Royal to Phnom Penh
Udgivet: 28.12.2017
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As lonely and deserted as the train station in Kampot was for the past two days, this Saturday morning was awakened from its weekly slumber. Several moms set up their fruit and drink stands and behold, a handful of other passengers gradually arrived at the station. Even the little "clerk" was present. Although he performed his work with little enthusiasm. Shuffling and looking strained. But 95 percent of his working time was spent flirting with the female traders. The poor fellow actually got a little excited. However, nothing more was to be expected on this morning. Our train was delayed by a good hour and a half. The "clerk" was more preoccupied with his presumably swelling member than with providing a brief update on the train's delay. But in Southeast Asia, everything and everyone has their own pace. And eventually, our train rolled slowly and leisurely into the station.
However, this did not mean that it immediately started again. We had to wait another hour for its departure and for an oncoming freight train. The main thing was air-conditioned.
The train slowly and leisurely winds its way through the Cambodian landscape. While sitting at the open doors, you can enjoy the ride and feel a sense of deceleration.
In the end, we arrived in Phnom Penh around 19 o'clock. Five hours later than planned. With the tuk-tuk, we then went to the hotel. Attention: In general, tuk-tuk drivers always want five dollars per ride. From the train station, it's even five dollars per person. No matter how long the distance is. Always remain stubborn and insist on your price. On average, a tuk-tuk costs two dollars in Phnom Penh. Only the Khmer pays less.
The next day, after breakfast, we organized a few things. Laundry, hairdresser (the best and cheapest haircut so far on my trip), beauty products, a new pair of sunglasses for Mom, and bus tickets to Siem Reap.
Before we walked to Wat Phnom, the namesake of the city, we treated ourselves to a small lunch with a view of the Mekong River.
And it's worth exploring Phnom Penh on foot.
Wat Phnom
After visiting Wat Phnom, we strolled through the Central Market. A visit and bargaining with the traders is worth it. Here, you can find everything. From toilet paper to dishes, jewelry, "brand clothes," and food.
In the evening, we went out in the LGBTI scene of Phnom Penh after dinner. More about this in another blog post. We definitely had a fun evening.
The best experience on the way back to the hotel: We were holding hands, a little drunk. A scooter drove next to us. The Khmer on the scooter: "Sorrrry, are you gay?" We replied, "Like what does it look like? Is your scooter gay?" Khmer: "No, I am also not gay! But can we make friends?" *Grinning Khmer* What's going on?
On Monday, we actually wanted to visit the Royal Palace. And here it was official for us. The Khmer takes a lunch break sharp at 11:30 noon. In this case, until 14:00. His Majesty also needs his royal nap. So we strolled around a bit.
Naturally, here at the Royal Palace, there are also Chinese tourists who are brought in by bus. However, the Royal Palace here is not as crowded as the one in Bangkok, and we were able to move around the grounds comfortably.
Phnom Penh is a calm and mostly clean city when it comes to traffic. The majority of vehicles are scooters and tuk-tuks.
In the evening, we had a banana flower salad and spring rolls as an appetizer, followed by a delicious fish amok or green curry, before going to bed.
On Tuesday morning, we had to get up early to catch our bus to Siem Reap.
In this sense: Off to Siem Reap with the birthday express.
Have Fun and Be Proud!
Your Jan/Mom
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