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Tha Banana Express

The Banana Express

In the deep thicket of Khmer Rouge territory, two friends set out for the journey of a lifetime. A Cambodian adventure filled with bananas, tuk-tuks, and the most belittling encounter with a rusting machete. Moreover, the unforgettable realization of the rural diverse culture in there voyage to a third world country. An expedition that was filled with mixed emotions and sudden realization of the world that lies outside the thought of everyday life.

It was beautiful day in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, the sun was high in the sky and the flowers and trees bow gracefully to the gentle breeze. A prefect day for exploration of the outskirts of town, set and ready for the days expedition, Tommy and I flag down the closest Tuk-tuk, the Tuk-tuks are essentially three wheeled motorized taxies, and are a major improvement over the non motorized rickshaws. Onboard Tommy asked our driver to take us to a temple, a place of tranquility and, of course with monks. In no time at all, we were on our way to our Shangri-La; we drove through the busy city streets filled with markets and salesman. We passed a woman butchering what appeared to be a goat on the sidewalk; a child played in the warm blood with a stick as it ran down the dusty street. The further we got away from town, the more I began to realize our surroundings. We would pass through villages made of tin and past ox plowed fields. Finally, we arrived at our destination; our temple was only 137 stairs away, perched on top of a mountain that was surrounded by a village full of naked children and weathered men and women.
To be a stranger in a country that many know little about can be very intimidating. To wonder how these people can live at the bottom of a sacred mountain without running water, electricity, or private facilities is quite an astonishing realization considering that only a few hours before we were in the middle of the semi-civilized city of Sihanoukville. Now, only 137 stairs...