I have been away only one year, and I can already see the difference.
Phnom Penh is changing. Fast.
There are huge building projects, like the Korean Booyoung Town close to the airport. Ugly buildings like the Vattanac Bank building (honestly, whoever is the architect, please.)
Lots of traffic, flashing lights, noise. Progress is coming. Fast. And I have a feeling it is leaving behind many Cambodians. I saw yesterday a "Khmer barber": a small barber shop that I suppose is called "khmer" to mean that is traditional, no fancy foreigners stuff, and cheap. Close to a Mega International Super-Duper Fancy Bank - I promise, that's the name.
When I went to Saigon, I liked its energy but most of all I liked that it made me appreciate even more the quiet, simple generosity of Phnom Penh. It would be a pity if all Cambodia pursues is the progress, without even a look back at its traditions, its people, its history. I have no reason to say what I am saying except an uncomfortable feeling, I didn't look up any stats and should probably wait more than 2 days before having any strong opinions on a country that is so radically different from me.
But I do like Cambodia very much, and I don't like what I am seeing.
(Also, it's election time. Wait and see.)
Phnom Penh is changing. Fast.
There are huge building projects, like the Korean Booyoung Town close to the airport. Ugly buildings like the Vattanac Bank building (honestly, whoever is the architect, please.)
Lots of traffic, flashing lights, noise. Progress is coming. Fast. And I have a feeling it is leaving behind many Cambodians. I saw yesterday a "Khmer barber": a small barber shop that I suppose is called "khmer" to mean that is traditional, no fancy foreigners stuff, and cheap. Close to a Mega International Super-Duper Fancy Bank - I promise, that's the name.
When I went to Saigon, I liked its energy but most of all I liked that it made me appreciate even more the quiet, simple generosity of Phnom Penh. It would be a pity if all Cambodia pursues is the progress, without even a look back at its traditions, its people, its history. I have no reason to say what I am saying except an uncomfortable feeling, I didn't look up any stats and should probably wait more than 2 days before having any strong opinions on a country that is so radically different from me.
But I do like Cambodia very much, and I don't like what I am seeing.
(Also, it's election time. Wait and see.)
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