Day #2

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So we arrived in Phnom Penh yesterday, in the evening. First of all, the visa/customs in the airport was crazy. A bunch of people standing by the counter waiting for their passport and visa, with money in one hand. Vaguely reminds me of buying a drink at a bar in NYC on a Fri night.

We arrived at our reserved hotel, Sakura, at around 9PM. And our hotel manager asks "you guys want beautiful girl?"
That's right, our hotel manager is a pimp.
I was irritated because I had asked for a map of the city and exchange some money, but that was the reply I got. I was reminded of "Lost in Translations" except a shadier and more ghetto version.

We went out for food at around 11PM. Had a really good meal. Sweet/Sour River Fish and this Beef dish that was very tasty. We walked into the restaurant, and was asked if we wanted to go upstairs. "No, it's ok, there's more breeze downstairs." And besides, there was a TV downstairs showing Star Wars. I was slightly puzzled by the group of young, attractive cambodian girls sitting at the entrance of the restaurant. And as we see each one of them "go upstairs" with guys, it dawned on me that we're dining in a brothel. That's right, authentic, traditional Cambodian brothel... with river fish and beef.

After dinner we strolled across the street, harrassed by a bunch of Moto drivers asking us if we wanted to go get a massage.
What the hell is wrong with this place???
And that was when we found paradise: a bar/lounge called Elsewhere.

Situated in the middle of the desolate prostitute land (actually it's right next to an elementary school, which is across the street from the brothel in which we had our first meal), it's like a little Oasis. After walking into the front gate, is a long winding path lined by tropical plants, and after a turn, you see the swimming pool in the middle of courtyard. The entire bar is outdoors, and all around are couches and cushioned pads. There were no locals in there, just a bunch of white kids (college-age?) and a few older travellers. There is Simon & Garfunkle playing in the background, and fans hidden in the trees creating a relaxing breeze. We each had a Ankor Beer, which was quite good, and met a couple of travelers. Some sat by the pool, dipping our feet in cool water, while others just lounged on the couches. It actually kinda looked like one of those hip-hop music videos.

Anyways, so that was our first night.

This morning we checked out of Sakura, will move to a slightly less shady area of town. We will also be renting motorbikes for the day.
Tomorrow we will head to Siem Reap, where we will access Ankor Wat.
I hear we can ride elephants there!!!

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