Blog # 12 - Cambodia: Cam Ranh & Nha Trang
Our ship was greeted by a local cultural group
A new friendIt turned out our ship was the first to arrive in the new Chinese New Year. There were all sorts of festivities. Military and government dignitaries attended a ceremony.The ship's captain, his staff and the Chinese government officials each had a bottle of champagne. One at a time the cork was "popped." This place has yet to be discovered by many cruise ship companies. A ship arrives once every month rather than once a day which is more typical for the more famous places.We noticed a strange phenomenon when driving inland from the dock. Beach sand was plentiful several hundred feet above the water line. We're guessing this area may have been under water thousands of years ago or, perhaps washed up from a tsunami? Who knows...?The road leading from the dock toward a town was void of vehicles other than our tour buses. There were no other vehicles. Strange!Beautiful coastline, no people. Several miles ahead (on the other side of the hill) is a large complex made up of fancy international hotels and condos. Beside the beaches, there are several golf courses and an international airport. Golf and beaches may be draw however we did not see any people other than gardeners trimming trees and plants along the highway. There was one plane parked at the airport. Weird! We were stopped at some sort of check point. Some of the sailors carried automatic weapons. Small, picturesque harbor and fishing boats nearby We drove through a small town. Where are all the people? Cars? There were cows... and goats... ...and rice fields
Plenty of roadside stores, no customers
Local cemetery: Maybe the town is dying off?Our bus driver was impatient: He's passing on the left while oncoming traffic is now in the lane heading towards us!
Another small town: Local "supermarket!"
This town we are approaching would be comparable to Miami Beach, Waikiki or Cozumel. Fancy hotels, pretty beaches and in this case, hoards of tourists and, of course, locals.
Propaganda!
Vehicles do not necessarily stop when people are in the crosswalk. The key is to catch the eye of the driver, indicate (perhaps with a wave of the hand) you are crossing and hope for the best Time for a photo with Lynn Pretty beach - most people are Asians with a few Europeans Infinity pool 100 stories up from the streetWhile we're touring the countryside, Artie takes a mud bath near the ship
Time to tour the town in pedicabs
Spas are everywhere - some a little suspect in what they are offering!
Shops offering coffee and tea were everywhere
Military celebrates the Chinese New Year
Although it looks like a lot of work, the ped-cabs are electric. All the driver has to do is to steer. We're not sure most of the passengers realized there was no peddling. Our guide was "encouraging" the passengers to tip the drivers for the "hard work." People were tipping $10 and $20. Huh?
Riding in a pedicab provided a great opportunity to get a closer look at the town Time to visit the local market Hot, humid and still fun to wander around
Unlimited styles of chopsticks to buyLocal beauty pallor. Check out the woman on the right side of the photo. She's getting her hair washed in a pan. Packaged dried fish Sea cucumber? 
Squid Anchovies?
Time for lunch? Or not... Must be good. He's enjoying his meal. Want to buy a lottery ticket?The way in which these towns supply power and communication is still questionable Windy! Jerry holds onto his hat while meeting a new friend
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