Phnom Penh

So the 15 day Cambodia adventure begins…

Arrived 8:35 this morning at PP International Airport on a full SilkAir flight from Singapore.

The formalities ran smoothly thanks to the eVisa obtained prior to arrival. If only my luggage arrived with me – the ground staff was very helpful and the CellCard booth had my tourist sim set up in minutes – very efficient.

Shame the poor driver was very worried and drove “me and my backpack” all the way to the hotel in the massive Toyota suv. It felt a little overkill next to the tuk-tuks. Traffic was hectic and he took all kinds of interesting alleys and criss-cross byways. Eventually I had to take out my camera, I was missing too many awesome shots. Having survived Cairo and India the driver was quite impressed that I took the chaos that is PP traffic in stride.

My hotel room is beautiful and spacious and the wrap-around french doors and balcony affords a view of the Tonle Sap River and Wat Ounalom. I took a quick shower, washed my T-shirt for tomorrow and set out to explore the wat ( only open to the public in the morning).

It is beautiful and peaceful, despite its sad history. The afternoon the monks chants awoke me from my little siesta.

Seeing the Royal Palace at the end of the street I took a stroll there past little shops and many tuk-tuks with drivers/ impromptu guides. The complex was closed for lunch and I had to explain to one of the “would be guides” that I am visiting tomorrow as part of a group.

On the way back I purchased some drinks – 4 cans coke light, 1 can Angkor lager and 1.5l water for 5 USD.

Time to put the feet up, charge the ipad and get a snooze in the aircon cocoon of my room. I hurt my foot earlier the week and am still on the mend. No use overdoing it and then being too injured to walk Angkor Wat next week. Plus my ankles were very swollen after the flight. The prayers woke me at around 16:00. Spent the balance of the afternoon people watching.

It is now 19:12 and I’m sitting in the KWest Restaurant having their signature cocktail – It’s happy hour. Morodok Khmer – Java palm spirit, Sombai ginger-red chili, kiwi puree, cucumber syrup, Lime and pineapple juice. It won a gold medal in the 2014 CAMFOOD competition.

It is very refreshing. “cucumber” and “cocktail” will raise quite a few eyebrows at home. Takes a little getting used to. I have to admit the cucumber is less prominent in the 2nd one… or maybe I’m adjusting.

Supper of sticky rice and stir fried beef with a pepper-lime dipping sauce was very filling. I was hoping for some space for coconut sorbet…. not gonna happen. Maybe the rooftop bar does the ice-cream too.

Apparently my luggage has arrived with the late afternoon flight and should be on its way to the hotel. Quite a relief, did not feel like going shopping tonight. Specially not after two cocktails :p

First impressions – I like Cambodia. The people are really friendly despite the language barrier, which is VERY pronounced.

I wonder what the tour-group on the cruise will be like, well time will tell tomorrow morning. Not looking forward to the Killing Fields visit tomorrow.