Cambodia, Full Circle

A minor hiccup leaving Vietnam: who knew we needed the entry visa to exit! An unsmiling, terribly business-like border agent simply held up his hand "no" when we tried to show on our phones that we had it. Ultimately, another agent came and sorted us out, and I was just incredibly relieved we'd allowed enough time!

Shortest flight I've ever done, 25 minutes brings us back to Phnomh Penh to close out our trip. And although 3 days of trying to work with Booking.com to arrange their free hotel pickup haven't succeeded, we have some confidence now in how it all works. Hop on the airport bus for 50 cents, then call a Grab from bus stop to hotel. $7, all in.

Which is good, we're splurging on the hotel. Chaiya Palace has a tall, cool marble lobby, and they wouldn't dream of you holding your own door. We're ushered up a (glass!) elevator to our luxurious room. This isn't our real world, but we like it here!

Everywhere in Cambodia, people perform the sampaya, a respectful greeting with hands pressed together in a prayer like way, at chest level, with a slight incline of the head. It's a wonderful gesture that conveys gratitude, courtesy, and regard all at once.

Tonight we go to the rooftop to admire the infinity pool with the knee weakening view over the city, then out to find dinner.

A nearby restaurant specializes in shark - sometimes google translate BEFORE you sit down would be a good idea - but luckily another dish is more likely palatable. Rough translation was "cow hoofs come over the mountain". 😂

The waiter did indeed bring a plate of wafer thin beef and a tower of greenery. He showed us how to use the inventive domed soup pot, where we could cook the meat while the vegetables simmered in broth.

Then a short walk back to the hotel, a ride up an elevator somewhat easier to look out of on the journey at nighttime, and we are done!Read more