Every once in awhile, we escape into an alternate universe for an hour or two. It's so hot here that there comes a point, usually around 3 o'clock in the afternoon, when we just don't want to deal anymore. And we know exactly where to go.
There are two Western-style cafes in Siem Reap: Blue Pumpkin and Common Grounds. Both have delicious coffee, pastries, sandwiches and AC. Blue Pumpkin feels like it dropped out of the sky from Sweden. Common Grounds bills itself as an "American Cafe" and American it is - almost too American. It feels like a Starbucks or a hotel coffee bar. But it's also a non-profit with all proceeds going to local causes, the food is excellent and the prices are more than right. We're finding ourselves heading there more and more, and leaving Blue Pumpkin behind.
So sometimes we're in Cambodia, and sometimes we're in a tiny piece of America, drinking iced coffee and eating a chocolate chip cookie. The contrast with the rest of this world is extreme; it's truly a bizarre experience to sit in these places and then walk out into reality. It's a sharp reminder that Cambodia is an impoverished country; a snack for us is almost a week's wages for some. But guilt aside, we're grateful for the respite. And when we need it, we'll keep sneaking over for a few minutes of home.
