Chillin' in Sihanoukville

Arrived on the south coast of Cambodia, in the port of Sihanoukville. A rough and ready little place where the beach 'resorts' are fairly sprawling and mostly set back from the beach behind the road. A little Agonda-esque only busier and a tide that almost reaches the cafe door. It's definitely a place with a vibe and we had a great day down at one of the beach front cafes, eating, drinking Beerlao and playing guitar, punctuated by the odd swim. You find yourself in constant conversation with the locals who are selling everything from massages and threading (like waxing - she came straight over grabbing my legs saying "you hairy, me fix for you" as she's yanking at my leg hair and trying to check my armpit) to books and bracelets. They're pretty persistent although very friendly, and very physically close to - sitting holding your hand or with their arm around you. They are genuinely affectionate people and obviously, it helps if they can make a few dollars too. We sat and chatted with them - letting the kids play the guitar and generally be very cheeky - and stocking up on yet more bracelets and fruit.

I can imagine how some travellers might find it all a little challenging, especially if you're not used to it but it's all very good natured (if somewhat competitive between some of the locals). The food's ok down on the beach although we took a taxi to Victory Hill for a curry today - and it was truly horrible food. We're down near Ocheateal (?) - but none of the beaches are spectacularly inviting and not a patch on the Thai islands (or Gili Air or Perhentian Kecil). We've been so spoilt really. But the key to enjoying Sihanouk I think is getting into the atmosphere and banter, rather than having expectations of coral filled torquoise seas and beach huts on the sand. Since this is our last week or two and we do love a good beachside hut and some snorkelling distraction, we are off in search of this over the Thai border. Tomorrow we leave for Koh Chang National Marine Park, just over the border. Leaving at 7am, it'll take us til evening to get there but then we can relax, thai-stylie, for our final week.

The flights back to London from Bangkok are looking alot more expensive than we realised so we're going to have to get to Bangkok and see if we can find a better deal.

That's all for now.....