Last week it was the Kings Birthday here in Cambodia. (happy birthday mate!!) That meant I had a 4 day weekend, so I decided to head out of town, up north to Rattanakiri province to check it out. The bus ride was supposed to be 10 hours, and was supposed to leave a 6.00 am. Now, it is highly unusual for a bus in Cambodia to leave on time, and that is something I have learned to deal with. However, it is a tad frustrating when the bus leaves half an hour late because 2 French people have probably slept through their alarm. They finally boarded all smiles and laughs, without an inkling of remorse for the rest of us who have sat unnecessarily on a bus for the last half hour…. As the bus headed off, on came the blast of Cambodian Karaoke tunes from the on-board television. As I pulled out my ipod which had been packed specifically for the purpose of drowning out the tunes the locals like to enjoy at maximum volume, one of the French couple vacated their seat, and told the bus driver to turn down the music… Uncomfortable smiles were shared between all those who had been enjoying the music as the driver obliged. It was then that a man behind me began to talk on his mobile phone. (probably bitching to his mate about how the music had been turned down..) The next thing I know, the French man is turning around and screaming at the man on his phone to ‘Shut-up!!!’
The main reason I decided to head north on this trip was because I had heard there was beautiful jungle this direction. So I was hoping the 2nd half of the bus journey would provide me with some nice scenery. Unfortunately for me, I got stuck sitting next to a girl who had the window seat, and was the ONLY person on the bus who insisted on pulling the curtain across the window. So, the view I had hoped would make the 10 hours bearable was denied!!!
11 hours later, we arrived in the town of Banlung where I stayed for a couple of days, knotched up some miles on a very dodgy bicycle, saw a couple of waterfalls and a stunning lake. As always, it was 40 degree heat and I timed a 6 k ride back from the waterfall, up hill for the hottest part of the day, but hey, whats new!!
The colour of the dirt in Banlung, which covered me from head to toe after my bike ride... hot...
I decided on my way home to stop overnight in a town called Kratie, to break up the journey. Here I again went on a beautiful bike ride and watched an amazing sunset over the Mekong… Whilst taking in this spectacular view, a young local came over to practise his English. I obliged and when he went to leave he asked me for my phone number for next time he was in Phnom Penh. Thinking nothing of it, I handed it over. The very next day, at 11.30pm, I received a text. Here’s what it said…
Hello beauty full girl. hello good teacher. you sleep yet? Today you tired? My feeling tell me that i miss you so much. You remember me or not? I’m yaris. i stay in kratie province. i want to talk with alot…alot…alot..if you dont sleep, you reply me ok? I’m waiting you reply sms to me. xxx
I think I’m in love….
Here’s the sunset he interrupted….
