PaPa

In l975 the Khmer Rouge took control of Cambodia killing (over 2m of 10m population 1976-1979 in a genicide) all people associated with religious and artistic expression (especially all the famous). The US and UN did nothing, no oil in Cambodia.

So, today Cambodia's population is relatively young, under 35. I've been in Siem Reap now 3 months and have gotten to know many motorbike and tuk-tuk drivers (both taxis) and shop owners, considered a local now and not a tourist by many.

Now when I walk down the street: "PaPa good today", "Papa free ride", Papa, where you go?".
Gulp.

Photos take l0-l-09 after storm. l of a tuk-tuk, and 2 intersection photos (no Stop Signs or Red Lights in Siem Reap)

Chinese Family

This is a picture of the family that took very good care of me in Qingdao. I'll call them Mom and Dad. They are both 60. They both came to Qingdao at an early age and neither have any education or speak English. But, we had no problems communicating and sometimes it became very funny.
Dad has worked all these years for the city and today makes $260 a month. They put their son through 5 years of college (China has a l child policy). Mom worked in a factory for a few years.

This is the only family that I have met that entertained in their home and they loved to do it. Young and old like to come to their home for a meal. You get lots of good food and anything and lots of it to drink. People do not entertain in their homes b/c their homes are so small. Many nights there were l0-12 of us in their home.

They have never borrowed any money or put any money in stock market and they own this home and a rental home. The room the picture is taken in is l0'x12' and serves as a bedroom, living room, and dining room. There is an enclosed balcony 30"x12', bathroom room for only l person (tiny), kitchen no cabinets or frig (5'x7') 2 burners, no hot water, entrance hall large enough for a roll a way cot for boy to sleep on. This set up or a home with 2 full rooms is a typical home in China. Never saw a closet in China.

Chinese save, save, and save.
American spend, spend, and spend. Many times in China I was embarrased by the way I would just spend money. Sometimes it was just a way to entertain myself.

If Mom and Dad cashed in today they would walked away with well over 250,000 US dollars.

The Chinese invented wash and wear many years before Americans. The pink sweater, Mom wore everyday during the winter, never missed a day.

Asian Driving

Beijing puts 1500 new autos on the streets each week, lots of cars in China. I have lived in China and Cambodia now over 5 years. I have never seen a STOP SIGN in China or Cambodia and have only seen 5 accidents, l serious and 4 fender benders. They drive offensively where we drive defensively.
They blow their horn, saying here I come, and never look in either direction. There are a few signal lights in cities with population of 800k or more.

In Cambodia, small children ride motorcycles like the one shown in picture before they can walk.
All 3 picture are from Siem Reap. There is a river running through Siem Reap and along the river is where I walk everyday.