"Other countries, other habits." Much of what you see and experience here in Cambodia is unusual, even for Southeast Asian conditions. The time when Cambodian women walked around on the streets in colorfully printed pajamas is over, but the fact that you are suddenly confronted with a herd of cows on the road can still happen.
It is also a fact that in Cambodia, driving a motorcycle up to 125cc doesn't require any knowledge of traffic regulations or a driving license. In the government's view, this is unnecessary. But since these 125cc bikes are the main means of transport for the Cambodians, I think everyone can imagine how this works with road traffic.
Here in Sihanoukville it has taken years for people to realize that it is better to stop at a red traffic light. Many ignore this rule until today. The introduction of the requirement to wear a helmet has also not yet been able to establish itself. Young ladies and gentlemen with elaborate hairstyles are especially hard to convince.
Even with car drivers, you can never be sure that they have ever heard of traffic regulations. If you want to drive a car, you need a driver's license in this case, but you can get it for an extra small fee, without any driving lessons. On top of that, the Cambodians, which are rather smaller in height, drive mostly big SUVs, what makes the things more dangerous.
In Cambodia, mid-range cars form the smallest group of vehicles. Here comes after the countless motorcyclists, directly the luxury class. Expensive Lexus and Range Rover SUVs are very common. The difference between rich and poor could hardly be clearer.
But the people in Cambodian love to celebrate, like in no other Southeast Asian country. Whether poor or rich, when getting married or there is an important occasion, a marquee with chairs and a mobile kitchen is rented. But the heart of every celebration is a gigantic loudspeaker system. From 5:00 in the morning until the evening, the whole area is covered with Cambodian pop songs and radio plays. The volume and treble are always turned up to the limit and the basses are turned off totally.
At funerals, the same procedure takes place, only that then Buddhist prayers and songs are played. Depending on how financially strong the hosts are, such a celebration can last for a few days.
These are just some of the unusual things you can experience here in Cambodia. If you want to know more about this very special Southeast Asian country, just follow me!