Days 44 to 52 - decelerated

13.06 - 21.06.19

For those who have been worried because we haven't heard from us for so long, rest assured: everything is fine. The fact that we didn't have much time to write during our entire stay on Koh Rong is due to various reasons. On the one hand, we only had sporadic internet access, which was predictably bad. On the other hand, there were hardly any exciting events worth writing about. Therefore, we have decided to summarize the days on the island in our own and your interest.

A typical daily routine, which applies to about 90% of the time, looked something like this:

We usually wake up around 09:00, either because of the heat in the tent or torrential rain that reaches airplane turbine-like volume in the tent. We have breakfast with baguette or cereal and slip into our swimwear to take a few turns in the water (in any weather). After that, we either go to the village, 30 minutes away, or relax in the hammocks directly on the beach. If the weather is not good, we lie in bed and listen to audiobooks or play Skyjo and Yahtzee in the restaurant.

Nevertheless, we would like to share some highlights from our stay.

On the 6th day, we take a hike along the island's coast. As always, we walk through the forest to the main village of the island, but this time we continue along the south-western peninsula to the western, very long beach. Unfortunately, the 'road' is little more than a four-kilometer long, sandy construction road that is not much fun and offers little variety. In addition, we (unfortunately) have very good weather and, because the road offers no shade, we are soaked in sweat within seconds and quite exhausted. When we arrive at our destination, we are more or less alone on the beach. We jump into the water briefly and then want to walk back to the village via the green-covered mountains. The route is more challenging in terms of altitude, but it is only one kilometer long. Fleeing from the sandflies, we search for the beginning of the mountain path - unfortunately in vain. Frustrated that we have to go back the same boring way, we make our way back and, after finishing the sandy path, stop at the first bar (Police Beach) and have an ice-cold cola there. The extremely alternative (French?) bartender (dreads, consuming marijuana, MacBook covered in stickers) tells us, as we apply anti-mosquito spray, that it is unfortunately ineffective against sandflies. However, coconut oil is said to work wonders. We take the opportunity of small talk and ask him if he knows where the path over the mountain is that connects the west and east coasts. He tells us that the path still exists, but is not recommended as it is rife with mosquitoes, poisonous snakes, and 'big cats'. Surprised, Jonna and I look at each other and are then quite glad to have walked back the boring route.

In line with his stories, one night on our way back from the village, we actually encounter a snake and when we consult Google the next day to find out what kind of snake it might have been, the search engine spits out that it must have been one of the most poisonous and deadliest snakes in Asia (krait, banded krait, black and yellow). This is a bit unsettling, but it also gives you even more of a feeling that you are on an adventurous jungle island. (Although we had already illuminated our path with flashlights before, we have become even more cautious now and pay close attention not to accidentally step on a poisonous little creature!).

On the last day, we visit the village of the island again and finally decide to take a very steep and exhausting climb to reach a sky bar. The view from up there is worth every effort and invites you to linger. We each buy a beer for 0.90 € and spend a very nice time there.

All in all, the stay on the island was more than dreamlike and paradisiacal. Never before have we had such beautiful water, such fine white sand, such relaxed people, and such beautiful palm trees and untouched rainforest in one place. Life on the island is at least two or three beats slower and could easily be used for a MareTV contribution. You can hear chill music everywhere (tropical folklore, laid-back electro, reggae). The smell of marijuana is in the air. Many alternative emigrants who have realized their dreams of beach bars. You actually have to have been there yourself to understand the atmosphere and the vibe.

Now follow many, many envy-inducing pictures.

- Jonna & Alex