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Published: February 9th 2009
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Actually, judging from the signs, it's more of a distressed rictus than a smile.
In several countries in the region, it's possible, if not downright simple, to get pizza topped with marijuana or hallucinogenic mushrooms (as well as shakes with opium). That's not to say that it's legal. "Happy" pizzas were explicitly declared illegal in Cambodia this fall, but there's no dearth of pizzarias in the tourist area, and I was assured (without asking, randomly, by a tourist) that they are still specially fortified. I can't say that all of the restaurants pictured offer these pizzas, but their names suggest they might. Adults get to make their own decisions, but I would argue that if you are traveling as a representative of your agency or school, you should not engage in illegal acts. I'd also argue that being visibly intoxicated in public, and using substances whose potency you don't know, is a good way to get assaulted or arrested. I myself prefer the thought of the comparatively pleasant and regulated prisons of the U.S.
There is a group of tourists who seem to think that they don't have to obey the law or adhere to basic standards of propriety
when they're in another country. I'm not sure what they're thinking--perhaps that nobody's watching. I'd encourage you to think about the consequences of all of your decisions in other cultures. You still represent your country and whatever school or organization is on your tee shirt.
I'll probably now get another message from a stranger asserting that my blog is uptight LOL and I should see his or hers to understand how to party. Please don't bother; we clearly have different intentions.
Last night I ate a simple meal at
Khmer Family Restaurant that was so good it made me tear up. This is a Khmer-owned restaurant and all of the local dishes I've had there have been good, but the combination and delicate seasonings of the fresh spring rolls, green mango salad, and coconut shake was among the best meals I've ever eaten. Why yes, I'm going back there tonight.
This morning I did laundry in the sink and continued to read Bizot. I also stopped by Sala Bai to read more of their literature.
Here's a link in English. I'm still hoping to eat a meal there, but I haven't been around during their hours.
Tomorrow I
have a full day (11 hour) bird watching trip with the
Sam Veasna Center for Wildlife Conservation. they promote sustainable ecotourism. I'm still trying to get all the details, but I know that I'll be picked up at 5:45 AM. there will be at least 4 tourists, and I should wear sandals because "you will have to walk through to the platform for about 50 meter into knee deep water." Our tour is to the
Prek Toal Core Bird Reserve southwest of here around the top of Tonle Sap Lake, and we're likely to see Spot billed Pelicans, Milky Storks, Painted Storks, Lesser Adjutants, Greater Adjutants, Black headed Ibises, and Oriental Darters. Poke around the site for photos.
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Marcia
non-member comment
birding tour today
may I please come along????