Cambodian Quad Biking
(Halle) Riding on our quad bikes on the wild, bumpy roads of Siem Reap, Cambodia was full of unexpected surprises. I got to drive the quad bike but since I was under 16 I had to have a guide on board with me. I pressed the accelerator and we started out on the busy, main road with scooters, tuk-tuks and cars coming in both directions. All I could hear was the sound of people honking horns and conversing with one another. I sped along the road going up to 30 miles per hour trying to avoid colliding into oncoming traffic. In the midst of all that chaos, I had to manage the go pro. Some scooters had a parent driving it with up to four kids on the same seat.
Finally, we got off the main road and continued driving down a dirt road. We passed by several ramshackle houses with children frolicking in the yard. Some kids stood on the side of the road waving at me frantically. I slowed my bike down and gave each kid a high-five. Every one of them seemed to have an affable smile on their face. One kid wouldn’t let go of my hand!
As we journeyed down the dirt road, my shirt that once once white turned into a orange red color from all the sand flying around from the other quad bikes ahead of me. There were rice fields as far as the eye could see. 85% of the people in Cambodia work in agriculture. We stopped at a small waterway where kids with nets tried to catch their fish dinner. We watched the sunset over the rice paddies and headed back home. As we crossed main roads, the cars would not stop or let you pass by, you just had to cut people off. I zoomed past scooters, gigantic trucks and bicycles, now in the dark. The headlights from the moving vehicles coming toward me were blinding. At long last we finally we arrived home safe and sound. Enjoy watching my video.
Halle
Halle,
All this comment about you writing is great but I thought you framed the video very well. Good job not moving your head too much. Also good job not hitting any cows as previously mentioned.
Could have used you on Jurassic 4.
-SS
I am so impressed with everyone’s writing skills!! You guys are amazing, and your detailed, expressive writing makes me feel like I am right there with you during all of these adventures. You are so lucky to be able to experience all of this, and we are so lucky to be able to go along with you through your posts! Thanks so much for keeping us with you!! Miss you all. xoxo -The Rinaldi’s
Seeing the images of the agricultural areas and cows along the side of the road reminded me of visiting my Iowa grandparents and driving across the vast farmland, America’s bread basket. One difference the cows were behind fences. You are a wonderful writer making the reader feel right there with you.
Hi Halle,
You write exceedingly well. I am convinced that it is the result of your interest in reading for fun.
I loved your description of the quad bike riding. The video exemplified the vivid description. Your driving skills are equally good. There is an old beat up 1997 Audi in your future!!
When you get to India, you will be amazed on how many people can ride on one scooter, not that four on a scooter is anything to ignore.
Papa
You’re a great writer, Halle. You paint such vivid descriptions and have a great command of vocabulary without sounding pretentious. Glad you stayed safe and thanks for the video!!
Hey Halle, I miss you so much. you did a pretty good job at driving and like what Liza said I’m suprised you didn’t run I to anthing. Have a great rest of the trip
Love Olivia
Hi Halle, As I read your description, I had a real visual sense of what you were describing. Your video then confirmed that! As I watched you driving along, I was remembering the days of the Barbie jeep in your driveway at home. I was amazed at your driving skills back then – and still am. What you described reminded me a lot of India. Amazing, isn’t it? Love, Grandma
HALLE, I didn’t know what half those words meant! I think you will need to translate that for me in dumb Liza language. Also I’m surprised you didn’t run into all those cows,cars,bikes, and little kids. Loved the video, miss you so much!
Hi Halle, Great job on the written piece. If I were your English teacher I would give you an A+ I’m sure you are getting a better education than your own school can provide. I thought you were so brave to drive that quad vehicle down all those busy roads. Great scenery. Another A+. Thanks for sharing. Have fun, and stay safe. Tony
Nice driving Halle. You have had very good practice. 😉
Halle you did a great job navigating around those cows! You won’t need drivers Ed. Loved your write up- spotted some excellent vocabulary. Obviously Mom is keeping you girls wicked smaht!!