We're on the bus leaving Vietnam. We should be in Phnom Penh by early afternoon. The main road between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh is lined with small shops. This is our last (and lasting) glimpse of Vietnam.
As for the smells of Vietnam, they were many -- and each is as intense and integral to this country as small shops and the persistent sellers. There is often the odor of incense, sandalwood seems to be the most prevalent. Incense sticks are found on alters and beneath trees, in small nooks and crannies everywhere. The best part is that it covers some other odors, less desirable and difficult to pinpoint.
The smell of meat cooking is even more noticeable. Since so much of life is on the sidewalk, all those cooking aromas permeate the cities. There are the sweet smells of tropical fruit, of coconut, and of jasmine. But all of it is mixed with the heavy concentration of humid tropical air and of my own sweat.
At first, its a bit over-powering; after three weeks, it's just part of life. Like the trickle of sweat on my face and back, or the clutching and chattering of women (and children) trying to sell things to me, "You buy from me."
On to Cambodia.
No comments:
Post a Comment