Project Cambodia OutReach Expedition (CORE) 2011 Recce Day 1
A much anticipated trip to Cambodia, to take a break from working in Singapore so as to work abroad, was a nice feeling. Along with me on this trip was my travel partner, Daniel Tay, Project CORE Chair. Our trip would last for 5 days, 14th to 18th of June 2011, taking us 1573 km by plane (transiting at Siem Reap) and 371 km my taxi on bumpy roads.
After a 'cheap' lunch at the staff canteen, we proceeded to belt 3 in Terminal 1 and immediately proceeded into transit; for there was no one to stay goodbye too. In doing so, we were extremely early, so early that our plane was not even at the airport.
The earlier Jetstar plane which was at our belt.
Our plane coming in on the left and the earlier plane leaving on the right.
After finally making our purchase, we proceeded to the gate and boarded the plane. I got a window seat but the window was not very clear, as budget planes tend to be overworked and so cleanliness might be overlooked, but I managed to get some shots.
Our flight made a transit at Siem Reap and so we had to disembark the plane, take all our luggage with us and go through another security check. Although it was a short 2 hour flight, I was quite frustrated with flying already and will not take a transit flight if I have a choice.
View from the plane of a tributary leading to the Tonle Sap.
Heavy rain caused much of flat low-lying Cambodia to flood easily.
On a positive note, the airport in Siem Reap was really nice, doesn't even look like an airport. Although still under construction or renovation, it was built with hints of their main attraction Angkor Wat.
Getting into the tuk-tuk (similar to the popular ones in Thailand), we were whizzed away from the airport and into the heart of the unruly Phnom Penh traffic. I like to drive, but probably not in Phnom Penh, there's almost no laws governing traffic, but I heard that things are improving. It started raining as we approached out hotel, our poor tuk-tuk driver (regularly employed by the brothers when they come to Phnom Penh), was all drenched while we were relatively dry, protected by the plastic sheets.
Finally we arrived at our hotel for the night. It was a 7 story building with a single lift. I can't remember the name because almost every hotel/motel along the way had the word 'Angkor' in it. (If your there for the first time and without locals whom you trust, be save careful where your hotel is and the exact name.) We were shown to our room, 2 men room with 2 single beds. The room was spacious and well furnished with a wooden cupboard, small flat screen TV with 40 plus channels mounted on the wall and air-con. But more importantly it was very clean. The only think that I felt could be better would be that they should provide soap bars which were thicker and not only 1mm. Best part was it cost about USD $12 for that room for that night.
It is funny how Daniel & I, whom are Chinese Singaporeans, look similar to the Cambodians but when we entering the hotel, it was strange to see that Brother Victor speaking to them in Khmer and use looking around like little children. Here's a lesson on not judging a book by it's cover.
After a quick freshening up, we proceeded to dinner at a restaurant around the corner. It served local Khmer food with a slight Chinese twice. The exterior looked like a typical Chinese restaurant but the name had no resemblance, it was called Ali Bah-bah like the one in the Disney cartoon Aladdin.
After dinner, we proceeded to a local convenience store to buy some drinks and tidbits for the long journey early the next morning. Walking just 5 blocks, we were stopped by other tuk-tuk driver asking us if we needed a lift. You'll hardly find Cambodians walking, I guess they usually take their motorbike or scooter to get to their destination. Furthermore, the pavements are not user-friendly, pot holes here and there, worst than the surface of Mars. Well we are greeted by the security guard and he helped us open the door, made the journey a bit more pleasant. Oh if you like liquor, it's very cheap in almost all convenience stores, but for lower end kinds.
As we turned in early, and planned for the next few days, we were greeted with more laughable English in our room.
Airport at Siem Reap, nicely decorated.
One of the many meander found in Cambodia.
Phnom Penh International Airport Arrival
Finally after a total of 2 and a half hours in the plane and transit, we arrived safely in Phnom Penh International Airport. As we walked out of the airport, we did not know where to go but only knew that an Australian Brother will be picking us up. Luckily as we walked out, there was one man who stood out, probably because he was wearing a pink Lactose T-Shirt, as we approach him, he smiled and we somehow had the feeling that he was our guy, the Brother we were suppose to meet.Getting into the tuk-tuk (similar to the popular ones in Thailand), we were whizzed away from the airport and into the heart of the unruly Phnom Penh traffic. I like to drive, but probably not in Phnom Penh, there's almost no laws governing traffic, but I heard that things are improving. It started raining as we approached out hotel, our poor tuk-tuk driver (regularly employed by the brothers when they come to Phnom Penh), was all drenched while we were relatively dry, protected by the plastic sheets.
Finally we arrived at our hotel for the night. It was a 7 story building with a single lift. I can't remember the name because almost every hotel/motel along the way had the word 'Angkor' in it. (If your there for the first time and without locals whom you trust, be save careful where your hotel is and the exact name.) We were shown to our room, 2 men room with 2 single beds. The room was spacious and well furnished with a wooden cupboard, small flat screen TV with 40 plus channels mounted on the wall and air-con. But more importantly it was very clean. The only think that I felt could be better would be that they should provide soap bars which were thicker and not only 1mm. Best part was it cost about USD $12 for that room for that night.
The room Daniel & I stayed in.
The English needs to be imported.
(Do not responsibility your property in my hotel.)
(No use and sell drugs in my hotel.)
It is funny how Daniel & I, whom are Chinese Singaporeans, look similar to the Cambodians but when we entering the hotel, it was strange to see that Brother Victor speaking to them in Khmer and use looking around like little children. Here's a lesson on not judging a book by it's cover.
After a quick freshening up, we proceeded to dinner at a restaurant around the corner. It served local Khmer food with a slight Chinese twice. The exterior looked like a typical Chinese restaurant but the name had no resemblance, it was called Ali Bah-bah like the one in the Disney cartoon Aladdin.
Dinner - Simple beef fried rice.
Walking towards a convenience store, so Singaporeans.
After dinner, we proceeded to a local convenience store to buy some drinks and tidbits for the long journey early the next morning. Walking just 5 blocks, we were stopped by other tuk-tuk driver asking us if we needed a lift. You'll hardly find Cambodians walking, I guess they usually take their motorbike or scooter to get to their destination. Furthermore, the pavements are not user-friendly, pot holes here and there, worst than the surface of Mars. Well we are greeted by the security guard and he helped us open the door, made the journey a bit more pleasant. Oh if you like liquor, it's very cheap in almost all convenience stores, but for lower end kinds.
Convenience store called "Smile"
A local clinic, which gives free medical treatment to the poor.
As we turned in early, and planned for the next few days, we were greeted with more laughable English in our room.
Please keep silence with best forgiveness
Do not respect the above factors you must be responsible for the laws of the kingdom of Cambodia.
Do not respect the above factors you must be responsible for the laws of the kingdom of Cambodia.
Comments
Post a Comment