Cambodia!

I don't know where these fixations and fascinations come from. But it happens.

I had this fascination with Pisa, Italy since I was probably 8 years old. So in May, it didn't matter what anyone said, about how I should skip Pisa... I was on a mission to go to Pisa and see the leaning tower of Pisa. Now, I'm completely content with that fascination.

What does this have to do with Cambodia you ask?

Well.... sometime last year, or I guess it would have been earlier this year, 2010. I got a little itch about Cambodia... from the moment I started planning this trip, Cambodia has been on the list. Some people have said things questioning that destination, but I'm pretty stubborn and persistent. So last night, I'm reading through the countries in SE Asia in my Lonely Planet book and the fascination with Cambodia just multiplied a million times. So now I'm thinking about maybe skipping Vietnam, maybe even Laos, and spending the bulk of my time in Cambodia. I'm sure there's tons to do and see in all the countries in the area, but for what it's worth, Cambodia has captured my attention more than the other places. I have to go to Bangkok, even though I really don't care if I make it there or not, because my flight to India is set to depart from there, so I'll probably spend a few days there at a beach somewhere.
I'm looking forward to being able to explore Angkor Wat on a bicycle and taking a boat down the river to Battambang and going to see the floating villages and the markets that I can wander and explore. And as much as it scares me; because I'm so used to being in a hotel room alone and isolated, sharing a hostel dorm room with other travellers! Meeting people along the way who could end up impacting the course of the entire trip and it's activities.
Again, I don't know why the fascination with this country developed, but it seems that it's bursting with activities that I would totally enjoy!! I think Chris is right when he says my plan for SE Asia is flawed, there is a lot to see and do. I've talked with him about this region many times. But for me, the deep, inert, undeniable desire to see this region isn't really there, except for Cambodia. It's more of, ehhh, I'm in the area and I'm traveling to all these other areas, why not stop here too.
Regardless of how long I end up in any part of this region. I look forward to what I'll encounter.