Update # 1 from BGGS Team C
Hey Everyone!
We arrived in-country safely and without any dramas and have been having the best time.
Day 1 – Travel / Phnom Penh
After a 45 minute delay at the Brisbane Domestic Airport, our day of travel went along without any drama. Luckily, there was minimal waiting between connecting flights and although it was a massive day, the excitement as we finally landed in country, after a long year of preparing, was phenomenal. It had been a massive day – Brisbane-Sydney, Sydney-Bangkok, Bangkok-Phnom Penh. The customs at the Phnom Penh International airport are still astounding; a single man collecting the declaration card. That is it. When we exited the airport, the heat and humidity hit us. We decided to take taxis to the accommodation that was already booked for us by Antipodeans; the Sunday Guest House. The drive to the place allowed us to see some aspects of Cambodian life. There were no speed signs, no lanes, hundreds of motorbikes with many people on them (including babies), and very few traffic lights. The people, especially the drivers, were so friendly. When we finally got to the accommodation we had been up for close to 22 hours. To say the least, we were exhausted. The rooms were much better than we expected. Three to a room, there were showers and flushing toilets, the beds were so comfortable and I think everyone had a decent night’s sleep. Two things to remember: don’t drink the water (not even accidentally in the shower) and always be Malaria-cautious (RID yourself at every opportunity).
Day 2 – Phnom Penh / Sihanoukville
An early 6am start saw us having our first Cambodian breakfast supplied by the Sunday Guest House management; a variety of eggs, fruit and bread. We went back to our rooms to pack our bags and make sure we hadn’t left anything behind before assembling to get on a courtesy shuttle bus to the bus station. Again, we got an idea of the streets of Cambodia. This time in the daytime, we were able to see the vendors, houses, architecture, food, children, schools and daily life of the Khmer people. One thing everyone agreed on: we’re glad that we learnt to drive in Australia! Everyone here is so courteous and friendly; they always offer to help us with our packs, always smile and wave at us, one man even blew us a kiss. At the bus station we boarded another bus which took us to the beach village, Sihanoukville. It was a four hour bus trip through the cities and countryside of Cambodia. The drive, although long and tiring, allowed us to see many different aspects of the country. So far we have noticed: Cambodia is very religious (Buddhist) as there are many temples, shrines and praying areas, the drivers are crazy and honk a lot, and that the Government buildings here are spectacular.
We got to Sihanoukville at about 1pm. As we exited the bus, we were swarmed by tuktuk and taxi drivers all telling us that we should use them. We chose taxis to which the most persistent tuktuk driver replied “you take one taxi, three tuktuks, yes?” Then proceeded to playfully kick the taxi driver in the butt saying “f***ing taxis”. Needless to say, it was a good start. We checked into GST Guesthouse, put our big packs in the rooms, and decided to go for a walk to the beach. It was beautiful. Colourful umbrellas and couches lined the sand and the water was a great temperature, and the sunset was amazing (I’ve attached a photo of us spelling “Ketut” in the water at sunset). At the beach we were bombarded by hagglers, young children befriending us, making us by their bracelets. They stayed for about 2 hours until we finally gave in and bought some. We’re glad we had this experience now. In the future we may just give them a flat out no instead of talking to them. After the beach, we had traditional Khmer cuisine for dinner. It was a great ending to the day before walking back to the guesthouse, getting an ice cream, and having a well-deserved night’s sleep.
Today we are planning a day of sightseeing in Sihanoukville. We are going to the cascades and the national park to experience some wildlife, other than the creature who got into Ms McGarry's vegemite (our only true blue supply!), as well as hopefully going on a boat, and a tuktuk!!
I have attached a photo from team ketut: taken in the water at Serendipity beach, Sihanoukville, at sunset on 3/12/2010. It spells KETUT. (yes, we are a creative bunch)
We hope that all is well back in Brisbane! We miss you, and love you heaps.
All our love from Cambodia,
Team Ketut (Sarah, Katie, Emma, Ruby, Thea, Paige, Anna, Anna, Arlo, Roxy, Aliey, Claire, Louisa, Mr Martineau, Ms McGarry and Deb)
<3 xxx
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