Chomreabsuor!

After so many long and painful journeys over the past couple of months, the trip to Phnom Penh was relatively easy. A quick, effortless layover in Bangkok made better by coffee and a bagel, followed by a 45 minute flight into Phnom Penh.

Landing at the airport felt a bit like deja vu. The friendly faces, humid weather and 120,000 Riel ($30) Visa On Arrival fee were more than just a little like Jakarta. The feeling only magnified as I got in my first Cambodian tuk-tuk - a weird, three-wheel mode of transport - and probably the most common in Phnom Penh. After 45 minutes of weaving through crowded streets, I arrived at The Pavilion Hotel, an oasis with true South East Asian charm and hospitality.

I had a private courtyard, super comfy bed and 2 gorgeous pools to be lazy and read. Also, can I mention that it was $50 a night! I wandered the streets while waiting for my room to be ready, ate a delicious, cold soup at a French Cafe, and wandered through downtown Phnom Penh.

My evening was a bit more eventful than the so-far peaceful day. I toured my way to the river quay, stopping at sights along the way, and settled in at a river view terrace for happy hour with my book. Two hours, two dollars and two drinks later (and based on the recommendation of a bald Australian with no chappals), I wandered down the banks of the Mekong to a Cambodian restaurant for dinner.



I met the sweetest, retired, Aussie couple there who decided to adopt me. They have a 25 year old daughter who is currently in Germany visiting her boyfriend, they think, so she only calls him Michele and hasn't really said that they're together. The man was a historian and history professor in Australian, but born in Den Haag and very familiar with Utrecht so we had a bit to talk about there!



I learned about Khmer history, the history of the region, what to do and where to go in Phnom Penh, etc. All going well until a waitress mysteriously collapsed and was rushed out to an ambulance, which I never heard coming. When I left 5 minutes later (I didn't really feel like hanging out after that) she was gone.

Overall, a super fun and exciting first day in Phnom Penh. Traveling alone really is a completely different experience than with someone. Definitely something I'd recommend to everyone.