THE HAIRY GIRAFFE… IN CAMBODIA
After one week in Cambodia, it’s time to reflect. How did we experience this journey? What were our joys, disappointments, questions, doubts, and discoveries? This is not merely an assessment of a country but rather of a trip—how we perceived it individually and subjectively.
 We are François and Benjamin, Canadian and French giraffe hairstylists and travel enthusiasts. On this blog, discover our travels, tips, moods, and everything you need to become a giraffe hairstylist and embark on travelling the world. An honest blog with photos guaranteed 100% unfiltered and untouched. |
François’ Travel Reflections
Third stage of our world tour, Cambodia was also our second experience in Southeast Asia after Myanmar. We decided to include this destination in our eight-month journey, mainly due to the absence of direct flights from Paris. Since we were already in Asia, it was easier for us to reach Cambodia non-stop (even though we ultimately decided to spend two days in Bangkok). Moreover, visiting Cambodia can be done fairly quickly, as major tourist sites are not abundant. We didn’t want to travel from Paris to spend just a week in the country, considering the time difference.
However, we were delighted to immerse ourselves again in Asian culture, despite the oppressive heat.
Where I Became a Treasure Hunter
Upon arriving in Cambodia, the first thing that strikes is the heat – nearly 40 degrees Celsius during the day in February! The lack of wind makes the heat truly unbearable, turning every stroll into an Olympic challenge. Despite this, we decided, sweat pouring down our faces, to explore Angkor by bike. A whopping 120 km of cycling in three days to discover this marvelous site. I never thought I could sweat so much or drink such impressive amounts of liquid while urinating so little. I also reacquainted myself with certain parts of my anatomy, like my ischiums – those pelvic bones in your buttocks. Normally forgotten while comfortably sitting on an office chair, they loudly protested after spending an average of 8 hours daily on a hard and roughly made bicycle seat.
Nevertheless, cycling to conquer Angkor adds a significant plus to the experience. Besides being 100% eco-friendly, the bicycle provides real freedom, allowing us to go where and when we want. No waiting for a group, no fixed departure time, and no negotiating an itinerary with a guide or driver. Cycling lets us explore at our own pace, reaching the most remote corners of the site often overlooked by tours. The bicycle also has a distinct advantage: it’s quiet, making it easier to absorb the serenity of the place, and there is indeed serenity there.
Angkor exudes something special, similar to what we felt in Polynesia with “mana,” a supernatural force inhabiting the universe. The temples of Angkor release an invisible force, creating a palpable but difficult-to-describe harmony between ruins and nature. Even in the presence of noisy tourist groups, this force manages to assert itself.
Angkor is like the sanctuary in a video game where our hero goes to replenish magic before facing a big boss.
Speaking of video games, Angkor is an adventure game player’s paradise. It’s impossible not to feel like Lara Croft while walking among the ruins of Ta Prohm. The sylvan environment, scattered ruins, sweltering heat, sweat trickling down my back, and the sounds of surrounding animals – I’m on a quest for treasures buried by a long-lost civilization. I step over stones, weave through massive tree roots, hear bats flying overhead. I venture deeper into the temple, avoiding mobile slabs to prevent poisoned arrows from the walls. I refrain from touching statues and sculptures, fearing a massive stone ball might roll towards me. Moving from one chamber to another, hoping to find a solid gold cup, a lost relic, an emerald as big as my head (it can be smaller, I won’t be picky), or a mummy adorned with jewelry for my suitcase (I’m not sure if FedEx would send a mummy to France, but I’ll deal with that later). I am François Croft (the little brother of the other). Like magic, I have become a great adventurer.
My senses are sharp; I’m ready to dive to the ground at the slightest whistle near my ear or hide behind a root to escape a group of Nazi tomb raiders like Indiana Jones. Suddenly, I can shoot a rifle, make poultices from plants, and decipher strange symbols engraved in stone. I have concrete muscles and a killer look. I fear nothing; I am an internationally renowned adventurer.
Of course, it’s all a pure fantasy. I’m far from having Harrison Ford’s physique (let alone Angelina Jolie’s). I know nothing about traditional medicine or ancient writing. My time in Alberta taught me that I’m terrible with a rifle, and my fame is more than nonexistent. Moreover, I’m clearly not the first to set foot on the site, discovered a long time ago. Gold and gemstones are gone, and I highly doubt there were ever any mummies. In reality, I zigzag more among the present tourists than to avoid non-existent traps. Nevertheless, the force emanating from Ta Prohm made me believe all of this for about thirty minutes. I was Lara Croft, alone, lost in the middle of the jungle on a magnificent site.
Is Cambodia Worth Visiting?
I absolutely do not regret including Cambodia in our world tour. The Angkor site is a unique place in the world and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful I have seen so far, not to mention the incredible kindness of the Cambodians. Cambodia also has a very sad history filled with extreme violence often unknown to us Westerners. Going to Cambodia is also an opportunity to discover this history, not to forget the dangers of totalitarianism and other similarly crazy ideas.
Check out Benjamin’s Travel Reflections:
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