Kids

The Mekong Express Bus. A contradiction in terms for us today. Neither were we on the Mekong, nor was it express. Nonetheless, we've made it to Phnom Penh. Off the bus, we were assaulted by tuktuk drivers and the price war began. "Miss, Madam, Sir! One dollar!" Everyone here wants to make some cash. And every buck helps. Cambodia's money is the rial, but the preference is the dollar. Outside of all the temples in Siem Reap, children offer you books and bracelets, tee shirts, anything for a dollar. Here in Phnom Penh, adults are hoping to pry you of your dollars. Somehow that's much better.

Another uncomfortable situation here is the sex trade. While in Thailand, the industry is made up of prostitutes and ladyboys, here in Cambodia there is a huge campaign against children in the sex industry. It's horrifying. One of the posters I saw today lists a number to call to report suspected activity. The number started with area code 027. And above each of the numbers listed was a picture representing a kid at the age of the corresponding number. Zero, a baby. Two, a toddler. Seven, a school girl with braids. It hurts my heart. And it scares me that there would actually have to be an ad put up against it. It's an awakening.