Cambodia is for..Lovers? Well, not exactly, but...

Perhaps my Korean bath house experience stirred something inside of me regarding the Asian cultures, or maybe it was a conversation I had with a friend of mine who is from Cambodia, but for the last few days I have been soaking up all information I can find regarding Southeast Asia, namely, Cambodia. Agriculture has long been the most important sector to the Cambodian economy, with around 59% of the population relying on agriculture for their livelihood (with rice being the principal crop). Other important sectors include garments (yay for me!), construction and tourism - foreign visitors to Angkor Wat numbered more than 4 million in 2007.

The capital city, Phnom Penh has a population of about 2 million people but there are also cities and villages outside which are appealing to me as well. Not to mention the beautiful white sand beaches in Sihanoukville.

The idea of visiting somewhere totally different like Southeast Asia sounds like such an amazing adventure of perspective, humanity, spirit and self. I have also learned that it is very easy to live there in terms of actually living and working. So many places are available for staying but so few offer the living and working experience without a lengthy process of immigrations and visas. The cost of living is also really cheap ($250 per month rents with all bills included) and the costs of meals, appx. $2-$5 per day. Getting around is also a breeze. You can either hop on a tuk-tuk for $1 or rent your own scooter. For those who intend to stay longer, you can buy your own. I imagine myself on a scooter...minus the hospital scrubs, of course.

Then there is the realm of the gods at the mother of all temples, Angkor Wat, a spectacular fusion of symbolism, symmetry and spirituality. Angkor Wat was originally built as a Hindu temple but has long since been converted to a Buddhist temple.

Although Cambodia is not the first place one would think of for a vacation, let alone an extended stay, I think it could encompass all things for the person seeking a new opportunity, a project, a break, good food, good atmosphere, inexpensive accomodations and a warm, friendly environment. And although I have never been there to know for sure, something tells me it could be a place to fall in love with.

So, there. I leave you with a few photos and tidbits of Cambodia...the often less thought of country in Southeast Asia.