Tales from Cambodia

     A friend of Lewis and mine announced that he was going to donate his time at an orphanage in the Kingdom of Cambodia.  His timing was seamless with his resignation from his job.  Many people donated money to the cause: thousands of dollars.  The young man smartly sublet his Brooklyn apartment (probably making a profit) during his absence.  Occasionally, he posted pictures of Cambodia online, and they depicted a rustically impoverished scene.  His supporters cheered his sacrifice and efforts.

     Upon his triumphant return home, Lewis and I met him for cocktails in SoHo, and he regaled a tableful of our friends with his adventures.  The way he described the area discouraged us from considering any tourism to it.  Oppressive heat, highly corrupt government, poverty/rural landscape, long dusty roads via unshielded scooters, crazy traffic, and isolation.  He mentioned how his Grindr account didn't have the same quantity of results as NYC.  

     Yet, above it all, he accomplished his goals of teaching/coaching the orphans, helping improve their facilities, and inspiring them.  It made lasting friendships!  

     Thankfully, Lewis and I learned a better appreciation of Cambodia via social media pictures that our friend's comrades posted.  That's the great thing about Facebook: your friends can tag you in pictures.  In those other people's pictures, Cambodia looked a lot nicer!  It reminded us of "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" films!  We saw that our friend wasn't the only Caucasian there.  In fact, it painted quite a different picture than his tales.  We consider Cambodia a future vacation spot!  And I thought you'd enjoy considering it, too.

It's good not to pass judgement of a book by its cover.  Find out the real story.

     If these pix impress you, then I'll be pleased if you've discovered a new part of the world to explore.  Below is a picture of the orphanage where our friend volunteered for six months.  The woman in the center is its manager.

Here is what our friend experienced...

Below, it seems the Spa has an outdoor café/bar at night... with taxi scooters waiting in the background. 

(Below, is one of many "taxi scooters") 

I like the fedora/light fixtures, below!

Despite its corrupt governing and an infrastructure similar to India or Vietnam, Cambodia might afford an adventurous visitor (even with a modest budget) with many delights, friendly people, amazingly-fresh food, and great experiences.