JOHM RIAB SUA—Meaning Hello from Cambodia. Today is March 9, 2011 and our port of call is Sihanoukville the natural waterway of the Mekong Delta, leading to the interior of Cambodia. This city was built in 1964 during the Vietnam War to give the country an alternative gateway in and out of the country by sea. It is a pretty but small town where Buddhist temples are the main attractions. More than that, Sihanoukville is the drop off point for passengers who will be doing the multiple day overland tour to Angkor Wat.
After the ship was cleared by the local authorities, we caught one of the shuttle buses to the downtown area about 3 miles from the pier. We decided to do the touring today on our own utilizing one of the local Tuk Tuks. These are motorbikes which are hitched up to a two-wheeled passenger carrier. After fighting our way off of the shuttle and though what looked like over a hundred Tuk Tuk drives, we made our way out to one of the streets. There we were able to begin negotiating for a 2-hour tour to the temples and the city. The prices were all over the board, but we finally came to a deal and headed out of the city center. Actually, travelling by Tuk Tuk is much better than any tour bus. It’s cooler and affords you the opportunity to take photos without trying to shoot them through a bus window.
Off we went on our tour stopping first at Wat Krom known as the Lower Temple. This Buddhist temple cares for many orphans, handicapped, and elderly people and is manned and managed my Monks. Many of the orphans were selling their handmade crafts on the temple grounds. From there we ventured higher up Mount Sihanouk to Wat Leu known as the Upper Temple which overlooks the port and town offering sweeping views of the coastline and the Gulf of Thailand. We wondered the temple grounds and were lucky enough to meet some very nice people. They were preparing chicken and an older women had started the kitchen fires for the lunch time meal. We asked about the restroom facilities and were escorted to the typical hole in the floor known as a squatter or two footer. We were reminded to take a bucket of water and use that water afterward. When they advise you on the ship to travel with toilet paper they REALLY mean it.
Back on the Tuk Tuk we toured all around the city passing the Independence Monument, the Vietnam Cambodia Monument, the Angkor Brewery, the Golden Lions Monument, resorts and beaches. Then it was time for some fun walking the indoor Psar Lu Market. There you can buy just about anything from fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, dry goods, jewelry, etc., etc., etc. Out on the streets you can find gasoline in soda bottle or have your shoes repaired or shined.
Our day ended back at the pier and we reboarded the ship and prepared for our departure at 4:00pm. Next stop in the morning is Laem Chabang, Thailand (Bangkok).
So it’s LIA SUHN HAO-Y-Meaning Goodbye from Cambodia.
