Waiting for the visa in PHNOM PENH

We end up in Phnom Penh on our journey. Unfortunately, the capital doesn't really convince us. It's bigger than Battambang and Siem Reap, but it offers much less to see. At first, we find it a bit boring, but then we realize that we also appreciate a few quiet days.

It should be mentioned that we mainly traveled here to get the visa for Vietnam. It is issued to us without any problems within 2 days.

During this time, we try to get Phnom Penh to reveal its reserves. The usual sights like the Royal Palace and the National Museum don't promise much for their high entrance fees. That's why we only see them from the outside.

We like the café at the National Museum, so we have breakfast there twice.

There are also several street markets in this city. One even offers different clothing than usual and among them are well-known brands like Jack & Jones.

The location of the Nike Store is special. In the middle of cheap shops and a busy street, we discover it as the only one of its kind. This once again shows us that the standard of living here is much simpler. Because locals don't go to a store like this.

We spend a cozy afternoon on a "public" rooftop pool. For an entrance fee of $10, we can also swim here from outside the hotel. We enjoy the great view over the roofs of Phnom Penh and experience a peaceful sunset.

In this city, too, many locals gather in the public parks, especially in the morning or after sunset, due to the heat. They eat and drink on plastic chairs, play soccer and volleyball, or exercise to music. We like this a lot because the public spaces come to life.

Opposite our hotel is the University of Arts and Architecture. However, it is not comparable to our universities at all. Interested and looking for a studio, we walk around the campus. We meet many students sitting outside on chairs and tables, drawing or building models. We ask a few about their studio and get a glimpse into a sparse room with tables and a few students working on their projects. But as I said, not like we know it at home.

On the second-to-last evening, we randomly come across a night market where we enjoy street food on a mat on the ground and later have ice cream in a coconut shell.

On the last day, we visit the small island south of the city. Here we mainly meet middle-class locals. By chance, we discover a market hall where there are many stalls and you can try food and clothes. Not quite to our taste, as practically everyone has their own music boxes and the room becomes very loud and unpleasant.

In the evening, we stroll through a fairground with many colorful and illuminated attractions. We try the "Ferris wheel". However, we have to cut the ride short because Justin doesn't feel well due to the slightly faster spinning track than usual. In the end, we leisurely walk along the promenade, where many locals enjoy the evening. It doesn't seem like a Thursday evening with so many people late at night.

After Phnom Penh, we head to a new country. Namely, as already mentioned, Vietnam. First, we land in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon (we find this name more beautiful).