Love At First Night

Saturday 12th December 2009, 11.20pm, Aroma Hostel - Siem Reap - Cambodia.

With a new schedule in our minds myself and the companion went back on the road today as the gruesome twosome we started off as - leaving our friends behind on Mak to enjoy the rest of their holiday. But life ain't no holiday for everyone, some of us had serious border crossing business to attend to. I am pleased to say that after a 10 and a half hour journey comprising the following modes of transport - speedboat, boot of a car (yep), air-conditioned Jeep, walking on foot, minibus, and tuk-tuk (for some of you at home, a tuk-tuk is basically a chair in an iron cart attached to the back of a motorbike), we safely arrived in Siem Reap, Cambodia, at 6.30pm this evening. The border crossing was more annoying than daunting, everyone on the Thai side was trying to scam us, we had to fill in what felt like 50 forms, walk through 4 or 5 passport control queues, find our minibus driver in the middle of a busy intersection after crossing the border on foot in 35 degree heat, and of course, pay for the privilege.

It is a privilege though. One evening here and I'm already falling hook, line and sinker for the place. The flat, open, untouched greenery and marshland of the countryside, the enthusiasm and pride the Cambodians have for their country, the doe-eyed and tan-coloured cows who walk owner-less down the roads, the bustling streets littered only with bars and restaurants, the company of other backpackers who want more from their travels than a pretty beach, the pristine treasure chest of Angkor night market where we spent the evening, the great food and even better cocktails, and of course, the price. Tonight and for the next few nights we imagine, we are staying in a spacious, clean, bright room right in the centre of town with a comfy bed, new sheets, a mega-power fan, tiled floors and it's own bathroom - all for the princely sum of 28,000 Reel, about £3.50 a night, between us. Hands down the best £1.75 I ever spent.

Tomorrow we meet our tuk-tuk driver at 8am for a day of trekking around the Angkor temples. Me and my 20,000 mozzie bites are itching with excitement. I know you shouldn't judge a book by its cover but first impressions do count don't they? Well in that case I'll just be brazen and say it - I LOVE Cambodia.