Phnom Penh, Cambodia Day 1

The first thing I noticed as I stepped off the plane was the incredible heat and humidity, even at midnight.  It hits you like a wall and fills your lungs, pores, and within seconds you'll be drenched in sweat.  And this is the "cold" season. I swear when I move back to San Diego I will never complain about the weather again.

The second thing I noticed was how completely different Cambodia is than any other city I've been to.  While on the scooter powered taxi car (Cambodian tuk tuk) on the way to my accommodations, I saw so many things I'm not accustomed to.   But at least I had a warm welcome and an escort service to take me home.

Meet Dara.  He is amazing.  He's our driver, unofficial tour guide and new friend.  He also lives with us and sleeps in a pool chair in the common room.

Here are some of my favorite Dara quotes thus far:

"You want coffee? I know where come."
"Breakfast only one dollar."
"You no been to Angkor Wat? First time you go Angkor Wat you be so happy. I been many times, and every time I am happy." 

There are 15 other people in my program, and only two are continuing onto Thailand with me. The rest are split between China, Vietnam, and Cambodia.  I have only met 7 of them but we all get along great.  Part of that reason is because of our common desire to get out of our comfort zones and try something different.  I am one of the youngest people in my program, as the rest of the people are in their late 20's and into their 30's and maybe 40's.  I find this extremely encouraging because it shows that no one is too old to start a new adventure.  No one can use their age as an excuse to not experience such an incredible opportunity like this.

On my first day in Phnom Penh, I explored the city with the group.   The most valuable advice we got all day was how to cross the street in Cambodia when there are scooters and cars flying at you from all directions.

"The key to getting to the other side of the road is to walk slow. The worst thing you can do is run because you will die."

This defies all common sense in this real life Frogger game, but the reasoning is you walk slow so the drivers have time to figure out how to get around you...

Putting aside all the dirt and grime of this third world country there are places of astonishing beauty.  It's  unbelievable yet unforgettable how this city has almost been demolished numerous times in recent history due to war and genocide.  We got to explore Watt Phnom and the Royal Palace.  And feed monkeys. No big deal.