I arrived Pochentong International Airport in Phnom Pehn, Cambodia at almost 8 in the morning last July 28, 2008 via Jetstar Asia from Changi Airport in Singapore—I had no hard time with the immigration officer, I handed him my Philippine Passport, my Cambodia’s Immigration Card, US$25 dollars, 2 passport size pictures but he handed it all back to me, hmm…I thought I would be needing a visa as what a dear friend told me but its not, oh, well, we just thought maybe because I am from Asia, too! I’m done, immigration waved me through, customs didn’t even look at me and I went out of the airport peacefully—can’t remember but I think I am the first one who came out from the airport…grrr, maybe I am just excited! *blushing*

Another new country, new culture, new friends and new experience…I am excited and looking forward for this another journey of my life.

Hmm…going back at the airport, not so much vehicle and there’s only one taxi cab around which we ride on to bring me to my hotel…Oh, well—I find it out that the major transportation here is tuktuk, cyclo and motorcycle with driver! *winks* Will tell more about all these as I go along!

Cambodia is the kind of country that was so interesting to know and learn, such as to experience but my first day here I already observed few things, there are no lanes in Phnom Penh; there’s no pedestrian lane—you can cross the street wherever you want; there isn’t even a right side of the road. All of available means of transportation are coming out and in, merge, swerve and honk each others way and still it was peaceful, no fighting, no invective uttered or not even a dirty finger was given. Weird but true! I think it would be more better if they are more organized, well, I know they will be there in few years time or maybe sooner or later than I expect.

I arrived on my hotel, just check-in my luggage and things and had breakfast at Flavour Restaurant (Cnr. Street 51 and 278) which served international cuisine…it says that it is a relaxing restaurant and popular bar run by two Quebecois with cofortable chairs falling onto the street. The mix of Asian and Western cuisine has proved populat that they have a copy cat restaurant opposite named Herb Cafe…well, I had coffee and pancakes and it taste good. Well, I know I will be back there often.

Soon after the breakfast, we did some shopping at Lucky’s Supermarket—buy some stuffs for my fridge and just basically to tour me around the vicinity, just to make feel comfortable, then my he went back to work…and I was alone in my room, hmm…was wondering what will I do here, he will back after work to tour me around. Well, I just gave in, I slept the whole day…ssshhhhhhhhhh—imagined I leaved my hotel in Singapore at 4 in the morning and had my flight via Jetstar Asia at 6:40am!

The late afternoon was great, I had my first motorcycle ride and went to Mekong River…well, I had the glimpse of the park, Royal Palace, Independence Monument and everything, oh, seen monks in their orange dress walking on the street. Well, had some drinks at FCC Phnom Penh (363 Sisowath Quay)—they are classified as an international cuisine restaurant and Phnom Pehn’s landmark restaurant, with sumptuos views across th river on one side and the National Museum to the other, it’s best to come at sunset, which we did and when the streets below are most crowded, the cocktails are half-price and draft beer goes for US$1. Well, I had frappucino, yummy…since I don’t drink liquors, hehehe!

Hmm…surprisingly, I saw elephant crossing on the street together with those cars, tuktuks and motos, just like normal thing there! Again, weird because in Makati City where I grew up you can never see an elephant on streets, I have only seen elephant on zoo, maybe horse but that’s so rare…*big smile* Maybe my lucky charm then, and now I knew the elephants’ name is Sambo…(hope I am not wrong with it! lolz!)

Lastly on that day, we moved into another restaurant named Pickled Parrot (4-6 Street 104) who also caters international cuisine—it’s a sports bar, an aircon bar with an excellent 9-ball pool table, 24-hour satellite sports channel, with reliable international and Khmer cuisine, open for 24 hours and with free Wi-Fi. Since I am not hungry at all, just get finger foods…calamari and chicken finger slice but had a taste of cordon blue chicken with mango juice…*smile*

This is how my first day in Phnom enh, Cambodia…now, I am living here with Kent together with our little cupcake Isabelle and soon CJ will be here too, *happy*

Oppsss…reposted this again, originally form my old blog!