Phnom Penh

We are now - March 19 - in Bangkok and flying to Paris tomorrow. But back to Feb 26: Enough with temples and ruins - on to the capitol.  Another challenging bus ride. The road into Phnom Penh turned into dirt, potholes, and a cloud of red dust, and we got stuck in the resulting traffic.  Finally arrived in town after dark and had to deal with the aggressive tuk-tuk drivers without having a clue as to how far our hotel was.  Turned out our driver didn't know either. 

Approaching Phnom Penh.

Pick your lane - left, right, center, or the new dirt roadbed.

We loved the national museum (anthropology).

On the Tonle Sap river, just before it joins the Mekong. Old school boats contrast with semi new vessel.

Murals at the National Palace.

The National Palace gardens.

Drinks at the Foreign Correspondents Club (now a public bar) looking down on the fascinating traffic patterns below. Cambodians drive on the right but to make a left turn against traffic, you take a sharper left and start drivng on the left until you find a spot to cross.

Monks go seeking alms in the morning, often holding saffron umbrellas against the hot sun.  A policeman receives a prayer for his contribution.

Gas for your motorbike, for sale in any available container--soft drink bottles, drinking water bottles, wine bottles, etc.

Wat Penh, a very active shrine full of people bringing incense, flowers, etc., hoping for good luck with exams or whatever...then returning to give thanks when all goes well.  The wall paintings dated from the 1930s, and the style was reminiscent of my (C's) father's childhood picture books.