Hi Everyone,

I've only been in Cambodia for a few days, so some of these questions I'm not yet able to answer. Here's what I can tell you so far....

What are some specialty dishes you have enjoyed eating? Who has the best sweets? What American dish or food do you miss the most?

My favorite cuisines so far are Indian and Thai food. I really like spicy chicken curry dishes, the flat, fluffy bread called naan and the saffron rice. I also enjoy samosas, the fried fritters that are filled with potato, peas and spices. I love the Pad Thai noodles in Thailand the most. There is also a lot of great food sold on the street. Fresh corn, pineapple and coconut are delicious and easy to find. I've recently been missing McDonald's. There are no McDonald's restaurants to be found in Vietnam, Cambodia or Laos, meaning I won't be able to satisfy my craving for at least another month.

What other countries have influenced Cambodia's culture?

Cambodia has been influenced by China, India, Thailand, Vietnam and France. It was a major trade route between China and India between the 1st and 6th centuries and adopted pieces of Indian culture during that time. Thais and Vietnamese also occupied parts of Cambodia between the 1400s and 1800s. The French controlled Cambodia as a protectorate from 1864 until 1953, when it gained independence.

Is there a daily routine for kids our age (11-13 years old)?

Many children go to school, but the government only requires that people go to school for six years. Otherwise, children work or beg for money. There is a major poverty problem in Cambodia which has resulted in an even larger child prostitution problem.

Is the clothing style different from Vietnam? India? Thailand?

Casual clothing is pretty much the same. There are certain fabric patterns that are unique to Cambodia. Many people can be seen wearing black clothes with a dark orange and yellow triangular pattern. Most locals also have an all-purpose checked scarf, called a krama. They say it's great for sun protection, dust protection, or use as a towel or bandage.

How much does it cost to spend a night in a hotel in each of the countries you have been in so far?

The answer depends on the type of hotel. Every country that I have visited has luxury hotels that can cost several hundred dollars per night. They also have very cheap accommodations that can cost less than $5 per night. The cheapest hotels can have bugs, rodents, no hot water and toilets where you have to squat (no seat or bowl). In Cambodia I am staying in a place that is $5 per night that is quite clean and comfortable and in a good location. Many hotels cater to people traveling on a tight budget, and offer affordable rooms, food, tours, and have communal areas to watch television.

What is the currency called in each country you have visited? What was the exchange rate with the US dollar?

Cambodia - $1 = 4,000 riel
Vietnam - $1 = 16,000 dong
Thailand - $1 = 35 baht
India - $1 = 40 rupees

How much does it cost you to eat a meal?

Meals can cost less than a dollar on the street or $10-$15 at an American-style restaurant. I probably spend about $12 per day on food total.

Is there any interesting art works or architecture?

So far I have seen the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh. The palace was the official residence of former King Norodom Sihanouk. The Silver Pagoda inside the palace is called that because of its floor that is made of square silver tiles. Inside is a large Buddha made of crystal. In front of the crystal Buddha is a life-sized solid gold Buddha decorated with more than 9,000 diamonds.
Later I will be going to Angor Wat in the city of Siem Reap. This Buddhist temple is known as the world's largest religious building and is supposed to be the most impressive architectural feat in Southeast Asia.