Phnom Penh

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After Siam Reap we caught a bus down to Phnom Penh. The ride took about 5 1/2 hours, the bus was pretty comfortable (Paramount Bus services $6 each)and the kids handled it pretty well. I was however brainwashed by the Cambodian Karaoke video songs. It drove me bonkers. When we got to the bus stop there was more chaos with locals swarming us all as we got off the bus and offering food, rides and everything else. It was hard to stay focused without losing the plot. Ella, our youngest got caught between other people while we were trying to organise our luggage from the bus and was screaming and crying ,but the staff happily brought her back to us.
Our place we were staying was not too far away and we were there shortly. The Fancy Guest House is on st 15 (street 15) and is a great place with spotless rooms cool air con and space for 4 in a comfortable room. We are paying $25US a night at this time of the year and the owner is very friendly and helpful. Don't be fooled by the messy street outside as this place is spotless. We are close to the river and last night we took a walk along Sisowath quay. It was just before sunset and the locals were getting into their form of street group aerobics along the promenade. I liked the atmosphere their and it seemed that whole families were there enjoying the cooler evening temp. We found a place for happy hour drinks and a snack for the kids and really enjoyed our first night.
Early the next day we tried a walk mentioned in the Lonley Planet. We started at the Wat Phnom to look at the temple at the top of the hill and feed the elephant. There are monkeys in this park as well and while we were standing still my daughter tapped my leg, laughed and said "Dad, look the monkeys are fighting on top of one another". Trust me, they were not fighting! Unfortunately we only got as far as Sorya Shopping center before breakfast beckoned us. We caught a Tuk Tuk to st 240 where there are some great Cafes to try.We enjoyed fantastic smoothies.From there we went to S21. I don't want to go into too much detail about this other than saying that anyone with a conscience should visit this place to see how low humans can go.
We were about to go to the Russian markets tonight and then to find another 'Happy Hour'. See you on the next entry.

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Photos

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Kids feed elephant at Wat Phnom

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Garden clock at Wat Phnom

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Play time at Le Jardin

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Ella's first pamper experience

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Fish Spa

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Bug Buffet

Comments

[alicia godier]

love the blog
Loved reading the blog. everything sounds so great. Glad the kids are going well. Look forward to reading more about your travels. Take Care Love Alicia.