Part 1 of Today’s ride on Komoot
Part 2 of Today’s ride on Komoot
Still nowhere near 100% but ok for a pancake flat 75 into Phnom Penh.
The day started very slowly and drizzly, so I stayed at the hotel, went to the coffee shop for breakfast and waited out the rain. When it eased a little, I packed the bike and checked out thinking it would be simple.
They wouldn’t accept one of my USD20 bills because there was a small mark on it. Ok. I have a 100. Wouldn’t accept that because they didn’t have change. Ok, credit card. No sir, no credit cards. mmm… Righto, I’ve just offered three types of payment, it’s time for you to come up with a solution (i.e. go to the bank please), but I knew this wouldn’t work – three people just stood there and giggled. So I went to the bank for the second time today, checked out and left – 2 hours later than expected.
The first part was on some rural dirt roads north of Takeo and it was nice but bumpy. It was full of the usual surprised but friendly locals. After about 10kms, I was back onto a flat boring road heading due north and rarely turning.
Fast forward to about 15kms out of Phnom Penh (I wish I could have done that) and the riding became interesting. I left the main road and followed the GPS directions. They weren’t always good directions, but I followed my nose (no comments please) and went through some fantastic areas of Phnom Penh. One street was lined with old terraces, the kind that I’d read about in books covering the lead up to the Pol Pot regime’s bloodthirsty reign. They reflected exactly, my mental image from the books.
The closer I got to the hotel, the more desperate the traffic became. For what, I don’t know. They’re not in the world cup; tomorrow’s not a holiday; APEC 2022 finished here a week ago; the Swans aren’t playing. Maybe there’s a new series of MasterChef Cambodia on tonight.
I booked the Blue Lime Hotel for a couple of nights. I stayed here in 2012 and liked the place, as it’s near all of the sights. It hasn’t changed much. It’s still an oasis in the middle of a very busy city, and it means I can walk to the Riverside, restaurants, the palace etc.
Oh yeah. There’s a great pool here that is going to have me in it for the next day or so.
I had a simple meal at a restaurant a couple of blocks away, but unfortunately, on the way, I realised that the sleazy expat area is also a few blocks away – never knew it was there. I’ll steer well clear of that and the deathpats who linger there.
Rest day 1 in Phnom Penh
I did as little as possible today apart from a couple of swims and long walks.
After breakfast, I still didn’t feel great, so I decided to stay another day. I had tried to imagine an early start out of here in about 24 hours time and didn’t feel up to it. So, there’ll be more swimming tomorrow and maybe even some bike washing.
This evening, I’m starting to feel pretty good, so an extra day will be perfect for recovery.