Welcome to Cambodia

The border between Vietnam and Cambodia is like any other land crossing. There's a building on either side, From one, you will officially exit, and in the other your entry will be documented. So why is the leader from the bus acting all pissed off?

We jumped out of the bus, as we were required. Queued up as required. Our passports were collected as required, and stamped in one big batch. Then we got back in the bus and rode across no man's land to the Cambodian building, got out of the bus. My Lovely Wife I am went to the area for eVisas. We had taken care of this legality before leaving The States. No one else seemed to have an eVisa so we were in our own line. Then Mr. Bus Leader comes up acting unhappy with us, and says in Vietnamese to go back to the bus. He's handling it all. Ok, how were we supposed to know? This guy should have been a television producer!

We and the bus moved on without him or our passports. As soon as we were in Cambodia the casinos sprang up. One even had a sign similar to the one that welcomes you to Vegas as you drive into the Nevada city. Sure, copy from the best.

We stopped at a road-side business that sells various foods, including deep fried crickets (which are big in Cambodia). The guy with the passports showed up, had a drink, and calmed down.

It's a 13 hour ride to Siem Reap from Saigon. Besides crossing the border, you have to change buses in Phnom Penh. Then it's flat plains for as far as the eye can see. Imagine Nebraska but growing rice, and the landscape punctuated with palm trees.

The bus stopped before we entered Siem Reap. A young Cambodian climbed aboard and started explaining to people what will be happening next, transportation wise. Those who arranged a ride to their hotel will be picked up. Otherwise, he will make arrangements for you at no charge. We haven't arranged for a ride, so this guy, Bun (pronounced Boon) will give us a ride on his Tuk Tuk. Again, absolutely free.

India has their rickshaw, in Thailand it's called a Toot Toot. They're all the same, some sort of motor bike pulling a cart with a well padded seat. Some are very closed to the elements like in India, here the Tuk Tuk is open except when it is raining when plastic windows are rolled down.

Now here's the great bit. After delivering us free to the hotel, Bun starts asking us how we plan to get around tomorrow.

"Oh, you haven't made arrangements? Well, I'm available for hire."

As a capitalist, I appreciate Bun's ability to sell. We hire him for the next day.

I've seen many political signs as we crossed the country. Some people put up a banner in front of their dwelling. The Cambodian People's Party seems to be the best represented in this regard. But I've seen others, and their names tend to suggest a left-leaning stance. I don't know if Bun is a member of a party, but he's got what it takes to make it in Silicon Valley. He works hard, and he wants to make money. Let's see if he can deliver.