Non-ugly Americans
I am a traitor. Too often I am appalled at the often brutish, oafish nature of my countrymen and somewhat ashamed.
While Jeff and I were walking through the magnificent and eerie Ta Prohm ruins, we saw a group of 20-something men walking right past a "no entry" sign so that their friend could take a picture.
A worker at the complex grabbed the sign and shook it, saying "Can't you see the sign?"
The men just ignored the man and grunted something in German and went on clicking photos as if he had never said a word.
Later, I saw the same guys walking along the tops of several walls, again ignoring posted signs.
As I reflected on the interaction, I wasn't sure what surprised me more, the brutish behavior or that a Cambodian, usually the most placid and nonconfrontational people, challenged them.
That he was so rudely ignored made the conflict that much more disappointing. I really wanted to see the Cambodian guard kick the Germans out and show that certain behavior is universally unacceptable. But I suppose change comes in degrees.
Its not like the Getty were you can get booted out quickly. Too bad the guard doesn't just take the man's pass and let him pay the $40 again.
What drives me crazy is the people with the metal tipped walking sticks.
So many countries are doing resturation work its amazing but Cambodia isn't doing a good job saving its own history.