Leaving Cambodia

10 days is only enough to scratch the surface. I experienced pleasant bike rides, beautiful scenery, and satisfying transactions with the locals. I also experienced attempts to get short changed, locals changing the price when I went to pay, and people flat out lying to me.

In any country, there is always good and bad. I am in no position nor do I have adequate information to judge any country. I can only say that there are some unfortunate things happening in Cambodia: the corrupt government is selling its national treasures to foreigners, the Cambodians are attempting to base an entire economy on tourism, large NGO presence may or may not be producing any results aside from bringing large SUVs to the country, and foreign aid keeps rolling in.

I would love to see Cambodia emerge from its struggles and build a strong economy like its neighbors. I just think that some fundamental things have to change before it is even possible.