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Did not like waling up after three hours sleep for my bus to Phnom Penh. Went with Giant Ibis, and got to say, was a little disappointment, no plug sockets, wifi or comfy seats as promised. Journey was ok though and relatively quick. Arrived around 13:00 and booked my bus to Vietnam straight away, let's hope that bus is a little better. No over night buses so having the get the bus the morning of the 5th now, which means an extra night here in Phnom Penh. Didn't really do much for the rest of that day other than check in. Staying at SLA Boutique Hostel. It's very fancy and nice, not no were near sociable enough for a solo traveller (which of course I am now). So slight error made there. Went to a lovey cafe in the back streets, which had very comfy sofa seats outside. Sat there for a good few hours reading my book before heading back.
Yesterday (3rd), I got a totally different feel for Phnom Penh then I did last time I was here. I actually really liked it. Walking the street and getting lost is so much better than getting tuk tuks. You get to see so much more. Ended up being so easy to navigate yourself around though, it's all in blocks and the roads names are numbers, which makes it super easy. I ended up stumbling across a chocolate shop called, wait for it.. The Chocolate Shop. Omg the chocolate was amazing, very pricey though, but was worth it. O and to everyone who said I would lose weight is Asia, lies all lies!!!!!
Street 240 is definitely my favourite street. It's lined with gorgeous little unique cafés, boutique clothes shops and gallery's. The chocolate shop is also on that street. It's nice because even though the shops and cafés are all very chic, you don't lose that feel of being in Cambodia.
The streets here are crazy though, one street can be full of tiny stalls, rubbish everywhere and people sat around on the floor. Then another street can be lined with really fancy apartments and offices fit for London. Phnom Penh on a whole is under lots of development. Seen a few amazing apartments being built, ones I wouldn't even mind living in.
Finally got to the place I had set out to find, Bloom cafe, which is a non profile training cafe. It was in my lonely planet book and thought it would be good to support some local charities. Was really nice, beautiful cakes.
Definitely getting the hang of this road crossing now as well. So much more confident just walking out onto a crazy busy road, feeling ready for Vietnam. If my mother could see some of the roads I walk into, my god. But it really is the only way to cross. Probably going to end up getting killed back home just walking out onto busy roads, with 20 or more bikes riding at you.
Today I did some more sight seeing. Much hotter today, but still managed to walk everywhere. Went to Wat Phnom, pretty cool, massive clock on the grass. The palace wasn't open till 2pm. So took a nice walk along the river and headed to my favourite 240 street for some lunch and yes some more chocolate. Then headed over to the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. Some pretty fancy buildings in some pretty gardens. And that's pretty much Phnom Penh done. Very different scene at night. There are just lots of bars, with Cambodian women, in practically nothing sat outside, and white men sat on tables inside with three or four women round them. Very seedy. On the streets they, they are still buzzing with street food stalls. Got myself a lovely wood stove pizza, so good!
I have absolutely loved Cambodia, was only going to do two weeks, but ended up doing three. Really is a fabulously diverse country. But for the first time this trip I'm actually excited about going onto the next country, instead of feeling sick with anxiety. Think I'm finally starting to get the hang of things haha.
Vietnam here I come :)
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pops Wow Sar, you could sell sand to the Arabs, your description of your destination & how you have filled your time there is such a joy to read, we are sold. Take care we are so very proud of all you have achieved, all are love always.