Enter, another quiet morning on South Pacific coast at Otres 2 Beach. A light breakfast beside the still waters. Based on the fact that we’ve enjoyed our breakfasts nearly alone, I would surmise that European tourists like to sleep late when vacationing.
Beth and I have always been big fans of Survivor and we were elated when we learned that the current season was being filmed in Cambodia. More specifically on the island named Koh Rong. So, months before beginning this journey, we had dreamed of finding the beaches where the Angkor, Bayon, and Ta Kae tribes spend there 39 days. Our journey to get there began with a 25 minute tuk tuk ride from the hotel to Ochheuteal Beach.
Having made this trip a few times in the past days, I wanted to share a glimpse of what we’d seen en route. Because it seems to be frowned upon to photograph or film the Cambodian people, I tried to discretely capture some of what we’d seen. The conditions many of these people live in can only be described as total squaller. Such images certainly make you think and reflect upon your own life.
Arriving in town, the scenery returned to a more touristic environment. It is a town that seems to devote itself to the young backpackers out in search of their own adventures. Rooms can be rented for $8 per night; $12 if you want air conditioning. Beer is cheap, food is cheap. It’s a colorful place with streets lined by bars, restaurants, and guesthouses. It sort of feels like a spring break town, but on a slightly filthier level.
We had arrived at the pier 40 minutes early where we’d catch the fast boat to Koh Rong. Fortunately there was an open air bar on the pier where we could escape the ever intensifying rays of the sun.
We snapped a few photos of the surrounding scenery as we sipped our pops.
As the boat arrived 25 minutes late the crowds grew bigger. By that time the temperature was well into the 90’s. If you Googled “Cluster Fuck” and dug down deep enough, I am certain you would find a reference to the Speed Ferry Cambodia loading and unloading procedures. Two hundred or more eager young travelers with their oversized rucksacks all gathered near the point of embarkation at the same point and time hundreds more needed to exit the boat. Beth and I thought long and hard about whether we wanted to be part of the chaos under the scorching sun simply to indulge our desire and hope of finding a particular beach on Cambodia’s largest island. We opted to skip and just get some lunch by the beachside. The fried rice was good; the margarita pizza, not so much. One thing I have learned from this trip is to never use a restroom located “out back”. You will see things that you shouldn’t see.
Our tuk tuk needed to refuel on our return trip.
Despite having failed to reach our intended destination for the day, it is difficult to end the day without feelings of appreciation and gratitude.
