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July 14, 2004
24-25 June – Sihanoukville
I couldn’t catch the boat today. There was no boat. It didn’t come back from Sihanoukville – weather problems. It could be up to 4 days before it would come back. So, not wanting to stay in Koh Kong, I embarked upon the dodgiest 7 hour bus trip ever. I guess most people heading to Sihanoukville go by Boat, possibly why the bus is dodgy, roads even more so. Koh Kong to Sihanoukville, 600 baht, same price for boat or bus. I paid 600baht to get from Bangkok to Ko Samui, on a large A/C bus with movies, including the transfer to the ferry and the ferry! I wouldn’t have minded paying that same price to be on a large ocean-bound (although not necessarily ocean-designed, from what I hear) speedboat, but to be then told that it’s the same price for the dodgy bus, I was not impressed. There was some impressive scenery along the way, but being unimpressed and unmotivated, no photos are available. I read a whole book on the journey, keeping my mind from the dodginess and lack of A/C. Arrived in Sihanoukville, and wandered around a bit looking at guesthouses with a couple of English chicks from the bus (Sarah and Vicky), then decided on Bungalow Village. After reviewing the beach situation (the following day) – ie. They’re nothing compared with Thailand - this is definitely not a bad place to chill out. I did some meditative breathing with the girls (I need to work on my flexibility to sit like they do), then we went and got some dinner. We walked to the town centre, not realising how spread out this town is. Not such a great idea in hindsight, but I guess it was good exercise. We ate at a Sri Lankan restaurant, The Bamboo Light Cafe; I had an incredible Squid Masala with rice and was absolutely bloated by the end of it.
I was almost amused to head that the boat did come back on this day, and did go to S’Ville the following day. I made the decision to go, as I didn’t like Koh Kong, and I don’t regret it, although the bus was still uncool.
Posted by Dan at July 14, 2004 02:33 AM