We're in Siem Reap and have been for almost a week. At each of the temples you are met by a running hoarde of small children, with razor sharp replies to any of your pathetic excuses for why you don't want to buy their flutes, scarves, coffees, t-shirts etc. Resistance is futile, they are too smart for us.
For instance:
small girl: Madam, do you want to buy 2 flutes? Very cheap, only 2 for a dollar. me: no, I already have a flute. small girl: do you want to buy some film? me: no, I don't have a camera. small girl: Do you want to buy a camera? I have cameras too. me: no, I don't want a camera. small girl: why have you come to this magnificent place, probably one of the finest and most beautiful places on earth, if you don't want to take photos? That seems quite ridiculous to me. me: I prefer to remember it than take pictures. small girl: well, that's a very romantic notion but frankly, it's nonsense. You're having troubles already remembering where you went yesterday- was it Ta Prohm or Bhauphon? And besides, how will you have anything to show your family when you tell them about your trip? me: Well, I'll describe it. small girl: I think you're going to regret that. And you can't just go through life relying on your travel partner to take the photos. You've got to take responsibility yourself. me: you are amazing. small girl: yeah yeah. Just buy some damn film, ok?
