Blind and traveling USA to Cambodia in two days!

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Spigzy
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Re: Blind and traveling USA to Cambodia in two days!

Post by Spigzy »

Don't even think about walking outside Raffles, the pavements and roads are full of so many obstacles it is utterly futile to try to walk these even with a guide dog. Equally those who walk further than 20 metres are considered peasants anyway; let your friend organise tuk-tuks to get around, no trouble with the dog on those either I'm sure.

The best place to let the dog stretch its legs would be along the river front - again, get there by tuk-tuk, but then you can have a good leg stretch unimpeded, the walkway is very wide - a good ten metres at most points, and the pavement so high you don't have to worry about cars/bikes coming up the kerb.

ATMs I've seen both ABA Bank and J-Trust Royal Bank (formerly ANZ Royal) do have both braille and also a headphone jack, I can't say I've ever used it, but 99% sure they are there. Do not ask a rural Khmer for assistance on this, it will be utterly alien to her and you will likely lose the card to the machine - even rich/educated Khmers struggle with ATMs, it doesn't mean she's stupid, just something westerners take for granted as being simple is really very odd to Cambodians.

There is no such place as Kampong Chnor province - we need some help here on whether she means Kampong Chhnang, or Kampong Cham ... or does she mean Prey Ch'nor down in Kampot province? More advise can be given if we know a bit more there methinks.

What dog food does your dog eat also - you can get dry mix and so on at Thai Huot or Bayon supermarkets, so you might save yourself some luggage space there. Likewise don't forget it is tropical here, whatever you'd do with the dog in Miami probably would suit here - I'm guessing hydration being the biggest challenge. Last point on the dog - in Khmer you're best being up front with people and ask your friend to tell other Khmers "Gom bas ch'gai" (Don't touch the dog), make sure she's alert to that as locals do like good looking dogs so a guide dog is likely to get a lot of unwanted attention. Also remember that street dogs in Cambodia can carry rabies, so make sure your mutt is well vaccinated against all sorts of nasty stuff they might pick up here.

Good luck is all I can say, sounds like an epic journey.
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trDavid
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Re: Blind and traveling USA to Cambodia in two days!

Post by trDavid »

Yes, Tony the Traveler is a legend! I have read both of his e-books and teach my students about him. He's deaf too, I can't imagine traveling if I couldn't here.

My friends say my girlfriend is beautiful but that's not important to me. I will just be happy to meet her and hold her for the first time.

I do have Plan B, my travel agent is excellent and if I need to leave on short notice she can do that but I don't think it will happen!
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Jerry Atrick
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Re: Blind and traveling USA to Cambodia in two days!

Post by Jerry Atrick »

I know one blind foreigner here.

He goes with a cane, rather than dog.

Usually seems to be doing just fine.

Yeah, all ATM's here have braille keys. I don't know about audio jacks.
explorer
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Re: Blind and traveling USA to Cambodia in two days!

Post by explorer »

I hope all goes well, and you have a good time. I want to encourage you to travel, but there are a lot of things to be aware of. Have fun, but be careful.

Be aware, many Cambodians will steal from you. Seriously consider the possibility that this wonderful Cambodian woman will steal from you. When you go out during the day, only take as much money as you will spend that day. Anyone assisting you with the ATM may steal from you. Only have as much money in your bank account as you will spend for the trip, so if it gets stolen you dont lose too much. Put any other money in a separate account.

People may also steal your luggage, and your phone, particularly if you get a tuk tuk from the airport.

Yes it is difficult to walk anywhere because no allowance has been made for people with disabilities, and it is poorly maintained. In addition, the side-walks are normally obstructed with things, so you have to walk on the road, with the cars and motor bikes. Which is very dangerous.

It is ideal to have someone with you when you go out, if you can. Get a tuk tuk anytime you are going somewhere a bit far. You need to negotiate a price before the trip, as they will rip you off.

Visit the village. You should have a good time. Most Cambodians are very nice.

Those that have bathrooms often have toilets you squat over, rather than sit on. Then you wash yourself with water afterwards.
trDavid wrote: Wed Oct 09, 2019 5:28 am Will Cambodian staff at restaurants understand that Monty is an assistance dog and not a pet?
Maybe some will, and some wont. Most wont care if you take a dog in a restaurant.
trDavid wrote: Wed Oct 09, 2019 5:28 am How about in small villages? I prefer that people do not try to pet him when he is working will people understand that?
They probably wont understand. Most wont speak English. You can have your lady friend tell them. Some may not listen.

In some places there are stray dogs which fight each other. They may want to fight your dog.

After you have taken your dog to Cambodia, you may not be allowed to take it home again. Cambodia has rabies, and some countries may not accept dogs that have been in Cambodia.
trDavid wrote: Wed Oct 09, 2019 5:28 am Lastly we are planning to tour Angkor Wat and I understand that visitors can still touch the temples and stone carvings but not climb on them is that still the case? If no touching is allowed at all I may reconsider going.
If it is just for yourself, I would not go to Angkor Wat. There are too many scams. If your lady friend and her family have never been there, you may go for their sake. Be aware, you will be expected to pay for travel, accommodation, food, etc. for the whole family.

Have fun.
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Duncan
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Re: Blind and traveling USA to Cambodia in two days!

Post by Duncan »

trDavid.,,, I was just walking past the old market and was thinking about you and how you would find your way along the roadside without tripping over rubbish.
Then I thought,, well your blind but your sense of smell is probably still good.

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Cambodia,,,, Don't fall in love with her.
Like the spoilt child she is, she will not be happy till she destroys herself from within and breaks your heart.
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hanno
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Re: Blind and traveling USA to Cambodia in two days!

Post by hanno »

explorer wrote: Wed Oct 09, 2019 10:52 am If it is just for yourself, I would not go to Angkor Wat. There are too many scams.
Please explain. I reckon I have been to Angkor Wat more than a 100 times; still immensely enjoy it and have never been scammed.
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Re: Blind and traveling USA to Cambodia in two days!

Post by the irishman »

by explorer » Wed Oct 09, 2019 10:52 am

...Be aware, many Cambodians will steal from you. Seriously consider the possibility that this wonderful Cambodian woman will steal from you.

...People may also steal your luggage, and your phone

...If it is just for yourself, I would not go to Angkor Wat. There are too many scams.
:facepalm:
With your attitude,i really dont understand why you spend anytime in Cambodia
angkorjohn2
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Re: Blind and traveling USA to Cambodia in two days!

Post by angkorjohn2 »

I think one thing to be wary of especially in Siem Reap and the Provinces is there are lots of dogs who are kept for protection purposes and are therefore very territorial and will often attack another dog passing by their area, some have rabies, but either way I would be concerned of you walking your guide dog anywhere away from the main centre in Phnom Penh. Not sure if you can walk a dog in the temples but as well as stray dogs there are aggressive monkeys to be aware of if with your dog.

Anyway, good luck, I met on several occasions a few years back an American who had very limited sight if not totally blind, he wore black out glasses and used a cane. He regularly came to Phnom Penh and drank on riverside and enjoyed the company of a couple of ladies (why restrict yourself to just this one), all of whom seemed to take care of him without ripping him off. A thoroughly interesting man who, like yourself didn't let his impairment get in the way of his life. I wish you a safe and happy trip sir and good luck.
explorer
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Re: Blind and traveling USA to Cambodia in two days!

Post by explorer »

the irishman wrote: Wed Oct 09, 2019 11:15 am With your attitude,i really dont understand why you spend anytime in Cambodia
I believe people need to be told the truth, so they are warned. If they are not told, they are sitting ducks. If they are aware of what can happen, they can avoid most problems.
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Re: Blind and traveling USA to Cambodia in two days!

Post by TWY »

I think you'll find a lot of people will pet your dog. Especially in the province should you make the trip out. Small children will have no idea of what a guide dog is and will want to play.

I have seen braille on ATMS's here in Cambodia - no idea if there are working audio jacks. The first time I'd recommend going inside an ACLEDA or ABA branch and ask for help from the bank using the ATM outside the bank.

Make sure you carry your dog's rabies vaccination certificate. I don't know the list of countries - but I do know that for high risk countries it is mandatory you can show the certificate to re-enter with your dog.

Don't know if your friend is staying with you at Raffles - but if that is a possibility make sure the reservation is for two and she checks in with you when you arrive. That will make things easier in terms of her coming and going from the hotel as she will be a registered guest.

Others have commented on the other aspect of your trip. I'd just recommend being cautious. Lots of good people in the world, and lots of folks able/willing to take advantage of those they think are vulnerable. Good luck and enjoy the trip.
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