Return of the Barang

All the guidebooks and internet posts describe the nightmare that is the Thailand-Cambodian border crossing.  The lines are long.  Organization is non-existent.  And scams are pervasive.  I took a minivan with five other people who were all headed to Siem Reap.  When we were about one kilometer away from the border, the driver forced everyone out, except me, because I told them beforehand that I already had a ride from Poipet.  The rest of the travelers then had to pay another driver to take them the rest of the way to the border.  They were pissed because they had paid to be taken to the border, not near the border.  This was just the beginning of the scams.

The driver dropped me off and told me to walk straight ahead.  It was total confusion with long lines of vehicles and various stations where foreigners were supposed to stop and show documents.  I didn't know where to go and basically just slipped past anyone who I knew would demand money from me for one false reason or another.  Luckily, the Immigration line where we showed our passports and Visas was not too long, and I only waited for about 15-20 minutes.  As I crossed the threshold into Cambodia, I saw a boy holding a sign with my name on it, and he led me to where Laum was waiting for my arrival. 

Since Laum knows the unwritten rules of quick passage, he was able to expedite the next passport check by bribing an "official."  He gave him my passport and $5.00.  As the guy walked off, Laum shrugged and said, "Money talks."  I'm not sure what the purpose of the next check was, but there were about 80 people standing uncomfortably in the heat.  It was like a line at Disneyland's most popular ride; only this ride was not a thrill.  Within five minutes, the "official" returned to Laum with my passport, and we breezed past the hordes of grim travelers. 

When my taxi arrived back at school, it took about four seconds before my 1st graders poured out of the classroom shouting, "Teacher Kerri!"  I was not prepared to disturb the ongoing classes or for this dramatic reception by my students, but I should have known better, because anything out of the ordinary is cause for utter chaos. 

After school, some of the children came by my apartment and helped me do laundry and put away my luggage.  One girl spent quite a while at my sink, just turning the faucet on and off to watch the water "magically" appear out of nowhere. 

My geckos must have missed me too because they serenaded me all night with their clicking.  They seem to have multiplied as well.  Word must have gotten out that my apartment is a cornucopia of tasty insects.

The malinche trees (also called flame trees) have burst into a magnificent display of color all around the village.  The striking orange blossoms are not only fragrant but make a pretty addition to my braid or pony tail.

Have I mentioned that I love, love, love my moto?  I never pictured myself riding a motorcycle or scooter, but I have to admit, it's totally liberating.  I like the feel of the wind whipping through my hair and having the option to weave around slow-moving trucks.  Plus, I look totally bad-ass.  (Confession:  I removed my dorky surgical mask which I always wear to keep the dust off my face for this pic.)