Phnom Penh Revisited

Came rolling down Highway #4 into Phnom Penh.
Hardly recognized a thing.
Paved streets, cars (lots of cars!) and brand new high-rise (lots of brand new high-rise!)...
This place is on it’s way up!
Looks and feels like a decent kind of town.

Walked around the block and got offered ganja (and only ganja) once (and only once). Saw even elderly barang couples (husband and wife!) and young white people driving bicycles.

Many years ago, when I came stumbling out of the Lao jungle into Phnom Penh, this place hardly resembled anything like this. No white man would consider driving a bicycle. Walking around the block was nearly impossible (because nearly every single Khmer on a moto would hustle for a ride).
Gone are the days of girls, guns and ganja.
Moving forward fast,
cleaned up and respectable.

...Until the sun goes down, that is.
(Some things never change)

After sunset,
there's still this most peculiar spark of 'Wild Wild East'.
Climbing the steps to the legendary Top Banana rooftop terrace...
(Phnom Penh’s answer to heaven on earth)
Luckily,
some things never change.
Everybody‘s still heavy drinking,
heavy smoking,
forgetting all about tomorrow
(and, at least, the day after as well)

Have another beer,
pass around the spliff...
It’s all good!
Phnom Penh,
Why not?

Even got a poker game going.
Stoned/ drunk (Banana style!)
but running hot as hell.
(until everybody else got tired of donating...)

Took my winnings to the bar across the street
for rounds of great Belgian beer (Duvel!) in the hot Cambodian night.

Man, I love this place.