Sihanoukville

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Emma and I boarded our mini bus to Sihanoukville right on time ( half an hour later than the ticket says, as per modern Cambodian custom). We were the last passengers to be collected, hence we were not surprised to find that we had been left the dodgy seats. I was herded into the back middle seat between two old men. I had my I-pod whipped out before my butt even grazed the duco. Here, I learn another lesson on why first impressions can be so wrong.

The guys I was sandwiched between were Aussies and had been volunteering with a Vietnam Vet organisation to help the people of Vietnam. They had just finished rebuilding a school in the north of Vietnam. As we chatted more I learnt, to my amazement, that Murray was currently living in Mandurah. One conversation led to another and of course he lives in Falcon and plays golf at the Cut and yes Joan Morgan, he knows you! Can you believe it? There I was chatting away to Murray Templeton from downtown Mandurah, it really is a small world.

We arrived in Sihanoukville mid morning and went in search of cheap accomodation. We found a room for $5 but it only had a double bed and since Emma and I had known each other less than 24hours we thought this was pushing it a bit. The next guesthouse- Kosal's, was $7 a night, much larger and we each had our own overhead fan which was the biggest novelty and a luxuary from what we have become acustomed to. So, for $3.50 a night we quickly agreed this was the place for us.

I had heard and read so many mixed reports about Sihanoukville and really wanted to suss it out for myself. I'm glad I did although by no means is it my favourite place. For me it tastes both sweet and sour. The vibe is relaxed and chilled out along the beaches, hippy's meander aimlessly about and those inclined can drink the day away for very little money. The food is good and cheap with loads of choice and the accomodaton is clean and plentiful. The sourness comes from the large amount of mature western men with younger Cambodian, Thai or Vietnamese women. They make no effort at all to be discreet, it's gross actually.

Since arriving 2 days ago I have spent lazy days on the internet, drinking and eating, window shopping and very little else. I have enjoyed breaking the pattern of moving from one place to the next. Today (Good Friday) Emma and I will catch the local boat over to Bamboo Island. It is sunny for the first time in exactly one week so I am looking forward to getting my bikini out. We will stay overnight in the dorms and return tomorrow afternoon. I'm looking forward to it.

To my wonderful family, I will definately call the farm before I leave Sihanoukville (sometime before Sunday morning). You are all in my thoughts. Give that dog of mine an extra big squeeze- if you can keep him still for long enough. Everyone else, have a very happy Easter. Lots of love, love love. xxxxxxx

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Comments

[Joan M]

Happy Easter
Wishing you a happy Easter Chloe. I had a chuckle when reading about Murray Templeton and you sharing the back seat. He's a good guy and loves a good laugh. As well as at golf, I see him when walking the beach each morning as he loves to fish. I hope you get a sunbake and swim on Bamboo Island. Love, Joan xxxx

[Mia]

vegemite
Hi Sissy. We are at the farm as you know and little Vegemite is thoroughly enjoying himself. Dad made him run all the way across Dickson's paddock to the rock, but that hasn't stopped him from hanging out at the shed all afternoon. While we were in the shed he came up to me for a big cuddle, so I think he is missing you. He's been behaving while I'm around but apparently last night he spent some quality time with a number of tyres.... I forgot to tell you in my email that I had a dream the other night, so I thought I'd reciprocate; I dreamed I was in a remote part of the world, travelling as you are from place to place. I booked a ticket on a plane and then wasted a few hours until it was time to check in. But then when I got to the airport I was too late and had missed my flight. This dream made me think of you and how I hope your travel plans are going smoothly. Speak to you more soon, I love you xxx

[Marian]

Missed You at EASTER!!!
Hi Chloe, just a quick message to say you were missed at the Farm at Easter....we did have a toast to absent familyfriends and we probably ate your share of Easter eggs too!!!! Mia and Brenda related to the rest of us the conversations they had with you on the phone...so good you could call. Hope you had an OK Easter. Look forward to more news from you soon. Bye for now, Marian