Cambodia

Sua S'dei (Hello) from Cambodia. The Monkey is back in her cage and you've got the organ grinder again!!

In an Attempt to expand my literary expertise, I've Gone for a Diary Style for our Cambodia Adventure.

DAY 1: Meeting our Group
We Headed over to the New World Lodge Hotel to meet up with our Tour leader and fellow travellers. Theres 12 of us in total made up of 4 Ozzies , 6 Brits, a Kiwi and a South African. As expected, everyone was pretty nervous but we all seemed to get on ok.
Our Tour Leader is Cambodian and his name translates to ''HAPPY''. From first impressions this seems a very apt name as he's got an enormous smile.
After Dotting I's and Crossing t's for our trip, everyone was invited out for a group dinner in Bangkok. This gave us the chance to get to know eachother, and we had to be on our very best behaviour.
Happy let us know that we've got to be up at 0530 tomorrow - great!!

DAY 2: Cambodia here we come
So up we got at the crack of dawn, feeling fresh and lively (I dont think). Grabbed a quick breakfast then off to our ''Ganster mobile''. Seriously, we had some kinda Pimped up Minibus with leather seats and blacked out windows. We sat back hoping that all our transport would be this good. It wasnt....
Got to the Thai/Cambodia border and then the ''real'' fun began! After being ''processed'' we got into our second bus, which would take us from the border to Siem Reap. The Bus itself wasn't bad at all, but we quickly realised that the road was, well... there wasnt really a road!! Needless to say the 4 hour journey from the border was all fun and frolicks. As a comparison I would say try sitting on a tumble-dryer whilst bouncing on a trampoline! Even worse for poor Lucy, she was feeling a bit ill and had her tender stomach churned every 2 seconds.
Arrived at the hotel at about 6pm, so quickly freshened up and met up for another group meal. Intrepid strive to only use Locally owned restaurants (as apose to western funded). We thought this was a good idea as it kinda ensures your money is going back to the Cambodian people.
Excited about tomorrow, as were going to see some famous temples. But not so excited that weve gotta get up at 04:30 to catch sunrise.

DAY 3 : Temples, temples temples
Up at 0430 and greeted by a spectacular tropical storm. Happy Kept telling us that it'd probably stop soon. It did...10 hours later! Being the rock hard Brits that we are, we didnt let a bit of rain spoil our day, which turned out to be amazing. We donned our brolleys and anoraks and braved the weather - kinda like 90% of my school field trips.
Our first stop was Angkor Wat Temple which is the worlds biggest religious building. Its huge and Breath taking, with masses fo religous and political history.
To reach the very central towers you have to take the ''stairs of death''. Going up they look pretty steep and you feel a bit disorientated but generally ok. But when you reach the top and look down you suddenly realise how high you are and want to cry. Going back down the stairs is insanely scarey. Theres Talk of Angkor Wat becoming a new wonder of the world. It gets my vote for sure (but please sort out some proper stairs!)
Next we visited Angkor Thom, an ancient fortified city. Again, a great site with amazingly preserved temples, carvings and statues. The rain kept coming but it wasnt gunna get us down! I was doing renditions of singing in the rain to rally the troops; pretty sure it just annoyed them more.
After a decent lunch we drove out to Ta Prohm, which is commonly known as ''Tombraider Temple''. Yes! It is because the film was partly made here, and you can see why they choose it. Another spectacular site with a real natural, untouched feel. The trees kinda melt into the walls which creates this unique effect (nothing like ive seen before). It goes without saying that we took photographs at every point that Angelina Jolie even breathed! I asked Lucy to don a Lara Croft Outfit - she respectfully declined.
Finally, we walked to Phnom Bakheng. This temple is set high up and offered us a stunning sunset view to round off a great day (the Rain and clouds had cleared by this point).
In the Evening we had dinner at the hotel and sampled some "Local Brew'' (Rice Whiskey). I cant see the local brew ever taking off internationally; unless they market it as nail polish remover!! We all had to try some though, as it was Jo's (One of the group) Birthday

DAY 4: Flying Spiders and Orphans!
Got up at about 10 O'clock, which seemed like total luxury after the previous 2 days. Had the morning to ourselves and decided to try the War Museum. We thought this would be like a memorial type museum with some Cambodian history. Hilariously, it turned out to literally be a war museum full of rusty old tanks, guns and other assorted military clobber. I think this might have been the quickest entrance/exit to a museum in history!!
In the Afternoon we joined the group, first visiting a local Orphanage.
The Children were so happy to see us and even had a dance and music show prepared. We got to spend some time looking around the facilities and giving presents to the children. Funny thing, loads of the group seemed to get something stuck in their eye whilst at the Orphanage...
After this we took a bus to a ''floating village''. People live in huts on stilts along the river. We boarded a boat which took us on a small tour around the villages and a floating tourist centre. We got to see some crocodiles (pretty inactive ones to be honest). Also, from the second floor you can watch ''Flying Spiders'' go past on there webs. Yes, that right Flying Spiders!! Afterwards we went to a local bar where we chilled out in hammocks, watching the Sun go down (We are working so so hard). Made friends with a Cambodian boy called Dia. He taught me how to count to ten in Cambodian and I was trying to teach him how to juggle. Not sure which was worse, my counting or his juggling, but we both laughed really hard whilst trying :D

DAY 5: Beetle anyone?
Early start for a long bus journey to Kampong Cham. Stopped for a loo break and our guide, Happy, introduced us to some delicious local cuisine - BEETLE!! Me being the Trooper I am, I gave it a shot. Tasted like Chicken....
Arrived at Hotel and grabbed a quick lunch, then took a trip to see Wat Nokor (more temples!!). All steps and no substance to be honest; but we did get to feed some baby monkeys.
Went for a meal at one of those ''Lazy Susan'' Spinning tables (where you spin the food to eachother).
Another early night as were both knackered!

DAY 6: Homestay
Up eary (sigh; again) for bus ride to Takeo, where we going to meet and spend the night with a farming family out in the sticks. Uneventful Bus journey until we stopped for a loo break! This time there were trays of Fried Turantulas for sale. Well, with my Beetle exploits from yesterday, I was kinda nominated to give 1 a try. Reluctantly, and with a face like Camila parker Bowles, I eventually managed to shove one down my gob. This time it definatley didnt taste like chicken; in fact it was pretty bloody awful. Once over the shock factor of having a massive spider in your mouth, your greeted with a bitter, horrible taste and a dreadful texture. I did my best Camel chew for about 20 seconds, but had to spit some out a reach for the Mango Juice. Moral of the story: Dont eat anything you're afraid of!
Arrived at Homestay at around 3pm. Its basically a series of huts on stilts; one of which serves as our room
(Sharing with 5 others). Overall, much better than expected. Got about 20 minutes rest, and then we were ''summoned'' to help prepare dinner. Our given task was to BBQ the meat; which we managed to do....eventually. Afterwards we all sat together (Cross legged) and ate the fruits of our labour. All things considered, it was pretty good food - certainly better than Fried Spiders anyway!
After Dinner, we all chilled out and sampled local whiskey and listened to Random Music. The Boys of the family seemed very much into the Gangsta scene; blaring out Hip hop and wearing there Hats at Jaunty angles. What Cads! At one point the Music playlist was - Ronan Keeting, Snoop Dog, Mariah Carey, Steps. Possibly the oddist Music selection in history! Someone put on a Westlife CD; Lucy and I went to bed......

DAY 7: Summer Holiday
Up Early (AGAIN!!) for a bus to Shihanoukville, a beach resort in the south of Cambodia. Started to feel a sore throat coming on in the morning. Was convinced that it was the spider I ate; Lucy said I was being ridiculous.
Arrived at shihanouk, got ourselves sorted and headed straight for the Beach. Been waiting for ages to see some more sand and sea; if i'd have had a bucket and spade, i'd have taken them believe me! Beach is really nice, and the sea is so calm and clear. Managed to attract the attention of some local kids; why do they always pick on me? They started jumping all over me in the sea and asking me for piggy backs and to lift them above my head. Was ok until about the 100th lift... Noticed a boat pull up with one of those Banana boat things attached. Decided to get rid of the kids by paying the guy to take them all for a Ride. I got rid of the kids, Kids got free ride, boat guy gets 10 Dollars - everyones a winner!!
Took a strole and had a quiet romantic dinner for 2 on the beach. Went to bed with my throat hurting more. Ive concocted this idea that the Spider has somehow poisoned my throat; Lucy still thinks im ridiculous...

DAY 8: Island Hopping
Up at a reasonable time today (for once!). Todays Agenda was Visting some small islands off the coast.
Headed out to first island on board the 'Unsinkable 6'. Got a chance here to try snorkling amongst the corals and rocks. 1 small hitch; we couldnt really see anything. I think ive seen more at the Fish tank when collecting a Chinese take-away.
Next stop was a gorgeous little beach island. Swam, sun-bathed (aka got burnt) and generally chilled out. Our guides prepared us a beach BBQ of fish and prawns; which just went down nicely after all that hard sun-worship.
Finally, sailed out to Bamboo Island, which was nice but not great. Got bored, so made sand sculptures. Mine was the best - although I was the only one that actually made one.
That evening we all went out for a big group meal at a Karaoke bar. Food was good; Singers were awful (Official Times review). Went back to room with my throat pretty much killing me and a headache coming on. My Spider conspiracy theory is now in full swing. Lucy won't have any of it, im considering writing a will.

DAY 9 : Sick and Ill
Ive spent all of today in Bed feeling absolutely terrible. At about 5am I had a nightmarish fever and felt like my head was going to blow up. Feeling marginally better tonight; hopefully its one of those 24 hour things (and not slow Spider intoxication). Even now, Lucy won't give creedance to my Spider Theories!! I hate her!

DAY 10: Phnom Penh
Woke up feeling a million times better; perhaps I won't need a will after all! Took a 7am Bus to Phnom Penh, stopping off at a few ''checkpoints''. Steared clear of Creepy crawlies this time. Kinda getting tired of the Cambodian Karaoke that the Bus Drivers insist on blaring out over here.
Got into Phnom Penh at about 2pm and grabbed some Lunch. Then took a Tuk Tuk to the Big Russian Market in the town centre. Got ahold of some cutting edge fake Puma Trainers and a few souvenirs. Nice Market, although we couldnt see any indication of why it was called the 'Russian' Market!
Early Dinner and Bedtime due to my still aching throat (poor me!).


DAY 11: Emotions
Feeling at about 90% health now, after a decent wake up time for once. Morning agenda was a trip to the Kings Palace and the National Museum. The Palace, although not a patch on the one in Bangkok, was impressive and quite shiny in parts. Had a small group of Japanese tourists who were 'Leeching' our Tour guide and following us about. Dont think the Palace Guide realised and at one point seemed to actually wait for them. The National Museum was pretty nondescript to be honest.
Afternoon agenda was a Trip to the 'Killing Fields' at Choeung Ek and a visit to the infamous S-21 Prison and Torture facility. These 2 sites offer a graphic insight into the Horrific Genocide of the 1970s. Very, very emotional and shocking; plenty of tears flowed throughout the group and we all kinda stayed silent for a couple of hours afterwards. Came away feeling even more admiration for Cambodian people, who remain kind and warm in the face of a Hellish recent history.
Kinda didnt fancy a large group meal after, so we found a decent little place and had a nice quiet dinner together.

DAY 12 - Good morning Vietnam!
6 am start for an 8 hour Bus to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Got here, and mostly just relaxed all day. Went to a Travel agent and booked a couple of day tours around South Vietnam. First impressions of Saigon are really, really good; the overidding factor seems to be Motorbikes, motorbikes, motorbikes!
In the evening we went for a final group dinner at a local place and then on for some goodbye Beers and Cocktails. Got suitably drunk and all made total prats of ourselves. I was trying to sing a Cambodian song with our Guide, whilst Lucy managed to pull a greasy Brazilian and an 18 year old mommies boy from Salisbury. Everyone said that I should have defended her honor, but I was too busy laughing!

Diary End


Today (25th May) we are still just relaxing here in Saigon and nursing our Hangovers. Chilling out in preparation for Tours in South Vietnam. More on that in the Next Blog.

Cambodia has been a wonderful experience, with a great guide and a fun group of people. Never been on a holiday that contained such a varition of attrations; from the awesome Temples, to the perfect beaches, to the emotions of the killing fields. And the people are so warm, kind and friendly. Cambodia goes into our top 5 destinations we've both ever visited.

Anyway, hope the Diary wasn't too long and boring (Full,unedited versions available on resquest); and enjoy the attached pictures. See ya next time for a taste of Vietnam.

Bye Bye
Dan and Lucy

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