KornMermaid wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 5:50 am Hi, as a foreigner in Cambodia do you find that the locals treat you as celebrities/sources of $$$ where the relationships are shallow or is it possible to develop real and meaningful relationships with locals? Will there be a divide between locals and foreigners where they are friendlier to you simply because you're a celebrity in their eyes?

Unless you're Brad Pitt (are you?) then you're not a celebrity. You're an oddity at best. If you're also thinking the locals see you as a source of $$$ as you put it, then you only have one angle and a relatively narrow one at that. A village girl, a 136 worker etc certainly might view you as such, but that's not everyone here right? I work in a big company with loads of "normal" folks of many salary ranges, when we pop out for a drink, or have a spot of food together, they're not waiting for me to flash the cash. Sure, if I take my team out for something, it's my tab... but that's the same in the West. If I meet any of these folks in a bar, there's very likely a round on them coming my way, just like anywhere.

So think deeper and broaden you perception.

If you are nice to people, they are usually nice back, that works everywhere. If you speak the language, you will have deeper relationships.

Perhaps you have seen videos of white people being flocked to by children. Unless you are Scott Neeson (CCF) in Cambodia the others that might happen to are those who have a reputation for handing out things (food, treats etc to kids often seem on the streets).

Tuk tuk drivers and moto dops will say ‘I know you’ ‘I remember you’ even if the last time you were there was 7 years ago and you’ve piled on the pounds in the meantime. A lot of the time they’re bullshitting but sometimes they really do remember you. Remarkable memories for a foreign face.

Western men have often commented about women in girly bars fawning over them and telling them they are handsome. Perhaps that is what you mean by being treated like a celebrity?

Angelina Jolie probably feels like a celebrity when she comes to Cambodia, talk to her about it.

Big Daikon wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 9:41 am

atst wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 9:33 am In the province you feel a bit of celebrity status as the kids yell hello as you ride past.

Do some of the locals stare at you longer than is polite/comfortable?

No only at my missus

Doc67 wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 10:19 am why would I want a male Khmer as a close friend? Little to zero effective communication, zero cultural connections and most I come across are half my age. What's the point?

But isn't zero cultural connection, kind of why a westerner would like to be refreshing his soul in Cambodia when fed-up with the western life ? What's the point of sharing only mutual cultural interests in such a different land ?
Effective communication wise, why would the males be unable to communicate effectively with you (or us) ? And if they do, does it mean you pick only female interlocutors when you''re out of your home ? Do you get good results in various administrative matters, at work, anywhere ?
And about age, are you hopeless already toward the younger-than-yous ?

It doesn't sound like the adventurous mindset in an exotic land, merely like giving up on possibilities for the sake of protecting at all costs a reduced approach to life, which i find surprisingly minimalist...

In general you get what you give. Respect people and dont be a dick.
Smile and try to ask in khmer but if there are photos (on menues) it is only a guide of roughly what it will be.

I am shit at languages but I know a few words and can usually get by. In the provinces its more challenging.
Be polite and respectful and you can usually get by. Yes you will get ripped off a few times but dont let it sour your day.
Be security smart and dont be a "high show" (look at me) person and you will blend in.

Enjoy what you see and appreciate the little things you see.

look where you walk. Mind the dog shit.

"Celebrities" is a bit much, but you do get more attention from Khmer people. In the provinces where there are not as many visitors and some of the locals do not run into many foreigners in their lives, they will be interested in you. Adults may stare at you, kids keep saying hi to you, etc...

In Phnom Penh & Siem Reap you will get much less of that reaction as they see plenty of foreigners visiting & living there.

They won't be asking for autographs and the like as if a Celebrity, just more interested in you. Never experienced this "divide" you are referring to. If anything they would love a beer with you more often than not, and besides tuk tuks they won't be asking you for anything in return.

violet wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 9:46 am

ego bibere nimis wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 7:40 am

KornMermaid wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 5:50 am Hi, as a foreigner in Cambodia do you find that the locals treat you as celebrities/sources of $$$ where the relationships are shallow or is it possible to develop real and meaningful relationships with locals? Will there be a divide between locals and foreigners where they are friendlier to you simply because you're a celebrity in their eyes?

You mention shallow relationships - Its impossible to have anything other unless you can properly communicate. So, unless you speak the language or befriend locals who speak your language the relationships will be 'shallow' as you describe them.

Life is all about Karma. I am sure if you are nice to them (locals) they will be nice to you irrespective of economic disparities that may or may not exist.

Couldn’t help but laugh considering the number men married to Cambodian women - unable to do more than a basic convo in very broken pigeon English

Strange how that makes you "Laugh" It is a commonly shared attitude of a lot of Western women who like to negatively comment on western/khmer relationships. It almost comes across as jealousy....