Home again!

San Francisco Bay - August 9, 2006

It is a couple of weeks earlier than planned, but I am home again.

I have traveled through San Francisco - Chicago - London - Sweden - Russia - Qatar - Thailand - China - Cambodia - Thailand - Japan - San Francisco, in just 9 weeks.

But I miss my sweetheart and our comfortable home. The world is a fascinating place - and there's so much more for me to see. In fact, Mano, Rennie and I are talking about heading back out in October. But for now, there's no place I'd rather be than here at home!

Thailand: My "buddy," the criminal

4 August, 2549: Bangkok

I have arrived back in Thailand, and the year is 2549!

It is true... but not because I have somehow time-warped 543 years into the future. The Thai calendar is based on the death of Buddha, whereas we base our calendar on the death of Jesus Christ. Please, don't get me started on the whole subject of imposing religous values on the rest of the world by referring to our calendar as "AD: After Death of Jesus" instead of using something non-religous like "CE: Common Era").

My "buddy," the criminal

Anyway, there is trouble in my former home country of Thailand. I guess most of you know that I lived in Thailand for two years, back in 1989-1990. During that time, I was friends (business acquaintances, really) with a powerful businessman named Thaksin Shinawatra. He gave me a room in his building, and signed a contract for me to work in his TV station as the first Caucasian TV host in Thailand.

Well, guess what? Thaksin is now the Prime Minister of Thailand.

But this is NOT something that I can brag about here in Thailand. Thaksin is widely-hated by the Thai people. He is in deep trouble over charges of corruption and election-rigging, and - worst of all - showing disrespect for the King. (Thailand's much-loved King is the longest-reigning monarch in the world.)

Just a few months ago, the Thai people took to the streets in protest and demanded his resignation. The protests turned violent, and the King had to intervene. Recent (likely-rigged) elections were inavlidated, and the country's current political situation is in crisis. This is especially troubling, given that Thailand has a history of violent uprisings and military coups. (Although the fact that I can sit here and post this story in a public cafe in Bangkok is evidence of how advanced the country is compared to it's neighbors!)

Regardless, I certainly will not be telling ANYONE about my former beer-drinking and karaoke-singing pal from years ago - who is now the "#1 criminal" in Thailand.

Angkor what?

August 2, 2006

The main reason for me to be here in Cambodia is to see the incredible temples near Siem Reap. I'll spare you the history, and just tell you that this was where the Khmer Empire built most of the royal palaces in their heyday.

World famous, and you can see why! I have been lucky enough to see some great hostorical sites: Machu Picchu; Tikal in Guatemala; Chichen-Itza in Mexico; the pyramids of Giza in Egypt, etc. But the Temples of Angkor MUST rank at or near the top of my list. So incredible!

I am really tired now, so I am seriously considering ending my journey soon. It's been two months on the road, but I really miss Mano, and my comfortable life back home!

Cambodia - the poor truth

August 1st, 2006: Cambodia

I nervously joined dozens of other travelers at the pier in Phnom Penh early yesterday morning, and crowded on to the overloaded boat that would take us all for the 6-hour journey up the Tonle Sap river. Dozens of people hanging from the railings above, while I sat below clutching my backpack. Yep, it was a long ride.

I must keep reminding myself that Cambodia has been ravaged by wars and genocide, and thus, I should expect to see things that make me uncomfortable. The views of life along the river provided many of those uncomfortable moments. I don't think I have ever seen human beings living with so little. Thatched roof huts sit on bamboo stilts, and entire families live in one simple room. No water, no electricity, and - how shall I say - very hygiene-challenged.

But I also saw something else. Almost without exception, each person would smile and wave as our crowded boat chugged by. Living with so little - yet seemingly happy enough. It was a good life lesson for me that day.

Drinks are cheap - and so is life
Both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have several "Pub Streets" that are geared specifically for the many foreign tourists. It is so cheap for us to visit here - and backpackers love it! Beers and cocktails cost around $2, a taxi to anywhere will cost $1 or $2, and complete dinners are under $3! You can sit along the raised sidewalk cafes and enjoy a great, cheap meal as you watch the nightlife all around you.

But here's what KILLS me to see - the children begging on the street. Imagine sitting up on your "tourist perch" while little children - some barely able to walk - continually come by to tug at your pant leg and beg for money? And you can't give them food either, 'cause it's cash they are after. Most of them are probably being controlled by parents or other adults, lurking just in the shadows. It is absolutely embarassing for me to enjoy the "luxurious" moment, knowing that there is so much poverty all around me. I'm ashamed, actually.