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Published: February 11th 2006
So we have arrived safely in Phnom Penh. A few more dramas to be had while traveling, but hopefully that is all of them out of the way. Our Visas arrived on time and in order. We then went to coles to buy the last of the items we needed, and go to the post office to pay a fine, and my eftpos card stopped working. Great. The day we were meant to leave and it just stopped swiping. So we went down to the bank to sort it out and were faced with more dramas. The old bag who was helping us refused to send a new card to Viet Nam. What a load of crap. After some more drama, a new card was finally sent, then everything was finally organised and after some sad goodbyes we were off to the airport. We arrived at 10.07pm, checked in, and were then told that the flight was delayed (not told exactly, a letter put in front of us to read) until 2.15am. So that left us with a four hour wait at the airport before finally boarding and flying out. We arrived at KL about one hour prior to our connecting
flight to Phnom Penh which was also delayed by one hour. Apologies to our mums who did not get a phone call from KL as we had no money to put in the pay phones to call. Sorry : ( . The plane ride was interesting with a lady in front of us having a good old yack into a paper bag and then instantly reapplying her lipstick. Lovely. Hygienic. I also had my first experience with a hole in the ground posing as a toilet… needless to say I chose the western option.
We arrive at the airport in one piece, go through customs easily (after they all had a good chuckle at Jen’s stoner photo) and head outside to look for the taxi driver holding a sign with our name on it. Celebrity status. Love it. Our driver was James Bon (not bond, bon) 007. Very funny guy. We arrived at our hotel, was greeted by our first beggar who’s face was melted off, and had lunch. Ran into four aussie guys who had cycled from Saigon Viet Nam to Cambodia to raise money for children with burns. They are cool dudes, invited us to a new
Killing Fields
The remainder of the 300,000 cambodian people killed under the Pol Pot regime.nightclub tonight that floats on water, advised us AGAINST getting a massage around here, and told us to get a happy herbal pizza for dinner.
It is an amazing experience being here, almost indescribable. I feel like I am in a movie, it seems so far detached from life as I know it. The photos say more than I can about what life is like here. It is hot, but not humid. It smells, but doesn’t always stink. It is such a surreal experience to take in, and there is never nothing to look at. There are beautiful people, in not so beautiful situations, all trying to make money just to get by. It is amazing how happy and friendly the people of Cambodia are, regardless of the financial and economic state of the country.
We then took up an offer to see the Killing Fields, biggest waste of $2. It was interesting to see where the genocide happened, and sad to see all the skulls, but was not worth the harassment from children saying “one two three smile”, then demanding you take a photo of them and then charge you for it. BUT what was very good
about that trip was my first ride on a motor bike!! Scary as all hell at first, as there are no road rules, people riding on all sides of the road, no helmet, and five people riding one motorbike. But I loved it you can see me in my glory in these photos.
And best of all, Jen has found Angkor Beer. $1.20 a tallie 5%!a(MISSING)lcohol, and really tasty. I had a go, but no, I still hate beer.
Love your guts,
Erin and Jenny xx Ps Mum we are safe
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Lauren
non-member comment
WOW
looks amazing... you two stay safe, thinking of you both xo