We traveled on the 6 hour bus ride to Phnom Penh, where Scott and Dad got to observe many of the effects of the flooding on the side of the highway including many families who had relocated there in make-shift awnings. When we got to Phnom Penh, we didn't really have much time to do anything, so we went off to the Peace Corps office first to meet Sarah, and then we headed off to see Central Market (its Khmer name translates to "New Market" hmmm) and Sorya Mall, where we bought some things. Afterwards we tried to catch a glimpse of the Royal Palace, which is exactly what we got: a glimpse. We got there 7 min after the gates closed (23 min before they kick people out). It was nice to see, though, as was the National Museum. We went for Indonesian food that night and got some ice cream at Blue Pumpkin. We called it an early night.
Day 6:
6 hour bus rides? Let's do more!!!! We woke up early to catch the 4 hour bus ride to Kep, where we got some pate sandwiches and enjoyed a bit of the Gulf of Thailand. After a nice dip in the sea, we took a nice 2k walk over to the crab market, which was pretty neat. It's always fascinating to watch people fight and yell over flopping fish and shimmying crabs. After that, we took a nap and then came back to the market to eat one of the most delicious meals I've had in this country: fried noodles with crab on top, large prawns ("lobsters"), and really good fried fish. When we got back, we (Dad and I) tried to watch "I am Number Four", and we both fell asleep within 5 min.
Day 7: We started of today with a little bit of rice and pork and then headed to the caves (a Killing Cave [which means that the Khmer Rouge used to commit mass murder and do mass burials there], but the bones were moved to the museum in Phnom Penh) in Kampong Trach, Kampot. They were really amazing to see. Many of the formations of the cave look like different parts of various animals. After our hour tuk tuk ride back, we took a much needed nap, then headed to lunch for fresh boiled crab; it was absolutely delicious, but way overpriced. We got on the internet for a little and read a bit until heading back near the crab market to eat some pizza and pasta, which was pretty yummy. We ended up finishing the movie tonight (Thanks for watching it twice, Scott!).
Day 8: 3 hour ride back to Phnom Penh (bus was movin') was alright despite some major stomach cramps. They were intense. It felt almost the same as when I had a kidney stone 2 years ago. Not fun. It came and went for about an hour and a half, but eventually, it went away. Once we got to the big city, we dropped our stuff off and then took a nice walk to The Shop to meet Aaron and Jane for lunch. I had met both of their families, so it only made sense for them to meet mine! It's nice to meet people's families to see where they came from. After lunch, we headed back to the hotel to pick our stuff up and head to the airport. I dropped them off inside the airport and they said some sweet words to me. It was very sad to see them go, but it was enough to remember that they made it all the way out here, and even though it was for only a week, it meant so much to me. Thanks, guys! Also, the DQ I had after helped take the edge off.
Welp, that was my visit from my dad and brother. It was fabulous, and I look forward to meeting other people's families as they come in and out of the country.
Talk to you soon,
Garrett
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