The slightly different Asian metropolis

Our adventure began in Siem Reap. From there we had reserved a seat on the minibus to Phnom Penh. The bus was small, but that didn't stop anyone from stuffing it with luggage and people. 14 seats were already very precisely planned, so you actually cuddled with your neighbor. Next to my seat was a small gap as a passage to the back seats. However, a suitcase was placed in them (this served as the seat of a little boy). Another little girl was on board who didn't have a seat. So off we went with 12 adults + 2 children. In the next 10 minutes we stopped again to pick up the other 2 people. The suitcases and bags were stacked wherever possible, as the trunk was already almost filled with our two bags.

By the way, we were the only foreigners on the bus. The driver knew the Cambodian traffic behavior very well. They drive on the right side, but you just take the side where it is easiest to get through on the weekend. You can overtake on both the left or right side, as long as you honk a few times loudly (then you don't have to use the turn signals). This can sometimes lead to narrow spaces between the cars, but someone always gives way. There are no speed limit signs, but that's no problem - just drive as fast as the car allows. On the highway that connects the two cities, children on bicycles come towards us who just finished school. Pedestrians also like to cross the road without paying attention to the vehicles. In addition to small places that consist mostly of wooden or straw huts, we also pass pastures. There you can find the well-known Cambodian cows. They are always standing around everywhere. (It seems that every family must own one of these animals) Our first stop is in the first proper town we saw on the way. The second stop is at a gas station, 2 minutes later we have to stop by the roadside again - the little child has to go to the toilet. Immediately, women rush over who want to sell some bright yellow things. Our fellow travelers discuss frantically with them about how much it should cost. Then we go non-stop to the city center.

In the city of Phnom Penh, the poverty of the population becomes quickly apparent. There is garbage everywhere, and people set up small quarters on the roadside. Nevertheless, an attempt is made to create a nice atmosphere for tourists. There are several small temples. Wat Phnom is surrounded by a small park and is a major tourist attraction. You can also visit the Royal Palace, but the entrance fee of $10 per person was too expensive for us. A few glimpses from the outside were enough for us. Furthermore, the waterfront has been redesigned. In the evening, both tourists and locals gather there. You can use the free fitness facilities, play football, or sit comfortably on a bench (in the evening, this is definitely more pleasant than during the day, because then you can see all the garbage at the edge of the river). Some markets have also been redesigned. The Central Market is popular with locals. In addition to cheap clothes/jewelry, you can buy fresh food. We were shocked when the hacked-off and still bleeding fish head was wriggling about. The night market starts at 5 p.m. Here you will find lots of small food stalls where you can put together your own meal and then enjoy it on a large picnic area.

You cannot really consider the city to be one of the most beautiful, but for tourists there is usually a pleasant atmosphere. And it is worth seeing for a few days.