Mar.2 - Phnom Penh, Playing tourist (PART I)

Today, we hit major tourist attractions in Phnom Penh. The first half of the day is spent touring the country’s more celebrated history. First stop: the Royal Palace. (Note: the monarchy in Cambodia no longer plays a leadership or even a ceremonial role here; however, they still reside at the palace). The Royal Palace consists of many simple yet elegant buildings (with white cement exteriors and regal gold trimming), all majestically laid out among groomed grass and pathways lined with trees bearing these beautiful dainty flowers commonly found in Cambodia.

After this palatial visit, we walk in awe at the National Museum. Strolling by ancient ebony and sand stone sculptures, I think to myself, “I would like this one and that one and oh yes that one”. I wish I had pictures, but of course justifiably none are allowed. Think of gods with clasped hands in prayer some with two arms, another with six and another with an elephant’s trunk for a nose. These pieces must have been part of ancient temples. A description card next to many of them say “site unknown”; makes me wonder, how were they found?

Following this history tour, we drive through the city, gawking at the interesting sights on the road (see pics) then stopping at Wat Phnom, the temple on a hill with little free-roaming monkeys in its trees. At first, I worry the monkeys might bite me; then I chase them for a pic—caught one in the middle of scratching his butt. In addition to stopping for cows, walking past water buffalo, and eating by goats, I can add running after monkeys to our overall experience.