Amazing Cambodia

Top 5! This is my top 5 dreamed place to see - Cambodia! There are many reasons why I dreamed to see Cambodia. First is because it is the home of the Angkor Wat. Second, it is absolutely different from other places, a place only traveled by interested travelers seeking peace and a great adventure. Third, I don't know honestly, I just feel that somehow, my feet was destined to step in the grounds of Cambodia. 

Hello Cambodia

From Hong Kong, I took Airasia flight to KL on a Thursday night. Arriving in KL, I had tired body from working straight the entire week. The counter was still close for check in so I have no choice but to find a place outside the airport to sleep. I didn't mind since there are a lot of other travelers, soundless sleeping in the side of the pathway. It was dark and warm, yet maybe because of my tired mind and body, I managed to sleep immediately yet with periods of waking up due to the mosquitoes, enjoying my own type A blood.  Finally by 3:00 in the morning, the counter started accepting passengers for check in. I made my way for check in, passed through the immigration and minutes later, settled in the terminal seats and grab some more sleep.  

By 630 am, one of the staff announced that our flight to Siem Reap was postponed and will be merged with the flight going to Phnom Penh. Seriously?!??! - My first reaction. Maybe due to my tired mind, I didn't complained. All I know was that my plan A was gone.. I have to do a plan B!!! But I was too sleepy and tired so nothing mattered that moment. Actually, I was not sure if anyone complained. Anyway, I was stuck in KL for the entire day, tired and sleepy. The wait for my flight to Phnom Penh was the most longest moment in my entire life, well maybe next to the moment when we were waiting for my father to wake up from coma. 

Finally, it was time to fly. Excited with rushing adrenaline. Less than two hours later, my feet finally touched the ground of Cambodia. I took the motorcycle, which cost US$3 going to my first destination - Wat Phnom. The Wat is just a simple temple, a simple place in the Center of the City where people go to pray. It is located in the center of a park, accessible to local people and tourist. One thing I liked about this Wat is its simplicity and with its simplicity lies its peacefulness. One can absolutely practice meditation in this place. There is an entrance fee of US$1 for every tourist yet free for locals.

Wat Phnom

My motorcycle ride

My first day in Cambodia was a quick one, since my initial plan was changed due to the inconvenience of the airline's decision that day. After Wat Phnom, I went directly to the bus station and headed to Siem Reap for the real Cambodian experience.  The bus going to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh caused US$10. The bus was nothing special. Actually, the bus reminded me of those buses I took back then in College going to Tagum City for our duty. The bus took 7 hours to reached Siem Reap. Usually, it will just take 6 hours, yet due to the heavy rain that night, the bus driver need to take it slow. I arrived in Siem Reap by 2:00 am, hired a tuk tuk (their taxi) going to my hostel. 

My bed in Siem Reap

The hostel I have booked through the web was a different one I have to say. I, again challenged myself to experience things. Maybe I have the satisfaction in my veins sometimes in doing something unusual and not so ordinary. I booked a 'traditional' Cambodian room, which means I need to sleep on the floor made out of bamboo, with a thin foam and no aircon, (yet, it was a good deal for US$3), only with mosquito net to defend you from the flying parasites. Even with my restless body, my mind was still convincing myself that it was nice to try something different and that I don't need a decent bed for the night. And the toilet? well, there is only one thing I can say... It was like going to a girl scout camping. Good night Cambodia.... It was definitely good knowing myself more, my limitations and strength. 

The real adventure began!!!!! It was the day of stepping and climbing the rock temples of Cambodia. The same tuktuk driver, who charged me US$12 went to pick me up at 5:00 morning to start the day watching the sunrise at Angkor Wat. Here are some of my photos of my amazing day in Siem Reap.

Speechless and more speechless.... Now I understand why this place is called the City of Wonders. In deed, it was and absolutely, the most beautiful place I have seen so far in my entire life. Something different and unique. When I was in the compound of the Angkor Wat, I felt as if the time stood still. And the moment was just so relaxing. 

Eating with the locals

I wasn't rushing during the day so I had more time to play with my camera manually while enjoying the wonders. I met different people along each Wats and Temples. People who one way or the other exchanged thoughts with me. 

Back on the road to Phnom Penh. Exhausted yet still hyper. After 6 hours, I was back in Phnom Penh again. I hurried to the Hostel called Hotel 56 (which by the way, was far from the bus terminal), where I met the smart owner Martin who was so proper in telling me the rules and where to go around. It was late and I didn't have any dinner yet. In the map that Martin gave me, I spotted the road where the night market was. Five minutes after I settled my things in the room (which by the way, a room for 4 people... foams were on the floor and with nice mosquito nets hanging from the roof), my restless feet started walking again.

I just love street foods

I was so hungry that when I arrived in the night market, which was near the river side I immediately ordered food. Total bill for the dinner was US$2... Oh, I love it here!!!! I was having my yummy dinner when I thought of asking someone to take my photo (of course being a blogger, I have to have some documentations). There were only two people near me who were, on my thought that night were potential candidate to take my photo. So, without any hesitation, I asked one of them. The older guy replied "Of course, as long as I can have a photo with you too.". Then conversation started. Started with  the common question for travelers - "where are you from?". The older guy is from USA yet currently working in China to teach English. The other one is an Indian guy who works in Kuala Lumpur, who will be relocating in London soon. These two guys, I thought are well traveled. To be honest, that was the first longest conversation I had with total strangers and to my surprise, I enjoyed it. Minutes later, a Chinese girl approached us, she was travelling with the teacher. The company of 4 was good, I have to admit. 

My yummy US$0.5 dinner

New friends I met in the night market

 I think that's the whole thing about traveling alone, you meet people and you start making friends with them. You, somehow, learn from them. We talked about different topics, mainly about current events and Cambodian history. In that very moment, I looked down into myself and realized that I might love reading books and learn about the world through reading yet they were not enough. Talking to these people made my mind think, realize many things and I started to believe that each person truly grow through experiences, through his travels and  through conversations with people. Right there and then, I knew that I was born to travel and make my story more colorful as the photos I photograph.  The night ended in a local bar, tasting a good cheap wine shared by 4 wanderers of life. Then it was time to call the night off. I went back to the hostel knowing that I will have less sleep yet with more added friends and thoughts. 

Night life in Phnom Penh

Second day in Phnom Penh was about walking around the street before heading to Ho Chi Minh City. If there is one travel I have made so far which made me more richer in thoughts and I think, somehow changed me, it was definitely my trip to Cambodia. 

This is the important river in Phnom Penh

Only in Cambodia

This trip opened my eyes to reality that the world might be big, yet for travels with restless feet it becomes small. One should not lock himself inside the four corners of the office room or the house. One should see the world, discover how you can hold it with your hands and meet people. One should not be only contented reading the book. One should see it himself. 

The going there was just part of the whole excitement but the main thing that I have gained were the experience of being one of the locals (sleep like them, eat like them) and the insight I gained from people I met. The getting lost and the great feeling of finding what I was looking for. These kind of moments made my very existence meaningful. 

 So, friends, go out from your shell and see the world!!!!