Phnom Penh / Koh Rong Sanloem 🇰🇭

So here it is, entry number 1 of my journey that will now last for 4 months. The plan so far is 5 weeks in Southeast Asia, 2 1/2 months in either Central or South America, starting in San Francisco, from there we will fly south and spend a week in New York at the end of the trip. I am very excited.

I started four days ago and flew to Bangkok, where I met Lippe and together we flew to the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh.

We spent two nights here and I have to be honest, the city didn't really impress me. There is a certain chaos in Southeast Asia that is difficult to tolerate for a Central European. Lots of dirt, lots of traffic, lots of poverty, and strange smells. So we go on an exploration tour, just watch the hustle and bustle and then have near-death experiences, just crossing the street requires the highest concentration.

We visit the killing fields outside the city center and realize that there was a genocide carried out by the Khmer Rouge just 45 years ago, where 3 million people were brutally killed (which makes up 1/4 of the population), with everything they found, except for shooting because that would have been too expensive. Women, children, men of course, but even babies, which definitely makes your stomach turn.

Reasons: as always, someone was convinced of their opinion and rule, so intellectuals, academics, and of course all regime critics were killed here. Enough about that, if you're interested in more details, Google will help.

Otherwise, the notable things were the curious and very penetrating looks of the people, as if something had happened. It was explained to us by 4 Buddhist monks who pointed out to us that we were very tall. In addition, my haircut is also an attraction here, but I'm used to that from home, right...😊

Out of the city, off to the island! The destination is Koh Rong Samloem, after a 10-hour journey by van, tuk-tuk, bus, and ferry, we arrive. At least at the beach. Without a hostel, we wander around and look for a place to stay, everything is full. Great shit. So we sneak into the Wi-Fi and book a hostel in the next bay. The last shuttle has already left, so we have to take a taxi and after walking 3.5 km in the middle of paradise, we become a little poorer here as well. In the hostel, everyone seems to be full and busy getting even more full, the madness is raging here somehow. Well, long story short: my hangover is infinitely high, I have a headache, and for self-protection, we go back to the beach from the day before.

Found a place to stay for $7 a night, right on the beach: now it really feels like we have arrived! The pictures tell more.

In the next few days, not much spectacular will happen here, as we will simply hang out. As of now, instead of going back to the north of Cambodia as expected, we will head towards Vietnam with a stopover in Kampot and then fly back towards Malaysia. We will see...

Finally, I'm happy about the numerous inquiries about the blog and that there seem to be people who read it and are interested. It wouldn't be my thing. 😄

I appreciate feedback and suggestions, until then, take care friends!