A Solo Travellers Mind

The bus from Vietnam to Cambodia was a particularly interesting one. The man on the bus tries to take your passport but I decided this wasn’t wise and held on to mine, along with 2 girls on the bus. I had my Cambodia Evisa which saved me (to be explained). First you cross Vietnam passport control, where the man refused to take the passport from the girls front of me. A local guy looks and mouths the words I truly expected to hear. With this tip off I test the theory, handing over my passport, my visa and an extra something. No surprise the passport is accepted, and stamped. Then you walk into no man’s land. I’m handed my bags (not a promising start). I walk across and thank my stars that I already have my Cambodian Visa. I manage to go through border control, finger prints and photos taken as always, and get my entry into Cambodia. The girls on my bus however did not have the visa, nor any money (bad move but we’ve all been there *me when I entered Vietnam lol*). What followed was a mess, tears are flowing, one man has their passports, one is on the bus and the other is on the border. The bus drives away. We stop 2 minutes up the road and wait. 5 minutes later, the friend, a random man on a bike and 2 passports are delivered. The system is flawed. I was the only person to physically walk through border control and have my prints done. It seems that along with passport collection at the beginning of the journey, bribery occurs, where you pass through control without any formalities and then get your passport returned at the other side at this cafe. I am honestly perplexed. The bonus, I have no land crossings again on my trip. It was an experience for sure, holy moly.

Checking into the hostel and yet another unwelcome surprise awaits… the face of a boy I had to block in Thailand, after a bit too much unwanted attention from him called for a swift exit from my life. A quick word with reception ensures he’s not in my room and has also, in fact, checked out and is just here for the pub crawl. Luck is on my side, and the hostel ensures that if I have any issues, I should let them know. 

A quick shower and facetime with Nicola and Co, before I head out for a very late dinner. Having not eaten since 10 am, it’s fair to say my stomach is crying. 

My day in Phnom Phen was a busy busy one, starting off at the S21 Museum where I learnt about the atrocities that happened during the civil war and the impact this has had on the country, including speaking with a survivor and purchasing his book! Next, I visit the Killing Fields, where prisons left S21 to be killed and where the human remains still lay. Again, it’s another heartbreaking thing to see. 

The afternoon was spent with my roommate, Maïwenn, walking around the city and across the river. Viewing temples and the statues of peace and freedom. Stumbling across a bat tree and a bird tree where Great Hornbills have made their home. The evening involved beers at the bar, followed by the club, where I met a lovely Welsh chap who just so happens to be in Australia my first few weeks of arriving! So a friend to view the sights has been found.

The following day involved an incredibly hungover journey to Kampot, with my roommate Maïwenn! Luckily for me, it was a relatively smooth ride. On arrival, we got aquented with our other roommates and headed to the market for some food! 

The following day, we had breaky at a local arts craft cafe, a restaurant that hires and supports local disabled individuals! We then all chipped in to hire a tuk tuk for the day and see the sights, including Bat Cave, The famous Pepper Farm, Salt Lakes and “the secret lake” (which simply was not a secret). It was lovely seeing the local community and how everything works, and also a surprise to me because I honestly didn’t think there was anything here. Unfortunately, come the evening, I had been stuck down by a fever of some form, accompanied with nausea, headaches and bone aches. So it was an evening of bed, rest, and fluids, with Melanie and Maïwenn coming through to provide me with juice and snacks! With a travel day to Koh Rong the next day, it was touch and go on whether I would be able to leave or be too sick to move!