One of the bigger questions of the day was simply where to eat. There are many upscale restaurants where meals can be bought for $8. While that may sound pretty inexpensive, there are also more down-to-earth restaurants where the entrees cost average $1 only. Honestly, it’s not just my wallet that is happy to eat at the latter. I would much rather eat where locals do. I want to experience where I am. It seems silly to come somewhere different but live as if one were home. Of course, we could have eaten at a French or Indian restaurant but I got more satisfaction by going Khamer.
Even then, there are times when I have to think hard about cash. For example, I avoided the mother with child who were begging. I was just returning after eating a $2 pizza and $2 bottle of beer. Just a fraction of that $4 could have fed them for a week most probably.
Dealing with beggars is not something new for me. It is strange how one can get used to it. One really cannot help out ever single one or the wallet would be empty before the day was done. Still, of course in Canada, I refuse to give any handouts. I know we have social institutions set up to help those in need. There is simply no reason for a person to have to resort to begging on the street. However, when travelling in poor sections of Asia, it’s important to remember there is no safety net. A person who has lost his leg from a landmine cannot work and may have no access to a pension. Some are out on the street begging because they have no other option.
I didn’t give money to that woman with a baby but I did have to try harder to make sure that fact didn’t negatively affect my memory of the great dinner.