Random Sights Around Cambodia

I just wanted to take the opportunity to tell you all about some of the funny and unusual (for us)sights we see as we walk around the towns of Cambodia.

One that I wish the US would adopt is the art of wearing pajamas everywhere. It seems that pajamas are a very popular outfit throughout Cambodia. I suspect it is because they are cooler than regular clothes and are not tight so they do not stick to you in the heat. No matter the time of day you see groups of women walking around the market, riding their motos, and just hanging out in matching pajama sets. It is like there is a constant pajama party in the streets. I love it but so far Kenny has not allowed me to wear my pajamas in public.

Another funny and sometimes scary sight it the number of people and things that can be put on a moto. So far the most weighed down moto we have seen consisted of three adults, a baby, a 50 lb. bag of rice and a foam mattress. However, this load did not slow the moto in any way. It whizzed along, dodging cars like the rest of them. The motos seem to move in swarms, like a pack of bees. There are so many of them and they seem to be able to get within inches of each other without ever crashing. It is a truly a sight to see.

Lastly, the orange robbed Buddhist monks that make their rounds every morning, silently requesting food or money from the homes and restaurants. They wear bright orange toga type robes, carry an orange umbrella for protection from the sun, and an orange bag to collect their goodies. A few day ago as Kenny and I were on our way to breakfast we happened upon two monks at the entrance to a restaurant standing silently. A small child, perhaps around 18 months old, toddled up to them, put some money in the purse and then folded her hands and bowed her head in prayer. She stood their silently while the monks blessed her. When they were done she looked up and ran away as fast as she could. It was the most precious thing I have ever seen. The wee one really did only look to be about one or two, but actually could have been older because we have figured out that anytime we see a child they are generally twice as old as we think they are. Yesterday, on the beach a boy was collecting cans and I would have sworn on my life that we was no more than five years old. However, his mom told us he was actually ten. I think we westerners must seem like huge giants to the locals.