http://VrienDuineN.tripod.com
http://VrienDuineN.tripod.com Merry christmas!
As we were buying our last banana pancake and fruitshake on Khao San Road (the infamous backpacker road in Bangkok - where anything goes at any time of the day or night), we heard Christmas music playing. The sweat dripping off our bodies and the many Buddha sculptures staring at us from the nearby store made us think the music was completely out of place - then we remembered that Christmas is only a few days away!
What a shock it will be for us to come back to winter weather and a holiday season that celebrates mass consumerism. But, we're excited!
After leaving Phnom Penh, we took a boat up to Siem Rep (once again getting screwed by the tourist scammers - the trip was only supposed to take 4 hours - we arrived in 9!) and visited the famous and fantastic Angor ruins (one of the seven wonders of the world). Spending 3 days walking around old temples and city grounds might not seem exciting to any of you (before we got there we didn't think so either); however, being there is an incredible experience, one filled with wonder at what humans can do, admiration at what humans did and cynicism at what humans think they can do (just read Shelley's "Ozymandias" and you'll know what we're talking about!)
From there, we took a hair-raising pick-up truck ride and train ride to Bangkok where we have spent the last four days. Our friend Nathania joined us in Phnom Penh - we appreciated her "freshness" and energy for traveling - and had a great time with her.
Tonight we leave for CA and look forward to a month of rest and relaxation (and also adjustment back to life in the States!) before heading off to Atlanta for part 2 of our year's adventures.
Blessings to all of you - we wish you joy and clarity in this Christmas season! Thanks for your emails and prayers...
Deb and Jon
Visit us on the web at https://vrienduinen.tripod.com/
