WHERE IN THE WORLD WAS THAT SLORR EP. 11
We’re close. The year is almost up. And our second to last city wasPhnom Penh, Cambodia.
For the first time ever you’re getting a location update in the past tense because I have gotten that bad about posting. Thus, you’re getting the hello and goodbye all in one.
I’d been to Phnom Penh before, on a stop over from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap. We were only there for a few hours, but I didn’t like it. I almost opted out of this month to travel elsewhere (yes, you can opt out of Remote Year months), but my coworker changed my mind. He lived in the city for 2.5 years and liked it, so I gave the town a shot.
I was surprised by how much I liked it. There’s a solid expat community, a lot of good international food, and because of the French influence some Western treats (i.e. wine and cheese) were more accessible than in Malaysia or Thailand.
The agreement I made with myself was that since I wasn’t opting out and had been to Cambodia before (though briefly) I was going to see more of the country this time around. So I took an 11 day trip. Went to Kampot and saw Bokor National Park, worked from Otres Beach 2 for 4 days, and then had a weekend island getaway with 3 of my best friends. I’m glad I got to see so much of Cambodia. The country’s come a long way since the last time I saw a decent chunk of it in 2011. But it’s still one of the poorest countries in the world.
I am also all about the tuk-tuk life. They have them in Thailand and Cambodia, and depending where you are they’re shaped and made a little differently. In Cambodia it’s a sort of cart that gets towed behind a motorcycle. When you ride it by yourself you’re like a princess in a Cambodian carriage being driven to your destination. I obviously enjoyed that.
There is also a lot of recent history and tragedy in Cambodia. One million people were murdered in a 4 year period by the Khmer Rogue regime (think 1970s people). I chickened out and didn’t go to the Killing Fields. I didn’t think I could handle it, but everyone in Cousteau who went was glad they did.
And for your dining pleasures, here are some recs for food and drinks in PP. Full disclosure, I was only in the city for about 15 days and didn’t really eat out much or go out much. Limited recommendations to follow.
BACKYARD CAFE — All of the white girl points. Great breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, and juices. Also an excellent spot to work from.
KHMER SURIN — Cool atmosphere and good Cambodian and Thai food.
TAQUERIA CORONA — Pretty decent Mexican food.
BROOKLYN PIZZA & BISTRO — Surprisingly good American food.
BOTANICO WINE & BEER GARDEN — Cool craft beer spot with decent food too.
