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Published: June 18th 2013
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Hoping for a Ride
Ikelos waiting at the bus station hoping for a ride. No such luck though Okay so as we last left off, I was hoping they might let us on a bus with Ikelos if we paid for extra seats but no such luck. My friend told me that they said they were scared he might bite somebody. So we had to take a private van to her hometown of Sa Det. It was more expensive then I would have liked but at least it was a really nice ride. We each had our own seat to just lay across, even Ikelos.
As usual Mom's hospitality was great. When we arrived she went to get food for us to have lunch at her house. Then she went to find a dog friendly hotel in town for Ikelos and I. And once again she paid for it. She also took me out to dinner that night. It is hard to pay when you don't speak the language and you can't even notice when they ask how much. After dinner we went to have some fruit shakes on the river and her brother also came. Last time I was here he was only 13 and so shy. He also spoke almost no English. Now we
Dog's Eye View
Ikelos watching Vietnam go by were able to have conversations. I guess they learn quick when they are young.
We were supposed to all have breakfast in the morning as well, but unfortunately I found at around 6am that morning that If I didn't get to the border that day, I would not have a ride waiting for me on the Cambodian side. Apparently Socheata can only come on the weekends. So I had to start arranging my ride to the border immediately. This time it was a SUV instead of a van. We started riding at 10am. We were in Ho Chi Minh by 1:00. Made a quick stop at my hotel to pick up the luggage I left, a quick goodbye to my friend, and Ikelos and I were on our way to the border.
The upcoming border is the last I had to worry about. After that we will be home. No more countries to worry about. I was hoping to be at the border by 4, but my taxi driver didn't seem to know the way and actually made 3 wrong turns so we did not wind up getting to the border until 4:30. My god crossing
that border sucked. For some reason you always have to walk across broders and they like to make the walk very long. I had 2 huge suitcases with me, plus 2 backpacks, a bag of fruit, and Ikelos. By the time I got to the first building on the Vietnamese side I was soaked with sweat.
The man standing in front of the vietnam customs and immigration building asked for $10 to bring Ikelos through. I just "no. no problem. I have his papers. Thank you" and walked right by him. Okay so first part went well. Now another 400 - 500 foot walk to the Cambodian customs and immigration stand. I was really pouring sweat by the time I got there. As I got close to the visa stand Bun Lei was there waiting. He came up to help me drag my luggage and man was that a relief. I walked up to the visa stand. Got my business visa for $25 no problem. Then I tied Ikelos up and walked into the immigration building to get my entry stamp. A couple of new fingerprint procedures and I was stamped in. I walked back outside, grabbed Ikelos and
we started walking past the customs building and just as I was thinking I was homefree and guard walked out and pointed at Ikelos. Uh oh.
"Passport" he says as he points at Ikelos again. Using my minimal skills in Khmer I politly reply "Baht bong. Passport chikai at a te" (yes older brother, dog passport. not a problem" as I pull Ikelos' paperwork out of my bag. As I hand i to him I once again say "passport chikai" (dog passport). He looks at it for 30 seconds and then hands it back to me and waves me through.
What a feeling. Home free in Cambodia with Ikelos. That's it no more border. we are here!
It feels like a long 3 hours ride to Phnom Penh, probably because I woke up at 4:30 (still jet lagged) and then started traveling at 10:00. We arrived it Phnom Penh around 8:40 or so. I had called ahead to make sure my usual guesthouse would allow Ikelos so I knew that would not be a problem. I will probably stay here in the capital until Wed or Thurs. Ikelos is due for his shots next month so I
The Family
In order from age oldest to youngest
Busain, Bulie, and Minh Kim I am going to try and find a western vet here before I head down to Sihanoukville.
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Mommy Gail
non-member comment
You look so thin but really good and smiling..love to see smile...
Hi Honey and yes your family does love the pictures....Ikelos looks happy too and for some reason I am so happy he is with you...I even feel better...like your are not alone but with someone who loves you very much...I have you find happiness and Ikelos gets to spend quality time with his Dad...Love and Miss you Mom and yes I am finally singing "When I'm Sixty four " by the Beatles and have been singing it where ever I go laughing...