Kembot in Cambodia

I recently came back from a ten-day holiday in Cambodia with some very dear friends. God knows I need a brief break from being unemployed, no? Really, I'm tired of being so utterly useless, so it's nice to take my mind off the mounting sense of helplessness I have been feeling the past few months.

The first stop was Siem Reap, my third time in the popular tourist destination. There I met L, G, and J, who flew in from Ilo-ilo. It was G and J's first time to visit Siem Reap, therefore, a temple run was in order. The thrill of seeing the Angkor Wat complex never ceases despite repeated viewings.

We then traveled to Phnom Penh where we met FuchsiaBoy and R. The Ilonggo mafia only got bigger, di bala? (Fortunately, I understand Ilonggo!)

It's always exciting for me to visit a city for the first time. I didn't read beforehand on its must-sees, confident that FuchsiaBoy would show us around. Indeed, he brought us to some great restaurants in the city.

As for sight-seeing, I was gobsmacked by the scale of the Central Market. I especially love its grand curves and sharp angles.

For a bit of history, we paid a visit to the Choeung Ek Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Prison. Both places left lasting traumas to Khmer society no thanks to the horrific rule of the Khmer Rouge. There was a heavy energy in these sites, of course; but still they are worth a visit.

The pack then went to Koh Rong, an island off the coast of Sihanoukville.

I've seen quite a few beaches in my life but nothing is as stunning as Koh Rong. From our guest house, we had to trek through a hill (or what felt like a mountain to me) for an hour. All my exhaustion went away when I first laid eyes on the clear blue water of Long Beach. Its sand was perfectly powdery white, almost blinding in the midday sun.

Long Beach has yet to see its share of infrastructure for tourists, and I hope it stays that way. It was simply kilometers of empty beach. Perfection, isn't it?

We lay on the grass, under the shade of a pine tree and did nothing but soak in the serenity of the beach. We also swam in the warm water, blissfully rocked by the gentle waves. Watching the sun set was the perfect ending to our day.

The following day we hired a boat to take us snorkelling and fishing, both of which did not go very well. I mean, fishing for bayots? I don't think so.

We ended up going back Long Beach to do more lounging on the beach and swimming. We simply couldn't get enough of the place.

On the side of the island where the accommodations are located, we stayed in huts just a few steps from the beach. Electricity was cut off at midnight. We were lulled by the sound of the waves lapping on the shore. And then we woke up to the cool sea breeze.

Here's hoping that Koh Rong is left undisturbed for years to come.

Guysh, guysh, thanks for the lovely time in Cambodia. Special thanks to L and R for making the trip possible. I had a blast and will treasure the memories from that trip. Until the next reunion...

Siem Reap Diary (Day 1 & 2)

Hola amigas! Happy New Year and welcome to year 2554... in the Buddhist calendar that is. The New Year festival is called Songkran in Thailand. Pretty much last week was a holiday here, as well as the other Buddhist countries in the region, i.e. Myanmar, Lao PDR, and Cambodia.

Miss Bubbles and I hopped to our neighboring country of Khmerlandia. Taking the trip with us was Bongbong Marcos, an Iloilo-based travel photographer and blogger (see his blog here).

We crossed the border via Aranyaprathet on the Thai side. I'm very excited to report that the road between Poipet and Siem Reap is now FANTASTIC. It certainly was a bumpy and dusty ride when I first visited Siem Reap in 2007 using the same route, so I can't believe how easy it was to travel this time around.

Our hosts are the Grand Dame of Siem Reap (of course), Miss Fuchsiaboy ITSELF, and artist extraordinaire Loven and his wife Faith.

I was instantly mesmerized with their abode because it is filled with Loven's artworks, practically occupying every nook and cranny of the house. On the second floor is the workshop of Fuchsiaboy, the inner sanctum that many of his minions could only wish to see... but very few have actually been welcomed in there (looks straight at you Toxic Disco Boy... joklang). It truly is an inspiring house!

Later in the evening we dropped by ArtDeli, Loven's latest project that serves as an art gallery cum restaurant. It's a very warm venue for chitchatting with friends while being surrounded by some of Loven's wicked and genius masterpieces. Fuchsiaboy also has some of his artworks sold there, along with a few other artists.

I love the throw pillows!!! They even have one for Imelda, which, needless to say, is my favorite.

As Loven was still planning the menu, we took part in a food tasting session mostly made up of Italian fare. That night I finally met the divine Faith, whom I taught how to elongate. Yes, elongate...

Day 2 was tourist day for Miss Bubbles and moi. We took a long tuktuk drive to an ukayan (thrift shop) but lo and behold most of the shops were closed as it was the Khmer New Year too.

We went back to the Pub Street area and dropped by the Old Market for some souvenirs. The wet market is quite exciting too. You know me and markets... I always visit one wherever I go 'coz it's always vibrant and a good place to get some insight into the lives of the community.

We met Faith in the evening and she showed us around Amansara. ORGASM. Like Major Orgasm to Beat All Orgasms. Ahhhmansara, sweetie, do I need to say more? It was heaven! We certainly don't have an Amansara in Surigao!

Faith, thank you so much for giving us the chance to step into such hallowed ground... Elongate!

I'm beginning to wonder... who do I need to blow??? I sooooo could not wait to snag a Russian gazzzzillionaire who'd pay my stay at Amansara. Time to call Naomi Campbell for some tips!

From first world to fourth world. From Amansara to the streets of Siem Reap. We had some BBQ and the local food, amok, for dinner and Angkor beer of course.