Monkey Republic, Kampot, Day 1

So it's the last day of our short trip to Kep, and we awake to a blazing row between Charles and Rachia (I think that's the right name). We were meant to be getting a bus at ten but we cancel during breakfast and end up taking a ride with a tuk tuk driver. It's a much funner and comfortable way to travel, compared to being rammed into the back of a minibus. The ride is only 20km so we soon get there after travelling through small villages.
We arrive to the hotel and check in to our room/sauna (again no air conditioning). We would like to chill in the room for a bit but we need to escape the heat, so go for a small walk to a bank to get some money and then grab some dinner. After that we rent s couple of bikes and decide to explore Kampot. It's a lovely, peaceful town (i am told it is technically a big village) built alongisde a long river.
It is this river that we decided to take a cruise on tonight. We board a rather rickety looking boat along with four other couples and set off at around 5pm. The first hour is spelt looking at the beatuiful hills as the sun drifts behind them. It is truly an amazing sight and the quiet surroundings make it all the better. It is crazy how quick the bright sun descends and soon it is pitch black, with noting but the hotels and the distant lightning lighting up our way.
We are told there are a lot of fireflys around this area, but are running out of hope of finding one when our boat takes a sudden stop, nearly smashing into a tree. We walk to the end of the boat and finally see the small lights buzzing around. There are so many it resembles a chrismtas tree all lit up and sparkling. After that we head back, have a curry, and retire to the warm bedroom hoping to try and sleep. A power cut turning the fans up doesn't help, neither does the thunderous rain outside that is hammering the roof. We somehow manage it though, but it's going to be a sweaty night!Read more