Drew & Marta's Travels: "You take van. Much faster."

An editor's note: this blog post is being added after we SAFELY arrived in Phnom Penh.

A 2-0 vote, with me abstaining, finds the three of us hurling down the NH6 at ungodly speeds attempting a land-speed record on our way to Phnom Penh. Seats 11-13 mean our tickets to the big event are in the back of the 14-person conversion van and conveniently positioned over the rear axle to absorb all of the exciting bumps and turns that will have us arriving in the capital in under five hours.

It was an all too predictable start to the developing world public transit story. It ALWAYS happens this way.

"So we need to get to Phnom Penh on Tuesday. Do you have any bus recommendations?"

This is the part of the story where the invariably helpful local suggests a faster mode of transportation. (Note: sometimes trips take 6 hours, because traffic and travel conditions warrant a 6 hour trip).

"No... Bus is slow. You should go in van. I think it be better and faster for you in van. You will be in Phnom Penh in 5 hour."

We have now reached a critical juncture in the decision-making process.

::sorry had to stop typing for a second there. We just went three-wide with a rice truck and a van traveling in the other direction causing the feeble motorbikes to scatter to the dirt shoulder of the road.::

Alright. It's time to reflect on the option offered up by our friendly local. Some critical questions:

Have you ever sat in the back of a nice van on a perfectly paved road? Have you enjoyed the experience? Okay not bad, right? Now let's tinker with some of the variables.

Do you think the back of the van you will ride in has sufficient legroom? (Keep in mind at a meager 5'9" I tower over most people in this country.) The answer to this question is always no.

So we have established that it will be a cramped ride. So what? This is exciting! What a great cultural experience! You can say you did it like the locals!

::quick break - I want soak in this amazing experience! Sing it Beyonce. The iPod is really bumpin' now. Pretty countryside - stilted houses and rice fields. Come on Joe and Marta - How can you sleep through this?::

Okay. It will be a cramped ride - but what about this extra hour of travel time we save? That will give us more time to soak in the sights and smells of the Cambodian capital! An enticing offer.

WORTH IT! Book those tickets!

In all the excitement over the irresistible local travel option and time saved, we overlooked some key questions that in retrospect seem to warrant examination.

How long should this trip really take? Why are the buses slower? Is it because they are required by law to drive the speed limit? Is this law...gasp...enforced?

"Buses must go slow. Can't go fast. Police not allow them to speed. You go in van."