Sihanoukville, Cambodia

After spending nearly a week in Siem Reap, the journey must continue. This time we are heading all the way to Sihanoukville and what better way to get there than by the 'Hotel Night Bus'. It was an experience to say the least. There were two rows of double bunk beds, each with its own set of curtains for privacy. We got on the bus and we were all thankful our beds were in the upper bunk. I was able to sit up fully and it wasn't so claustrophobic and less bumpy. A few minutes later, someone came up to us telling us we were all in the wrong beds. We were actually supposed to be in the lower bunk. I thought to myself 'Great'. It was very claustrophobic. I couldn't even sit up straight and my legs were too long for the end of the bed. Because it was such a small space, I told myself that the best thing to do is just sleep. And surprisingly, I actually had a really good night’s sleep, which never happens when we're travelling. The guys on the bus were really friendly. It was a really long journey. Poor Jason didn't sleep as well as me so he felt all twelve hours of it. When we got off the bus, there was a taxi waiting for us. Lucy from England told us about 'The Monkey Republic Hostel' and said we should try and stay there. We got in the taxi and went straight there. Luckily enough there was a private room available for all three of us and it only cost $10 for the room per night. It's so cheap. There is even a cool bar/restaurant downstairs and it even has a pool table for Jason, so he is in his element. I think we got a really good deal! The people don't seem as friendly as Siem Reap. Maybe it’s because this place is so touristy. So far, it’s not one of my favourite places, but that could change. Poor Kathrin was really sick with her throat as a result of the A/C on the bus. That evening, we enjoyed a few drinks in the bar. When it's Friday, it would be rude not too! We all had a really good time with some interesting chats. Lucy told us about the 'Utopia Bar' which is only a cross the road from us. Curious, we all walked over to see what it was like. It was ok. The music wasn't the best and everyone seemed to be high. After only one drink there, we decided to head back. Kathrin wanted to get a ginger tea to help her throat, so we stopped off at café near the hostel. While we were chatting away, an English couple decides to sit beside us. They were seriously weird, especially the girl. We think they must have been up to something. Luckily enough we got a lucky escape. When we woke up the following morning, Kathrins voice had completely gone, so she will just have to just rest it! The nice weather appears to have left us and gone all the way back home to Ireland. I told it to make sure it comes back here on Monday. It's only fair that we share it! There isn't really much you can do when it rains, so we decided to take a Tuk Tuk to the local market. It was big, but it didn't rock our boats! None of us were impressed. After only a short period there, we decided to head back, but unfortunately, we weren't going to stay dry. Later on, the three of us headed across the road to a private cinema. There are different size rooms with big TV’s which you can hire out. We were all in the mood for a comedy, so without much debate, we watched 'The Hangover 2 &3" as it's set in Thailand. It was a really cool way to spend your evening, especially considering that we haven't watched TV or even a movie in so long. They even had a 'Happy Herb Pizza' which brightened up our evening even more. Today, the weather is a lot better, which gives us more reason to check out the beach and go for a nice swim. Can't wait! Poor Switzerland still has no voice. Hope she gets better soon. But, were having great peace! Only kidding! She will probably slap me when she reads this! That evening we all went back to the beach to check the bars out. I even got a free bucket for wearing a sports top, happy days! Poor Kathrin wasn't feeling the best so she went back early. Jason and I stayed there a bit longer with a few drinks, chatting away. Then, a woman comes up to us trying to chat the two of us up. Turns out she was a transsexual. After a few minutes, Jason and the woman went off for a quick dance, but that's not all she offered him. I think she was annoyed because she got nothing off us. Oh well, not my problem! What a way to end our trip here. More crazy memories from 'The Big Adventure.' Think I might have to get a filing cabinet soon! After spending a few nights in paradise, we had to come back here for one more night. Walking back up to the 'Monkey Republic Hostel' a guy started to chat me up. It was funny seeing Jason's face. Down in the bar, Jason got pally with a few English guys who he had fun playing pool with. Jason and Kathrin went out clubbing with them all, while I stayed in the room waiting to Skype back home. When I saw the state of the two of them this morning, I said to myself, 'Thanks Sue'. It's all part of the fun, just not the next morning! That memory bank is getting bigger and bigger and bigger!

By Andrew

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