Not Another Beer Captain!!

Arrived in Sihanoukville in the morning.  Got a bike to my hostel....Tranquility Guesthouse.  It was lovely.  Right on the beach and I was upgraded from a room with a fan and cold water to a room with hot water, air con and a tv as they had no other room for me.  Love it when that happens!  I saw a sign on the counter and asked him what day it was.  He laughed and said Saturday.  He knew I was looking at this......

My room wasn't ready until 12pm so grabbed a Full English. 

Egg, proper bacon, sausage, tomato, mushrooms, beans, huge hash brown and toast!!

Pissing down.

Jason the owner told me the Vietnam Embassy was open today until 12pm so I decided to go get my visa.  Only took 10 minutes and cost $45.

Later that day I went on the beach in front of the hotel for what I thought would be a relaxing few hours reading.  Oh how wrong was I!  Next thing I was crowded by women trying to sell me something.  I don't mind this because if I didn't want anything I would just say no but I like helping them out....or so I thought.
Next thing I knew I was having my legs threaded, toenails and fingernails painted, eyebrows threaded and a bracelet with my name made.  The whole thing costed $40.  Expensive here but not when you compare it to home.  They kept laughing at me when I got my legs done....it friggin hurt and I was screeching like a baby.  I told them if it doesn't get me a man I wanted a refund.  This tickled them all.  Every man that passed they pointed to and shouted at!!!! Embarrased.com!

OUCHHHHHHHHHHHH!

These ladies often make a withdrawal at Bank of Tracy

Nails...loved it!

Later that night I saw an advert at the hotel and decided I was gonna do a booze cruise the next day to meet some people.  It ran from 2pm to 7pm.

The next day I went on the beach.  The sunbeds are free, you just have to buy a drink at the bar. $1 beer please and a bottle of water...SOLD!  It was so relaxing and the sea was like bathwater.  That afternoon I met Lily and Peter.  More local hawkers.  I agreed to get Rhys's name on a bracelet and some fruit.  I was going to get Reshen's but I saved it for my new friends outside my hotel.  I wear them every night.  Got back to the hotel and went for a shower.  I jumped at my reflection in the mirror!  I was well brown and a little red.  Even factor 45 wasn't keeping these rays at bay.  

Life's a beach

Decided today, not to do the booze cruise and do a 3 island cruise with BBQ, snorkelling and beaches.  Why should I have to get drunk with a load of idiots on a booze cruise just to socialise.  Mum was well proud and so was I.  Turning a corner??? I think so.

The next morning I arrived at Angkor Beach Bar for my free breakfast.  A spanish guy from behind asked for a light and when he said 'thank you' I said 'de nada' (spanish for don't mention it).  We boarded the boat from the beach and set off for the islands.  The group was great.  I got talking to a Danish family and the spanish guy asked if I was spanish.  'Soy ingles'(i'm english)....I had confused him before by responding in spanish.  Well funny.  They were a great bunch to be with.  

I didn't catch the fish...just fed them the bait lol!

Decided I wasn't ready to overcome my fear of snorkelling yet so I stayed put on the boat covered up as I was a little red from the day before and tried my hand at fishing.  The captain offered for me to join him for a beer.  Why not!  It was already his 3rd LOL.  When we got to the island we got off the boat into the sea.  Well everyone stepped off apart from me....kerplonk....SPLASHHHHH!  Fell off the bleedin boat and landed on my ass in the water and so did my bag, camera and all!  I was laughing so hard but I pulled my camera out straight away.  It was ok.  My phone, kindle and ipod were kaput.  I laid them out to dry them off and stripped to my bikini and hung my clothes on a tree.  What a knob!!  Still don't think logically.  Any sane person would have handed their stuff to the guy on the beach THEN fell off hahaha!

Put that bloody beer down Captain!!!

NO CHANCE MATE!

Cooking the catch

Lunch...barracuda. Was yum mmm

Later my ipod started working.  My camera was ok as it was in its cover but no sign from my kindle and phone.  Went for a walk on the beach with one of the spanish guys and had a really good chat (calm down everyone he was 44 and not my type).  Had a good laugh....at last!  On the way back the captain was still downing his weight in Angkor Beer....worried much??!!  When I got off the boat, Anton and his spanish friends more or less carried me off the boat to the beach with the boat boy carrying my stuff to safety hahahahaha.

Forgot to book my night coach to Vietnam today so thought why not stay for another night.  I wasn't yet ready to hit the chaos of Saigon.  In the morning, Jason booked my coach for the next night and discounted the room I was staying in for my last night.  Not ready to hit the beach today so gonna chill, eat and download a film for tonight.  I must admit that hearing the music in the bars is tempting but i'm not here for that.  Might hit the bar next door for a couple tonight but thats it.

Chillin right by the beach...beer in hand

So far I am the owner of 5 bracelets and 2 head bands and I'm sure it wont end there.  I'm gonna wear them all on my last day and tell them to bugger off when they approach LOL.

I am definately coming back to Cambodia for a 2 week holiday in the future.  With friends hopefully.  Maybe 4 days in Siem Reap then 10 days at Sihanoukville.  Its got everything.  Cheap hotels, beer, food, massages, markets, good looking boys and great nightlife.  What say you girls???

Oh What A Night 'Bus'

Arrived for my night bus and was well surprised.  It appeared that it had bunk beds, private reading lights, air con and blankets!  Well impressed.  I was given my seat (which was 2 seats) and I was well happy.  I was also doing a little prayer I would not have to share with anyone.

The guy on the left was my roomie to be

BAD LUCK!!!  The bus guy came over and told me another couple were about to get on and could I share with the guy opposite.  Oh well...at least he was a bit fit.  I climbed over and said 'hey roomie!' he smirked and gave me the window bed..cheers mate!  He wasn't one for socialising.  I was thinking that if me and Mim/Louise were here right now we'd be getting pissed and having a laugh :(

Well, I just couldn't get comfortable at all.  He appeared not wanting to touch me...by that I mean arm to arm or leg to leg coz everytime it happened he moved.  I thought...keep going mate, you'll fall out and I will piss myself laughing!!

I got to about 4am am everyone seemed to be asleep.  My ignorant bed buddy next to me was in a perfect spooning position so I thought 'fuck it mate, i'm joining ya'.  Although he kept his distance he probably never knew I was spooning him from behind unless he heard me snoring down his earhole hahahahaha!  It was the best 2 hours sleep I had all night.  In fact, i'm surprised at myself that I didn't snuggle him as I often sleep with a big teddy bear..... just not an ignorant french frog of a one.

Hey Roomie!.. yeah had no reply and looked like this...still!

When I arrived at my hostel I'd ordered breakfast and low and behold he showed up wanting a room.  I walked past him to the toilet and said 'hi there, you following me?'. He smiled then looked away. Knob.

Angkor What?

Arrived in Siem Reap and was taken to my hostel...Jasmine Family Guesthouse.  It had a lovely pool and a real family approach.  My dorm wasn't ready until tomorrow so I got my own room with tv for the night.  I was knackered so went for a nap.  Woke up at 11:45pm!  Must have been tired.  Missed out on tea and watched telly.  Caught the last episode of Strike Back which started at home before I left.  Now I know what happened.  Watched another film..Ghost Ship and went back to sleep at 3am.

The next day I changed to my dorm.  Was nice and empty?  No bother.  Just lounged round the pool today but couldn't go in coz of lady stuff!!!!  Roll on 2 more days!  Sweated like a phido at a playground.  It was 35 degrees again.  Good tan coming on, even with the lowest factor they sell...45.

A bit hot!!!

Resided myself that as I couldn't use the pool I would get into town.  Saw an advert for giving blood at a children's hospital.  I researched online to make sure it was safe and went alone.  Luckily I had my blood donor card with me (mum said to take it so if I was in an accident they would know my blood group).  It only took 5 minutes to give 350ml of blood.  After the doctor gave me a thank you pack which contained a t-shirt, a can of coke and some crackers!  More than you get at home.

At the hospital giving blood

My thank you parcel

Later that day I finally went for a blind massage.  It was great and only cost $5.  Went out for tea that night and discovered Pub Street!  Amazing place, I loved it.  Had a real vibe going on.  Even got a foot massage for $1...how could I say no?  Found a place that did wine for £1 and had a couple of glasses before I called Penn from the hostel to pick me up.

My blind masseuse

$1 foot massage for 15 minutes

Had arranged for Mr Khim (the tuk tuk driver who took me to the hostel) to take me around Angkor Wat Temples for a couple of days.  The cost was $15 a day for him and $40 for a 3 day pass to Angkor.  He suggested an itinerary and we began.  It was red hot and I soon got through my massive bottle of water.  Stopped for a beer and was surrounded by kids trying to sell stuff.  One of them challenged me to a game of noughts and crosses in the sand and if I lost I had to buy something from her.  I liked this kid.  I knew I was gonna lose...I always do.  They were so skinny and so I gave her and her friends a $1 each.

Cheeky buggers who challenged me to 0 and X's

Mr Khim - told him not to blink...TWICE lol

Later that day I got a message from Clare who I was in the Pandas's and Shanghai with.  She was coming out next year to join me for a while.  I was well chuffed!  Got an early night as Mr Khim was picking me up at 5am to take me to see the sunrise at Angkor Wat...the main Temple.

When I got there the next day it was packed.  Found a place at the pond and waited.  A bit gutted because the sun was hidden behind clouds but still got some great pictures.  Wasn't that impressed with the temple itself. Next we went to Bayon Temple.  Must better.  I liked this one.  Decided I didn't want to do anymore apart from an elephant ride.  Mr Khim said it would be better spent visiting the Floating Villages on the Tonle Sap.  I agreed.  He told me of one more temple which I must do...the one where they filmed Tomb Raider.  I was well excited!  This was my favourite temple overall.  Spent ages there and got some mint pictures.

Angkor Wat at Sunrise..or cloud rise

Tomb Raider Temple

The floating villages were quite expensive because I was on my own...$30 for just me but I had my own boat and guide (which I knew would also cost me later).  It was interesting.  He took me to a boat/house/whatever to show me some crocs and snakes.  Told him to keep me away from snakes and I was feared of them and he agreed.  Looked at the crocs and he told me some history.  They only catch them for their skin to make stuff for tourists and also its mainly tourists that want to eat them.  How strange?  As I followed him around this kid came up behind me holding a snake.  I shit myself and ran to the other end whilst the little bleeder followed me.  I was convinced I was jumping in with the crocs to escape!  Eventually my guide told him to piss off (I think...coz he was shouting at him).  We then went to the floating market to buy something to take to the orphanage.  I liked the idea of this.  It was well expensive but they explained that part of the cost goes to the hospital and clothing,etc so I bought some chicken noodles for $20.

So cute and well worth a $1

The little bleeder who chased me with this beast!

Handing the noodles to the school

We went to the school/orphanage and I handed the noodles off to the teacher and had a look around.  He explained that every year in the dry season the villagers have to move their house to the lake which is very dangerous in bad weather.  Lots of people die every year leaving some of their children orphan.

Got back off the boat after tipping the guide and driver (I knew it!) and found half of my tuk tuk!  The other half..the bike had pissed off LOL!  Another driver told me his tire was flat and would be back soon hahaha.  Arrived back at the hostel and had a pizza.  I saw a girl there who sits and eats bran flakes all day...wierd???

Where the.....???

The next night I headed to Bar Street.  Was feeling quite lonely tonight.  Wanted my mates round me.  No one at the hostel were very sociable.  So far only a Japanese guy said hello and 2 Norwegian guys (who came upto my balcony to smoke pot quite often, not that it bothered me).  They were pretty much couples and all foreign and not willing to socialise.  Anyway, that night I decided to go into Temple Bar and have a dance hoping I could meet some people.  Smiled a lot, introduced myself and requested some amazing songs with the DJ but again no one wanted to be bothered with me WTF!!  Got drunk as I was really pissed off.  At 1am Penn called me as he was outside.  He was a real mother goose bless him.  He took me home and I wasn't tired so I challenged the security guard 'Nalin' to pool.  He beat me hands down coz I was drunk.  Somewhere in the conversation I persuaded him to let me come to his home for lunch tomorrow.  I would pay Mr Kun for his loss of staff and pay for lunch.

The next morning (or noon as it was now) I got a knock at my door from a girl to say Nalin was waiting for me.  Fuck! I'd forgot about that conversation.  Went down and checked with Mr Kun if he was ok with me going to his house and if it was safe.  He absolutely agreed and promised to check I was back by the afternoon.  So off I went.

He only lived 2 minutes from the hostel which was good.  I met his family who were really nice then we went to the market to buy ingredients for lunch.  Told him I would pay of course and bought the kiddies some treats.  As they got it ready I played with the little girls and two twin boys aged 1 awwwwww.  It was lovely.  A noodle soup that was on a gas stove and we added vegetables and noodles to it a bit at a time.  It also had meatballs in it.  YUM.  At 4pm I excused myself as I needed to dip my hungover head in the hotel pool.

At the market with Nalin

Awwww cute. Twin baby boys aged 1

Gorgeous soup..and not afraid of using chilli for the 'westener' thank god

The last day or two I just chilled by the day and Pub Street in Angkor What? bar (I like the play on the name so I bought the T-Shirt) by night before my adventure down to Sihanoukville.

Angkor What? Bar

Phnom Penh - Cambodia

Well off I went to get my flight to Phnom Penh, Cambodia.  The flight was with Tiger Airways via Singapore which was a bit backward in coming forward but it got me there.  Had a 5 hour layover in Singapore so I decided to once again, top up on my caffine.  It was perfect timing actually because I could skype home at a decent hour for them.  Went and got a grande latte at Starbucks where I saw my first Christmas tree.

Starbucks Xmas Tree

Child seat in the toilets at Singapore...genius!

Arrived in Cambodia'a capital around 8am where Ricky collected me to take me to the hostel...Nomads.  OMG! it was a proper hostel.  There were 8 beds well, mattresses well, foam thingys on the floor and a shared bathroom.  Later that day Martin the owner had just booked 6 mexican men into my room.  He asked if it was ok and that I could move down a floor if I wanted to.....NO CHANCE MATE!! I'm staying put!  I took this as a gift from my amigos currently living it up in Cancun.  Thanks girls!

Rickay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My foam thingy was near the balcony

As always on my first day I don't do much.  I was told by Martin that I should be very weary of pick pockets and carrying my bag especially at night as bikes will swipe them and take you with them if your still attached.  This put the bejesus up me right then!  I went out for food in the afternoon and took only the money I needed and my camera which I carried in my pocket with my hand in at all times.  Found a great restaurant called The Mekong River.  Beer was 50p..SOLD!!! Ended up eating here most days.  The food was nice and cheap and the staff were friendly.

Mekong River Restaurant

After all I had done in China I decided to chill out for the days after.  I went for a massage (£6) and got my nails and toe nails done (£4).  A proper pamper day.  I got talking to a lad called Sayha who sold books (one of them annoying mitherers coming upto you).  He made me laugh though so I bought some postcards from him and we ended up arranging for him to take me to the Killing Fields the next day.  I bargained down from $25 to $15 which was what my hostel was offering.

The next day I arrived for the buffet breakfast at the Mekong (£1.50) and waited for Seyha.  He told me his tuk tuk was broke so his brother Laa was going to take me.  We arrived at the Killing Fields where they gave me a headphone set with a comentary on it.  It was awful.  I had to turn the headset off halfway round because it was really upsetting.  Next he took me to S21 prison which was where people were tortured and part of the same regime.  Again, I felt sick walking round and left after 10 minutes.  They had before and after pictures of dead people and I felt sick.

Killing Fields

S21 Prison

Not a nice place..had to leave before I threw up

Met a Canadian guy whilst trying to catch some rays on the river front.  Well wierd and not all there I think.  He proceded to tell me how dangerous the city was.  He told me of a girl who won a beauty padgent got invited to a girls house on facebook and was killed by her!!! FFS!! Excused myself quickly and went back to my hostel.

That night was my last night so I headed back to the Mekong for dinner.  Seyha was hanging around so I asked him to join me for dinner..my shout.  We chatted away and then went to the bar upstairs to get cocktails for £1.  He stuck to juice though.  Had some good music, then he escorted me home.  He tried to come into my hostel the little bugger and I said NO! and sent him on his way.

The next morning I could the bus to Siem Reap (5.5hrs).  Realised I didn't know what my hostel was called so thought I was buggered until I remembered my 3G Kindle!!  It worked too, in the middle of nowhere on a dusty road in Cambodia.  Well impressed!  When I arrived my tuk tuk driver was waiting for me to take me to Jasmine Family Guesthouse....with a pool.  Couldn't wait coz the temps were hitting 35 degrees daily.

Middle of nowhere...on my Kindle