When you travel to new places with no specific expectations, you’re likely to be pleasantly surprised. That’s what’s happening to me right now in Cambodia.
We decided to travel around Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam and, by default, I know more about the history, culture and people of both the first and last countries. Cambodia should be “more or less the same”, ignorant me thought.
But Cambodia decided it was time to blow me away: not because of its impressive and famous temples, not because of the incredible value for money a western pocket will find around here, not even because they prepare delicious curries that won’t leave my tongue numb after lunch (that is Thailand’s job and they’re good at it!). Cambodia is getting into my heart because of the friendliness of its people: young or old, they are the smiliest I have ever come across anywhere else in the world before.
It’s incredible to think that, in a country with such a harsh history and recent past, people seem to be so happy. And when you are in a happy place, something magical happens: you feel happy too! And that is why it is such a pleasure to be here!