Laurie's World

Well all good things must come to an end. My impromptu visit to Cambodia is no exception! 😢

I should catch you up on last night! Around 6:30pm we caught a Grab over to a rooftop bar in the East part of the city. Traffic was really quite horrendous but the tuk tuk still only cost $2. Vehaa was the name of the bar. Rooftop bars are such a THING here. Maybe I’m getting old but I just don’t love going to rooftop bars. The view is always nice I suppose. I do appreciate that at sunset, but we were well past sunset by the time we arrived around 7pm. For Pete’s sake that is getting close to my bedtime. Anyway, quite lovely. I didn’t partake in any libations. I was waiting until the next stop 😉  We met up with Sam’s French parents  Marie Claude and Hubert. This is really nice because I didn’t get a chance to properly say goodbye in the village. Such an interesting life they lead. They travel between New Caledonia, France and Cambodia. With most of their time spent working in their foundation for education here in Cambodia (thus their philanthropic connection to Sam).
anyways they have a house here in PP, a home in New Caledonia and just closed on a home in France this week. So they’ve got options!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After the rooftop bar thing we set out to a pizza place just down the street. The name is inconsequential because we stopped in to say Hi to a French lady called Christine that they all know at a new bar called The Garden at Bassac. Owned by a Cambodian lady named Sophy (we are now fb friends 🤣) and her American partner. They both speak French, plus with the French rolling around from Marie and Hubert and Christine and Sam…..It was very fun. I understood more than I thought and occasionally responded in French. They UNDERSTOOD me!! Woot

Sophy said we could order pizza from across the street and eat it in her place where we ordered drinks. Absolutely delicious $5 margarita!! Partook in another 4 cheese pizza too! It was good, but not quite as good as the pizza from the night before at Brooklyn’s. I love saying that 🤣

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After THAT, we heard that some people from East West wanted us to join them at a different bar across the way. So we got a grab over there. We didn’t stay there too long because they’ve been sitting there since 5 PM, and it was now 10:30 PM. So you can imagine how much fun it was for us. As entertaining as it is to sit around and chat with super smashed people. I was home and in bed by midnight. Far and away the latest night of the trip!

Despite the late hour on Friday night, I was still awake at 5:30 am on Saturday. Coffee on the balcony with Landon, then we ran out of coffee so a trip to a coffee shop was in order. We had to cut through The Russian market to get there so on the way back, I decided to get myself some more cashews. The biggest most incredible cashews here for $12 a kilogram, which is unheard of pricing at home. How can I resist? I dropped the cashews off at the apartment and then decided to head out for a walk.

Another beautiful sunny 95 degree day! I’m really going to miss this weather. I think it’s 27 degrees at home right now 😭.

 

I’ll be honest I’m kind of snacking my way through Phnom Penh this afternoon. I may have found some absolutely delicious fried chicken, and an ice cream lady on the street is selling three different kinds of ice cream out of a bun, I know it sounds weird but it was really really good!

 

 

 

 

 

 

I stopped in at the French bakery Tout Le Jour across the street from Landon’s apartment and of course I purchased something to use the facilities so I did end up enjoying a Boston cream doughnut.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I really need to slow down because we have plans to meet Joe for supper at an all you can eat Argentinian buffet for seven dollars a person at 6 o’clock. This is all in preparation for knowing that I’m not going to have anything of any quality to eat in the next 28 to 36 hours. I am on a plane home tonight at midnight. Which is nine hours from now. The bears all say goodbye as they climb back into the bag for the ride home….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As always I’m trying to stuff everything I can in the last day including one last massage with fruit and tea to cap it off!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So unless something remarkable happens between now and then I guess this is a wrap for the trip and I will see everyone soon.

 

Normally I would only talk about one Day at a time but since I’m usually so diligent about sharing information about food. I thought it might be important to share some photos of the dinner meal last night. We went to a restaurant called Brooklyn pizza. So that’s important to note 1st of all but I have to share a photo of Sam‘s ribs. Landon and I shared a pizza 1/2 four cheese 1/2 meatalicious or something clever (and meaty) like that. But Sam ordered barbecue ribs and I’ve just never quite seen anything like it. Sam weighs probably 90 pounds soaking wet so the thought of her Actually consuming this plate of food is mind-boggling. And they were only $12.99 🤷🏻‍♀️

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am back in the land of Bruntys too! Yummy…..

We actually tried to get into two other restaurants that we couldn’t, because we didn’t have reservations for their Thanksgiving turkey dinner celebration. I guess there’s a large community of Thanksgiving celebrating ex-pats here. Of course there is!!!

 

The day started with a trip across the street to a French bakery. Not sure if this is pastry is delicious or creepy?? But I had to give it a try. Spoiler alert (yummy). Stuffed with bananas and chocolate! Still warm from oven…..

 

And of bourse a shout out for the latte art!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today (Friday) I had made plans to visit another international school. EAST-WEST. This is where my friend Landon is starting in January as the Academic Coordinator/Secondary Guidance Counselor. He is very excited about this opportunity. I can see why! It’s a great school with a lot of great things going on 👍

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had fun touring and met a lot of inspirational educators.

 

i also found my clothing shop….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ttfn

I woke up at 5:38am. Not sure if this is progress or not! 🤣I did catch the tail end of a beautiful sunrise in Phnom Phen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When I was meeting all the new people at Landon’s wedding, I met a man named Michael. He just happens to be the Operations Administrator at the International School of Phnom Phen (ISPP). Probably one of the two best international schools in Roman. And after getting to chatting he had mentioned to me that if I wanted to tour the school I should get in touch when I got back to the city. So that’s what I get and that’s what I did today was catch a grab car and head over to school at 10 AM. It is a very big school on a phenomenal campus service that serves about 800 students which is about the Same number of students at my current school. But they have facilities like you can’t even imagine. It Costs between $17,020 and $22,000 a year to send your child there so it really is for the wealthy and elite. Ten of the current Prime Minister’s grandchildren go there for example. They have a very good compensation package for teachers so who knows what the future brings as I’ve thought about teaching over here for a little bit and if that was something that I was going to pursue that certainly would be an enticing opportunity.  They pay to move your stuff over, they pay for flights home every year they pay your housing plus the tax free salary. Certainly something to think about! I spent just over 2 1/2 hours there so it certainly was nice of him to dedicate that much of his day to me. They Even have a 3-D printer in the library. But I don’t really understand anything about that but I know troy would think it’s cool.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After making my way home and relaxing for a few minutes and calling Troy, we decided to head over to The mall to get some Thai food for lunch. It was indeed very good but now it seems to me like we were sitting in the parking lot eating thai food! sometimes you find the best food in the weirdest places.

Don’t ask about this. Sam and I were having a little fun at the mall!

 

 

 

 

Sam and Landon wanted to buy some shelves for their apartment so I got to be one of those people that transports something huge and awkward homeBon a tuk tuk. Yay! So that was fun. 😂

I also got myself a pandan donut from Krispy Kreme. I always wanted to get one of these when we are in chiang mai and we get the Chinese donuts I always buy panda as custard to dip them in. It was a truly delicious doughnut. We came home from the mall and then I decided that I should go for a walk.  So I just Mapquest the Victory Monument and headed out. It took me about 45 minutes to get there, then I rested briefly and headed out back home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are going to be heading out to dinner in about an hour.  I am sure it will be delicious, I have not been Disappointed by any food yet!

until tomorrow.

Wednesday started with a very early day. Sam had arranged for a car and driver to pick us up in Kampot and take us back to the city starting at 8 AM. Not a problem per se, as we all know I’ve been up a little on the early side the last few days. I am super sad to leave Kampot as I’ve had the best time ever, but all good things must come to an end  (so I can enjoy them again on another day). Breakfast at the old cinema was delicious. I finally thought to catch a photo today before I started eating.

They make their own banana and passion fruit jam. But it is from great quality ingredients. It’s absolutely delicious and I wish I could have the recipe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seems Super early but everywhere here is in full Christmas swing! All the restaurants and shops and schools are in full Christmas display mode and everyplace  that has piped in music is playing Christmas music. The stores and restaurants……it’s just a little early isn’t it??

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After all it is still November (and this is primarily a Bhuddist country 🤔)

On the way there is a pit stop that drivers and busses always make, this time no exception. It’s at the 7/11??!? No wait it’s not an actual 7/11…..it’s a 7/15??? 😂😂. That’s not patent infringement then is it? It’s TOTALLY different 🙄

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We stopped in the village on the way back to Phnom Phen. We had gotten fresh crab and fruit for Sam’s family that we needed to leave with them as well as pick up some wedding stuff that was left there. The family was So happy to see us 😊

 

 

TheY have been BUSY since Sunday! The rice has been harvested and bagged and is ready for sending off to market!

The view of Phnom Phen from Landon’s 12th floor apartment is great!

once arriving at Landon’s around 12:30 and getting settled, I headed out for a walk. Landon and his Dad had plans to have a quick lunch with Joe (Landon’s work friend who was at wedding). I made my way down the road (sticking to one simple path for ease of return) and found an air con coffee shop with WiFi after about 20 minutes. Seems perfect! I had a delicious coconut smoothie. Best one I’ve had I think!

The supper plan for Jan’s last night here was sushi. Not interesting to me at all, but I’m happy to visit while others indulge 😉

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A super quick stop at coldstone to satisfy the sweet tooth and then we are off to the airport to drop Jan off for his 27 hour, three plane ride home. That’s going to be me in a few days 😢….

Tuesday is the day that Sam and Jan have been looking forward to for a while now. Jan loves seafood so wanted to make a day trip to Kep to feast on some fresh crab. There’s a crab market there right on the shore where fishermen catch crab and then sell it fresh right there at the market. You can get it packed to go or you can get it cooked and you eat it right there if you like.

‘We’ did both! I don’t eat crab but I enjoy watching other people feast on things they enjoy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So i should’ve just gone with that but made a poor decision to order chicken at a seafood place. Let’s just say that what came was not what I thought I was ordering. For $12.50 I thought actually we were ordering a whole chicken they Landon and I were going to share. He doesn’t eat seafood either, but we ended up getting (essentially) some bones from a chicken leg. But lesson learned. I think the seafood places in Kep Don’t want to cook and serve items other than seafood, so they make it Prohibitive. Perhaps even punitive 🤣🤣

We left for Kep At 10 AM and were back in Kampot by two. This left us ample time for a massage and a walk and more coconut shake/pie from the Pie place. I went with Mango this time rather than Apple. It was delicious.

I have some souvenir shopping that I have to get done because word on the street is we are leaving at 8 AM tomorrow morning. So I went to the Tiny Kampot Pillow shop which is a local shop owner that I always like to buy something from when I come here. She and her girls have their sewing machines right there in the shop and they’re just busy cranking out some of the cutest little crafty things. I can always find something! No exception this time. it just happens to be right next-door to the Rusty Keyhole too, so around 4 PM I got myself a small pepperoni pizza, my last one before we leave.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And then I freshened up quickly at my hotel before heading down to the river to go on a Sunset/Firefly Cruise. It cost five dollars and I think I’ll be gone for about an hour and a half maybe two hours they just take you out on these big boats that are open and you can just relax as you toodle down the river and then at the end by the time you get there at 6 o’clock maybe 630, it’s completely pitch dark and so then you just enjoying watching the fire flies in the groves along the riverbank.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The cruise back is completely in the dark and as your approach Kampot they have lit up all the bridges and the lamp posts and street signs with these colourful LED string lights. It’s very glitzy and reminds me a lot of Vietnam.After the cruise I walked around town a little bit and just enjoyed the nightlife. I was back in my hotel room and tucked away safely by 830pm.

 

Last night in Kampot…..

Monday in Kampot involved a lot of relaxing. I was up early of course but chilled in my room until 7:30am when breakfast opened (AKA drank Nescafé instant coffee on my balcony). Breakfast was absolutely delicious. We had plans to have a massage around 10:30 (which definitely occurred) $8 for a one hour back, head, neck and shoulders massage at Mala (right next door to Captain Chim). Then I spent the next while going for a long walk. I wanted to find the quiet little pie shop on a side street that was owned by a Canadian we went to here a few years ago. I found the shop but unfortunately it is being remodeled into a music store right now. So no pie or poutine or Nanaimo bars to be had there. I then went south along the river until the promenade ended.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was out for quite a while so felt justified in getting myself a piece of pie at the shop in town which is just on the Riverside Street, so much much busier. It’s owned by the same people as the other one so so very good quality pie. I had apple pie and a coconut shake. Guilt free.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then I headed back to my hotel to spend a little time enjoying the pool. It’s pretty hot here (we’re sitting mid 90s and full sun every day) so definitely seems appropriate To be in the pool.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy hour margaritas at RikiTavi (2 for 1). Great idea Sam. These two delicious creations were $4 total! And they hit me like a Mac truck. But totally worth it 😉 the whole Riverside area is so beautiful in the evening with a spectacular view of the sunset. There are so many boats waiting to Take people on a sunset/firefly watching cruise. I think I’ll do that tomorrow!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The plan was to go to the Rusty keyhole for pizza and cheese fries. It’s TRADITION! The fries are really nothing special, it’s just habit now 😅

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I forgot to snag pizza pic but about 1/2 way through the fries I woke up 🤣. Absolutely delicious. As always. Back to hotel and in bed by 9pm. It was a perfect day 😁

Was blessed to be able to sleep (uninterrupted by music) until my body naturally alerted me to rise at 4:48am. Jet lag is a struggle……

 

the clean up had begun and all the stage and wedding tents and tables literally evaporated overnight. All that was left was a mountain of trash. Anyway, no one seemed concerned about that the crew went inside walk about and enjoyed some sunshine and peace and quiet.

Landon showed us where some of sam’s family members live in the village. What an absolutely gorgeous day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and oh yeah, pic of the potty. Didn’t get one with the door open but you can imagine what I was dealing with if you like. I guess there was a “shower” in there too if you can imagine calling a reservoir of water and a bucket a shower. I made the decision prior to coming to embrace the baby wipe and not mind NOT showering for a couple days (in reality it turned into almost 5 days) but who is counting 🤔. Don’t ask me the reality of that in 90 plus degree heat (spoiler alert- it involves a lot of baby wipes)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was able to get some quick pics with Sam’s parents. They are just simply the nicest most humble sweet people. They didn’t understand a single word I said and vice versa. But I’m telling you it just didn’t matter. A SMILE transcends all language barriers!!  Until next time ‘mom and dad’……

 

 

 

We got a car and driver to take us to Kampot. Which is my favourite place in Cambodia. I stayed at the Hotel Old Cinema which opened in September as a hotel that used to be the old cinema house. A lovely French couple owns and runs it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is in a great part of town. I’m close to river and close to the Rusty Keyhole (pepperoni pizza here I come). On a main road but not the crazy busy road. I’m going to love staying here!  My little balcony for coffee in the morning ❤️

…..was a very VERY early wake up call. 4am to be exact. I met the “wall” by 9pm Friday night so just went to bed despite the Cambodian pop music playing at A decibel level I can’t even describe until I believe, around 10 PM. Not a problem as I slept through that but I did NOT sleep through the blasting of the traditional Cambodian music that started from these speakers at 4am. These speakers are at least 8 feet high. It was very much like an 80s rock concert except it was 4am and it was traditional Cambodian music. Which I actually do like…..

 

 Oh yeah, those are right outside my bedroom window. (Which wasn’t really a window)

 

 

It’s all good! I’m in this for the full experience ❤️❤️

So after chilling with the most beautiful children

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

we had some 3 in 1 coffee and got dressed for the day’s ceremonies. I was so blessed to be fully included in all ceremonies as a representative of Landon’s family. There were ceremonies that only Jan and I participated in even. We started at 7am and at first I didn’t understand but as the morning progressed, I see why. It was definitely to capitalize on the temp being 78 degrees instead of 92 (which is where the Mercury ended up by 3pm). More pics forthcoming, but this is what I have for now. For the record, I didn’t know what exactly was happening or I would have chosen different flip flops to start with. I wised up as the day progressed. 😂

 

 

The ceremonies concluded by noon and then we were able to relax for a bit. The PARTY wasn’t due to start until around 5pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

At around 1pm the van with Landon’s work friends came. Let’s just say a lot of beer had already been consumed and that continued on through the afternoon and into the evening. Ritchie was there too and I met a couple of administrators for international schools here in Phnom phen. So who knows where that will go 😉.

 

I brought candy from the states and gave some out on Friday night and the remainder tonight. Suffice it to say, it made me very VERY popular with the village children! One of the little girls got the idea to bring me flowers so that caught on and then I had more flowers than I could hold. Not exactly sure where they got them all from but I suspect that there were some bare spots in the decorations?? The little girls begged me to dance and honestly they were so sweet I couldn’t refuse. There may or may not be video of that somewhere 😉. I also  learned some traditional Cambodian wedding dances!

 

By 10pm I was wiped and I headed off to bed. Once again, no problem for me to sleep through the oontz oontz as I was beyond exhausted. Ritchie was staying with us tonight and he had to sleep on floor. Poor guy. I offered to share my mattress but he said he was fine. Does this look fine??

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am
praying that there’s no 4am wake up on Sunday….

 

 

The trip over was uneventful. I flew on China Eastern this year out of Vancouver. We do often fly out of Vancouver but this was the first time on this airline. My flight left at 12:30 am and I had layover through Shanghai. Anyone who knows me know if that a flight after midnight would definitely be pushing the boundaries of my bedtime. So this aligns well with me just closing my eyes and going to sleep and hopefully getting a decent rest on the first flight which was 13 hours. Let’s just say it is definitely what occurred and I rolled into Shanghai at 4 AM.

A four hOur layover had me set up for my next flight to Phnom Phen leaving at 8:20 am. I have to say both flights were very comfortable as they were not sold out and there was some wiggle room to spread out, plus a good Amount of legroom for flights in economy. I did take note that there is no way that a small dog carrier would fit under the seat in front of me so I continue to think about the best way to get Nichol over here. Interesting to note that censorship in China is alive and well as I was able to access neither Facebook or American news sources while in Shanghai.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The air quality was atrocious. I feel like they don’t know what blue sky actually looks like. Tried to get pics of smog, but it’s not easy to show. 

I Arrived in Phnom Phen at 12:30pm on Friday. The immigration process was extraordinarily smooth this year as things get easier every time we come and I have more experience. I was able to assist an “impatient” American traveler who didn’t understand the visa process and as a result I believe my passport was pulled to the top of the pile and I was through in less than three minutes start to finish . He’s probably still waiting 🤣🤣.

This is remarkable and I really think it’s because I got that guy off their backs. They were smiling 😊 and I’ve never seen a Cambodian immigration official smile.

Landon and his dad, Jan, and Sam‘s niece picked me up in a car and we headed straight to Sam’s Village. It took a couple hours to get there and then we took a little tour of the home and saw where we were staying which was in Sam‘s parents room which they wholeheartedly gave to us. The hospitality and kindness we experienced immediately was overwhelming. These are amazing people that have very little and they were going above and beyond to make sure that Jan and I were comfortable. After resting and having something to drink, the ceremonies began. Landon and Sam both had their own dressers. Over the course of the next two days Sam and Landon would have at least seven different outfit changes and very beautiful ornate traditional wedding outfits. I thought I came to Cambodia to see Landon get married. It turns out I came to Cambodia and was given the immense privilege of being a pivotal part of his wedding ceremonies. Without a doubt,the opportunity of a lifetime and one I will never forget.

 

 

ttfn

 

we are on our way home…..we got ourselves to Bangkok yesterday and stayed at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit. It was AMAZING. next time I use 35,000 points on a hotel room, I’m going to stay for longer than 14 hours 🤣🤣. Quite a fancy place and I would never spend $300/night EVER! We were up by 4:45am and out the door in a taxi by 5:30 am as we had an 8:25am flight. We are currently at gate in Taipei after a 3.5 hour flight waiting for the next leg to Vancouver. Air Canada.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See y’all on the flip side!