The Adventure Continues: Do you want Pringles or Spiders with that?

Richard Gallagher
Today we traveled from Kampong Cham to Siam Reap by bus. The road is a narrow paved path that cuts straight through fields and small towns with very few crossing roads for miles and miles. Sitting near the front of the bus provided a nervous scene as the rules of the road allow unrestricted passing at all times. Our bus passed trucks, other buses, bikes, carts, walkers with just inches to spare while other vehicles came right for us and swerved at just the last moment. Sometimes it seems like one of those video driving games. The driver was very focused and did not let any of this affect him. Every few miles, we drove through small towns composed of markets and small shops. It appears that everyone has something to sell. Coca-cola is everywhere. However, the national snack is also easy to find; deep fried spiders. Several people have them. Michaelangelo and Ella both like them saying that they are salty and crunchy with a soft center. They really don�t look that bad and no one gags or complains about the taste. Erika even said that they truly tasted a little like chicken.



At a market near our lunch stop, we find boxes and boxes of Pringles. This is a true hit which we enjoy with our Khmer lunch of stir-fried vegetables, dried fish, fish soup, fried pork, and rice.
After lunch, we return to the bus for special dj appearances on the iPod by James, Jay, and Ben. Old tunes from everyone�s teenage years (there are several decades represented) are really appreciated. A special dance exhibit is put on in the aisles. We roll into Siam Reap to the Who and find ourselves in a very nice hotel run as a training institution by a foundation. There are very many young people from all around the country sponsored by several NGO�s who swarm around us to help us with our bags.
Later, we take tuck-tucks to Angor Wat to see the sunset. Among large crowds from around the world, we find that we have to work to enjoy this pleasure. A steep mountain must be climbed and then we have to take on four set of steep stairs to get to the top for the best view. The view is good with a small orange sun in the distance.
We return for some traditional dances during dinner by a troupe of orphans sponsored by another NGO. Efforts to rebuild this country are obviously very extensive. We are off to bed after a well-prepared meal of Western-style foods.