Explore Everything: Cambodia (The Wild West of the East)

In Southeast Asia they refer to Cambodia as the 'wild west' of the eastern hemipshere. This is an image of the King's Palace in the capital city of Phnom Phenh. Ive been there many times, but this was my most recent trip a few months ago with fellow steemian @phanthiphan. In total, we were there for 3 days, and its about a 6-8 bus ride from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Tickets are $9-11 USD.

This was the first entrance we took to enter the King's Royal Palace's courtyard. The area is quite busy with travelers and locals alike; haning out and snacking, feeding pigeons, exploring, playing games or just having a rest.

A buddha statue outside the 'Silver Pagoda'.

A local mode of transportation and a great way to see the city. Depending on how good your negotiation skills are, you can pay a driver to take you around and see some sites. Last time I went, I paid $10 for four hours. Well worth the money to me, but keep in mind he started the price at $25. Lucikly, I've been there enough so I knew what price was fair for everyone.

A quick one of some of the locals enjoying their evening and trying to catch some extra food for the fmaily while they're at it. The river that runs alongside PP is one of its best features and a magnet for everyone in the city. Its a great and peacfull way to spend the evening; walking along, mingle with some locals, eat some street food and have a few beers as the sun goes down.

A local market in the middle of the afternoon. Things tend to slow down at this time of day and many stop for a nap as the heat can be quite exhausting. This is one of the older markets in town and a source of great intrigue for me. No matter which city or village I visit, the lcoal market is one of the first things I want to do. You can get a real sense of the culure and lifestyle at places like this, especially ones that have been around for awhile.

Another statue outside of the Royal Palace.

A buddhist monk from the temple grabbing a quick drink. Hey, its hot out here man, everyone needs something cold to drink, I don't care who you are!!

This mode of transportation is called a 'Tuk Tuk'. If you have ever traveled around Southeast Asia you know what they are. Carts (can hold up to 4 people comfortably) that are driven around by motorbikes. They are the subject of many scams, but if dealt with right and you chose to get around the city this way, they can be a pretty cool expience. Be careful with them though, as they can be quite sneaky and aggressive at times.

Yea, the picture says it all. Life is not easy in Cambodia and people gotta do what they gotta do to survive. In much of Southeast Asia there is no proper refridgeration. If that is the case, this the how the locals purchase their meat. It's intense, as well as the bugs and smell, but that's life in many countries. Refrideration is a luxury many of us take for granted.

Fresh shrimp for sale at the market. You can buy nearly anything at places like this and for incredibly cheap prices.

A one stop shop (kind of). Propane, gas, kites and something in black bags?!?! I have no idea about this one lol.

End of the afternoon for me fellow steemian @phanthiphan. Time to eat dinner and hit the sack.