Sihanoukville

Another long bus ride to Sihanoukville. The development here was unreal - in five years this place will be phenomenal. The roads were in bad shape but the buildings going up around it were amazing - built by the Chinese. On the way here we went to a floating village. We were on a boat and got to see how the other half live. It was truly an eye-opener. The village was built on gigantic stilts all around the river.

Once we arrived we went to the beach - it was very peaceful here and not many people, the temperature was also very pleasant. We walked down the beach as a group and funnily enough, ended up at a pub!

Some had a swim in the water but most of us just drank - the bar went through two kegs of beer! At 50c a pop it was very quaff-able. It was a late night but a good one and nice to have a yarn with the rest of the group and we got to know some of the local children who were running around.

The next day was an optional activity that the whole group did. We got picked up in a private bus and went to a beautiful waterfall. On the way we did a jungle walk and saw a village that was located right on the sea. The jungle part was short and walking in jandals was a challenge. I was more scared of snakes! We saw a cobra slither across the road while we were driving. The temperatures were very high and when the sun came out it was a little unpleasant but nothing to complain about! We went to a temple where there were a whole lot of monkeys...when we finally plucked up the courage we could actually feed them. It was an amazing experience but was really quite dumb because if they had bitten us it would have been a problem, despite us having had our rabies shots!

The waterfall was beautiful. The water was cold but refreshing and everyone (except me) went in behind it on the rocks with the local tour guide. A lot of happy tourists :) We then had lunch provided and the chicken was really nice! Later we went back to the hotel and chilled out by the swimming pool before having a nap. The travel days really take it out of you! A small hot mini bus...no air con and no leg room...but all part of the experience.

That night the group split up and six of us went to the Steeple Car Saloon owned by an American man and an Australian woman. They did the most amazing BBQ chicken with garlic bread, corn, baked potato and potato salad. We were extremely satisfied! We were craving more Western food at this point so it really hit the spot. - Danielle