So after a rather bumpy ride on Malaysia Airlines, I arrived in Phnom Penh last night and got my visa at the airport. Didn't have the 2 passport photos with me that I needed for it, but lucky they let me get it anyway. Was picked up by a staff member from Star Kampuchea, the volunteer organisation and who then took me to our guesthouse in the city called Tattoo Guesthouse.
Had a bit of drama already, having lost the keys to my luggage at Melbourne airport, so I couldnt get into any of my luggage and I felt like such trouble, but staff at the guesthouse were so nice about it. Jhen, not sure if that's the correct spelling, the head receptionist, as soon as he saw me said I looked like his sister. Turns out I'm the same age as her. I told him the problem with my luggage and he wanted to help because he could see that I had no clothes to change into but he didn't have any bolt cutters around strong enough to cut the locks. Here I was in jeans and 3/4 length top, getting real hot and with nothing to shower with, so just went to bed and rested, which was much needed anyway. Woke up real early this morning. Gained a few hours also from the time difference with Australia being 4 hours ahead. This morning, he organised for my 33kg of luggage to be taken downstairs again and placed on a tuk tuk to a shop down the road where they cut the locks for me. I was so grateful for their help with that and finally, I felt so much better to be able to get into my luggage, change and shower!
So then I went on motorbike to Sovanna Shopping Centre but it was too early, nothing was open so instead went to Tonle Sap riverside for a stroll and to the National Museum. When I arrived back, two volunteers had arrived. I was quite relieved to have people with me that I could communicate in English with. We got to talking and then I took them to Sovanna shopping centre. It's quite a culture shock for them as it is their first time to the country so I was happy to show them around. We also went to see the Olympic Stadium where sports are played and there is a running track. It definitely was not world class but was good to see the city at least had one. Dinner was lovely on the rooftop of our guesthouse.
Having been here last year, it was not so much a culture shock, but the main challenge has been getting used to the way of living here, always having to be careful and mindful of personal security, how to carry things when going out, how to get there the safest way. It's not like I can just jump in a car and drive out to get whatever I need on my own.
Staff at guesthouse are really friendly and warm and theré's a real family feel to it. It's almost like a hotel and one of the best things about it are the 3 homecooked meals included.
I really want to start learning some Khmer and teach some English back, even just casually with staff here.
Don't think it has hit me still that I am here in Cambodia, and secondly
that I may be away for a long time. Still feels like I might be coming
back to Melbourne.
