Like Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper in the 1969 film Easy Rider, I decided that I too shall wander about by motorcycle. Except I'll be doing it in Cambodia and my trip won't be financed by a cocaine sale.

Now the first thing you learn when you need to drive in the crazy city traffic of Phnom Penh is that the rules are more or less what you want them to be. I'm quite sure that Buddha has influenced this behavior so I decided to research and publish the Cambodian driver's manual for anyone else who may need this information.

So here it is; Buddha's Guide to Driving Enlightenment (a.k.a. the Cambodian Driver's Manual).

Traffic Signals: traffic signals exist for the entertainment of you and your passengers. If you witness the lights change color, you will have good luck in the next seven minutes. Otherwise, the lights don't mean anything.

Speed Limit Signs: It is rumored that speed limit signs were left behind by the French. They are a good way to practice saying your numbers in English. If you already know your numbers in english, these signs can be ignored.

The white line in the middle of the road: This line denotes the general flow of traffic. It is there to help guide you to the path of enlightenment or happiness, depending where you're going that day. In no way is it to be used to separate traffic. You can drive on whatever side of the road makes you most happy.

Turn Indicators: All modern vehicles have the same design flaw. They are called turn signals and westerners use them in their countries to indicate which way they will be turning in the near future. However, Buddha says having a light blinking on only one side of your vehicle brings imbalance to your energy flow and well being. Do not use this device.

Merging with traffic: When approaching the main causeway from your little village road, there is no need to look at the traffic when pulling out into it. This may cause stress and unhappiness. Simply, just pull out into traffic and surely the other drivers will see you. May the force be with you.

Turning right: Buddha says to make sure you swing as far left as possible before making a right hand turn. Therefore, the path you make will be a large arc which symbolizes the circle of life. Remember not to use your turn signal....if the people behind you that you just cut-off don't smash into you, they are probably just using the good luck they earned at the last traffic light.

Brakes: A useful but optional item on any vehicle. Use if needed to make you happy.

Lights: It is common knowledge that turning your lights off saves on gas. Buddha demands you do your part for the environment. Don't use your lights even at night.





So from Phnom Penh, I rode down to Cambodia's beach town, Sihanoukville. It's not the best beach in the world but it's nice enough. The best exploring, however, came by taking the motorcycle out of town where no tourists go. I found the local shipyard where workers build and repair the fishing fleet the old fashioned way. After a couple days here, I had enough. There's more to see here in southern Cambodia....