There is so much of Cambodian culture that is new and amusing to us. I am finding that there is a really thin line between being amused/interested in a new culture, and being offensive to people because of our cultural differences. We are in the process of learning about the customs, beliefs, greetings, and manners of Cambodia. I have been blessed to have the opportunity to travel to five different countries in my life, but I have to say that Asian culture by far varies the most from the American culture I'm used to.
From the moment you arrive in Cambodia you are submerged in a culture that's as foreign to you as living on Mars. We know that not everyone will have the opportunity to travel to Cambodia so I wanted to take some time to list the top forty differences that we have experienced since arriving in Phnom Penh.
1. The main mode of transportation is tuk-tuk (motorbike taxi) or a moto (motorbike).
2. When you hop in a tuk-tuk you suddenly become acutely aware of the cloud of dust that covers every inch of earth in Cambodia, about half of the people wear doctors face masks in an attempt to keep from breathing in the dust and pollution.
3. Moto's zoom past with two, three, four, even five people on board.
4. The concept of "driving in the lines" means nothing in Cambodia
5. Upon arriving at a home and also at some small businesses you are expected to remove your shoes and leave them outside the home before entering.
6. Crickets, spiders, and other insects are a delicacy.
7. Brushing teeth, and drinking cannot be done with tap water.
8. Food is based around noodles, rice, and fish.
9. Children, friends, teachers, elders, and monks all require a different greeting.
11. The religion in Cambodia is listed as Bhuddist but in reality is a combination of Bhuddism, Taoism, Hinduism, Ancestor Worship, and Witchcraft.
12. Instead of statues of Jesus, crosses, and the saints you see statues of gods, Bhudda, and the king of Cambodia.
| Statue of Buddha being protected by a "naga" or seven headed snake/dragon that gives him revelation. |
13. The weather is always hot. The winter is around 80°F.
14. Grocery store foods are often shrimp or fish flavored. Also dehydrated seafood is readily available.
15. There is always two prices for everything, one for a local and one for a foreigner. Depending on your bargaining skills of course.
16. Drawers don't exist here. Not in kitchen cabinets, not in dressers. There are no drawers!!!
17. Of course an obvious one.. everyone speaks Khmer instead of English.
18. Cats and dogs are not viewed as pets, and should not be "patted" or given attention.
19. Dress is conservative, covering shoulders and at least to the knee. Even in 115°F temperatures.
20. Being pale/white is a coveted goal. Most lotions found in stores contain "whitening agents" and many women even bleach their skin to become more fair. Even in extremely hot temperatures locals often wear long pants, turtle necks, and socks in order to protect their skin from the sun. (Which means I've finally put my "beautiful white skin" to good use here! Everyone loves my "white white" skin.)
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| Here is an ad for skin whitener. It's actually extremely dangerous but women want to look beautiful. We always want what we can't have don't we. |
21. The sound of cat's mating has become our nightly lullabye
22. There are no "noise ordinances" and construction may stop or start at any time of day or not.
23. Ants become your new house pet. Always around, in every nook and cranny, ants are constantly invading counter tops, cabinets, and linens.
24. Raw meat and fish can be left out all day in the heat and locals don't think twice about buying and eating it.
25. Oven's are not a normal kitchen appliance, meaning they are not found in Khmer homes and are not included in a "fully furnished" home.
26. "Cupping", and "combing" are believed to help cure sickness and illnesses.
27. Nothing is too heavy or too big to be carried by a moto or tuk-tuk. I mean nothing! These mopeds make American trucks look like wimps. .
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| Yes, this is four or five full size wardrobes. Loads like this is a normal sighting on Cambodian streets. |
28. An average day's wage is around $2 - $5.
29. There is no Wal-mart... this is both a positive and a negative. Buying items is done mostly at the markets.
30. Rice and soup are a normal breakfast item.
It may be easy to look at this list and think of these as negatives, as "less than" our culture, customs, and preferences. I have been on a journey to find the beauty in these differences, to embrace them and appreciate that these differences are what make up the culture of this country. Yes, some of these seem strange, weird, or outdated to us but they are all part of what makes this country beautiful. What is even more important is that there are some differences that are clearly an improvement on American culture. I'll list a few of these below:
31. People are community oriented, often times you see a broken down tuk-tuk or moto and immediately people come around to help out. In fact in every day language there is no use of the words "he" and "she" but instead use words like "brother" and "sister" to refer to people they've never even met. It's amazing to see this expression of family on such a large scale.
32. Cambodian people are hospitable. No matter how poor a person is, they will ALWAYS invite you into their home, they will share their food and whatever you need even if it's all that they have.
33. There are some extremely quality items in Cambodia. From real genuine pearls, handmade 100% silk, to beautifully ornate hand carved wood furniture.
34. Food, especially fruit and vegetables, is extremely fresh and usually brought from the farm to the market on the same day. Fish in the market are still alive. It's nice to know where food comes from and know that it is fresh.
35. Cambodian people are passionate about their country. They pray for and honor their country.
36. It's hot... yes I know I listed that above already but I HATE cold weather so this is a double bonus for me.
37. Khmer people are extremely honoring. Not only to one another but even to foreigners. They would never wish to confront someone, correct someone, or cause conflict.
38. EVERY SINGLE CHILD IN CAMBODIA IS STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL...
39. Because it's always hot, fresh fruit and vegetables are available year around. This means we can get local fruit and veggies anytime we want (including my very favorite, passion fruit).
40. The Christian Cambodian population is passionate to see their country radically transformed for Jesus. They are hungry for heaven to invade earth in Cambodia and to see justice brought about in their country.
We are so excited to be able to experience and learn this new culture. Although it is very different for us in many ways and sometimes uncomfortable we are looking forward to embracing and understanding it better. It challenges our perspective of life to be able to get outside our box and shift what we understand and know to be normal. We are brought up somewhere that everyone thinks the same, and when we come to a new place we expect people to think and act like us. It is a big learning curve for us and is very difficult at times but it is exciting and a great adventure. Thank you for supporting us along the way.
We love you all.
Blessings and Love,
Hillary Farrior
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