Siem Reap, Cambodia
Day 6
2/3/06
Today is my 6th here in Siem Reap. I've seen most of the temples that I wanted to see and the ones that I haven't, it doen't really matter. It takes about 5 or 6 days to see most of the temples at a reasonable pace. There are a lot of little temples hidden away in the jungle, so you can actually spend weeks here if you want to see them all. I've seen all the major ones on this trip. Today, I'll go back to a couple to shoot them in some different light. I may also head out to Beng Melea, which is pretty far from here. I went there last time and it took about 3 hours to get there on some of the worst roads I've ever seen. The road has been paved since then, and now it only takes about an hour. It's not that important to see, so if Idon't get there it's no big deal.
People here are very poor. There are beggars everywhere. They are relentless and they can be quite a nuisance. they'll come up to you, ask for money. You say no - they keep walking with you asking for money until they get the message or you tell them to go away. Now I'm not a heartless person - I'd like to help these people, but if I started handing out money to every sad faced kid I saw with their hand out, I would have been broke the first day. With all the big money rolling around this town, it really is a shame to see people living in such poverty. Everywhere you look, there are multi-million dollar 4 & 5 star hotels, where you can pay up to $1000 a night. I don't know where all the money is going, but it sure isn't going to the people of Siem Reap. While all the shop owners and restaurant owners are getting rich selling overpriced crap, a waitress here makes about $60 a month. No middle class here - you're either rich or dirt poor. It's very sad.....
The hordes of tourists are another problem. I have come to depise tour groups. They travel in packs - sometimes one bus - sometimes 10. Try to take a picture they all come and stand right in front of you. Yesterday, while I was taking a picture 2 Japanese guys had to squeeze between me and the doorway to get by me, bumping into me and ruining my shot in the process. They couldn't wait 2 seconds for me to take my picture. What an asshole! They're all in a big rush to see as much as they can see. The normal travelers have much more respect - they will stop and wait for you to take your picture before walking in front of you. A few times I've had to tell them to go ahead because I was still sizing up the shot.
Still - I'm not sorry I came. The temples here are probably one of most awe - inspiring sights in the entire world. I would put them right up there with the pyramids in Egypt. That's why there are so many people here.
Too bad.......