pair of monks in Phnom Penh that I spoke with for over thirty minutes. We had a good time teaching each other English and Khmer, and he explained the history of the temple I sat in. Then he offered to show me the ancient stupa that held the eyebrow of a god. Once we were out of sight, he explained to me that people donate to monks and if I had a 'good feeling' I could donate too. I laughed nervously and asked where the donation box was for the temple. He shook his head and insisted I give him the money. After I fished out a dollar, he asked for money for his friend too. I shook my head and fled. I'm 90% sure Buddhist monks are not allowed to take money (just food) so I am not sure if they were fake or just crafty. Either way, lesson learned!
Thankfully in Battambang I have had much better luck with the locals, but that city deserves its own post. It was so much fun!
Anyway, more on Phnom Penh later. I plan to stay another night after Siem Reap to break up the trip to Ho Chi Minh City. While I was in Phnom Penh the leader of Myanmar was visiting, so the royal place and national museum were closed. I want to visit before leaving.
And now, Siem Reap & Angkor Wat. It's a horrendously hot time to visit and I'm almost out of sunscreen. Wish me luck!
Much love,
Katie
Your mom and dad would be proud of you! I know I am. Best to always trust your instincts.
ReplyDeleteAnd lying never hurt when it is for a good cause. You can always say you are traveling with your three burly brothers who are in the shop down the street...