So far so good

Off we go, Schiphol Sep 13th 2012

Summary of first day in Cambodia in 10 words:

delicious food, lots of rain, super nice people, loving it

Extended version:

It was a long trip. Not going to lie about that one. And Paris was cold and Ho Chi Minh airport was boring. But guys, it’s worth it. I am already very confident to say that I am sure anybody who comes to visit will have a great time here. 

It’s hard not to keep comparing with Ghana and I am definitely going to try not to do that too much as I love Ghana, but couldn’t help but notice that customs, luggage collection, declaring Taco’s bag lost and tracking it in Paris, organising the delivery of the bag at the hotel tomorrow and getting a visa took maximum 15 minutes. 

Phnom Penh seems huge from the air but the centre is small and fairly easy to navigate. The streets look like French boulevards, there are tons of nice little coffee places, motorbikes seem to be strong enough to carry at least 4 or 5 people and the smell is a combination of petrol, incense and absolutely delicious lemongrassy/spicy meat or fish that is grilled on every corner. It’s warm but bearable this time of the year; I mean you sweat, but not to the extent that you can only wear black or white as otherwise it would be embarrassing. Ghana peeps will know what I mean.

You can get anything from coconuts on the street to clothes from Mango in the shops. So really,  all positive Iwanna? Mmm yes, I guess so. Especially since I just got back from a relaxing yet unconventional Khmer massage. The whole experience was a bit rough, like Thai massage where they use their elbows and whole body to stretch you. But at some point I heard Taco breath quite heavily and when I opened my eyes I saw the lady walking up and down his spine. Not exactly a happy ending but apparently quite enjoyable according to him. 

no rain inside the tuktuk

 If anything then I guess rainy season could be a bit of a downer perhaps. When it rains (which is each and every afternoon and evening), the streets flood. But kids were splashing around on the street taking a bath this afternoon and monks were laughing and pulling up their orange robes to cross. So we kicked off our shoes and tried not to think about rats and waded through the water almost up till our knees. So far so good Phnom Penh. I think I’m going to love you too.