Standards of Living

Arrived in Phnom Penh this morning and I think I am doing this in the right order - Siem Reap first, then the capital city. It is much busier here, more people, more cars, more everything. The $3 lunch has become the $15 lunch. That has a lot to do with the fact that I am staying at a hotel that is pretty business oriented in the city of course, but I do think the price of most everything has gone up.

The change in the cost of living reminded me of the conversation I had with a young man in Siem Reap. To describe him, I would say we should all be happy he has regular employment. He was probably about 18 years old and a real hustler, full of energy and curious about everything. He indicated he made $50 per month at his job and wondered how much I made. I couldn't bring myself to tell him. But I did try to point out that there was a vast difference in the cost of living between Cambodia and the U.S. Then he told me that his rent was $30 per month. I think that is just a little steep.

The Global Food Summit is all over the news in the last couple of days. I am anxious to learn whether it has received any coverage back home. Apparently, there is a food crisis in many nations, especially the developing nations. Perhaps something to investigate when I get back.