How could I have forgotten the local tourist?! (In my defence, they are a bit of a rarity in Cambodia on a weekday.)
These ones appeared on our organised tour to Ream National Park. The young couple (in their early 20s?) were on the van that came to pick us up, but were later dropped off at Boston Hotel nearby. (Looks nice and new on the outside, but step into reception and that feeling will soon go away!) Which is to say they did not join the 20-or-so of us foreign tourists for (a very plain and time-wasting) breakfast of a baguette and jam with tea or coffee in the dilapidated front porch of an old house compound. How clever.
As if by special arrangement, they were picked up again on our way to the park. I admit I felt rather envious. We could've been picked up in similar fashion and that'd've given us an extra hour or so to enjoy a better breakfast.
Unlike other local couples we have encountered, this was an affectionate couple. It's hard to ignore when you're sitting behind them in a 2-hour long boat ride. And both of them continued to receive telephone calls through the day, despite the somewhat remote location.
That's because mobile phone coverage has rapidly expanded in the rural areas. While land lines are available in the capital and other cities, they are a complication when it comes to the land mine infested rural areas. The World Bank even provides the country funding to expand mobile communications networks.
The guy, in particular, appears to be a very busy man - and part Chinese. This prompted some pointed remarks from the European tourists. "Even in the middle of the forest, he is talking on the phone."
And in true local style, they were togged out in slippers for the trek. It's commonly seen also in neighbouring Vietnam and China. Keep your eyes peeled and you'll even spot some ladies in open-toed heels (with stockings, of course!).
