Phnom Penh-Koh Rong Island-Siem Reap

Hey everybody! We hope you had a great time during the holidays, spending it with family and friends, and although it has already begon we wish you all a great 2014 with a lot of laughter, good health and ofcourse traveling! :-)

So after Vietnam came Cambodia, first stop Phnom Penh, where we safely arived although the busride was a challenge and there was the normal hastle at the border (plenty of tourists, only one desk open, local people trying to sneak past you in the line, the usual stuff). Unfortunatly fleur was still having some difficulty shaking of the stomach flu, so she was mainly taking it easy while I discoverd the town with 3 guys from America; Jack, Will and Call. We had a good time chatting and walking around, but Phnom Penh is not really a city worth seeing. The main reason we came there was to arrange our Thai visa and to visit the killing fields and the S21 prison, which have made quite an impact. The killing fields were used by the Khmer rouge to get rid of the prisoners overcrowding the prison, and since ammunitions were expensive they turned to other "creative" ways to kill people. Overall there are more than 127 mass graves off which only 8 have been exposed, and if you walk there listening to a survivor who is telling you about the screams and the fear that was always there, the bloodstains still visible on a tree where they smashed babyheads and who is warning you to watch your step because sometimes bones or clothes are appearing at the survice...trust me, it doesn't matter if it is 30 degrees because you still have goosebumps and shivers from beginning to end. Impossible but true, the prison was even worse. Showing the inhumane living conditions and the way the prisoners looked when they entered untill the end via pictures, paintings and photo's. They really want you to understand what has happened there, because during that time (not that long ago I might add) not even the locals realised what was going on behind those walls, so how could we? Needles to say that after such a day, although it is very interesting, we were mentally completely drained and that evening did nothing at all.

Fortunatly we went to a very special island south of cambodia the next day, what better place to catch your breath? Koh rong was like a mini holiday within this big trip, perfect for relaxing with its white sandy beaches, palmtrees, jungle and especially the lack of traffic. You come from the ferry, take of your shoes and don't put hem on again untill you leave, because there is only sand. No pafement, streets, stones, nothing. I loved it! Also we were extremely lucky (again, it is becoming a very pleasant habbit) to meet a lot of great people. With Katherine, Graham and Manon I had some good times hiking through the jungle monkey style, chilling at the beach, trying the local mekong whiskey and having great conversations. Also involved in the jungle hike and beach chilling were Daan and Noortje, 2 cousins from the Netherlands and my balcony buddies. The hostel was full so they offered us the balcony, no problem, there are worse places to open your eyes then seeing a clear blue sea or a starry sky. We had a lot of fun wih fishing, avoiding thunderstorms and playing music or dancing. Fleur was in a room with Julia and Ella, with whom she spend a lot of time chatting and chilling. She also had a very interesting evening with Jack, Will and Cal, as did I at a campfire talking with people who were thinking about staying on the island permanently. Overall it was nice to not worry for a while where to go next and to just have fun.

After Koh rong island we went to Siem Reap, famous for the Angkor temple complex. Which is also the only thing we saw there, because after a day of temple after temple after temple you don't really feel like hitting the town. Angkor itself is everything that all the books and brochures promise and 1 of the worldwonders for a reason...it is breathtaking. Every temple has its own typical features and has been taken over by the jungle, some more than others. It is a very special sight if you walk through a temple and suddenly the roots of a gigantic tree are in your way, going through the ceilings and walls. Also the sunrise at Angkor Wat is a definit must see. Even though it was packed with tourists it was still a sight I will never forget.

And with that imaginary picture in mind (the real ones still have to be put on dropbox) I will leave you pondering whether or not you should take a holiday soon to visit all these wonderful places.

Big hug and kisses,
Janneke