Hey Adriene

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA (9-12 February 2005)

Took a bus from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh on first day of Chinese New Year. During the trip, the bus had a lucky draw for all the passengers. I was one of the lucky winners. The prize? 2 lacey bras and a pair of granny pants! Good for a laugh among all the passengers.

On the way, the bus stopped at a city called Kampong Thom for a brunch break. There was a lion dance performance and also firecrackers at the row of Chinese shophouses.

On arrival, my friend Visoth picked me up. He took me to stay at Okay Guesthouse (yup, that's the name) which is right beside his house. I highly recommend it for value and good location.

We went to visit a friend's family property in the outskirt of Phnom Penh which had a small lake and casual vegetable farming. Was really nice there. Like a countryside, and yet just 20 minutes outside of Phnom Penh. Went rowing on the lake and we caught a cat fish. Yay!

Also went to the Grand Palace, National Museum, Tuol Sleng Museum, Phnom Hill. Also went on a boat ride on the Riverfront. Learnt a lot more about Cambodia's history and the challenges it faces now.