Arriving in Cambodia

 

Typhoon Ketsana had spun from the South China Sea, crossed Vietnam, and swept into central Cambodia. Its flooding was evident as my flight descended on approach to Siem Reap airport. It cost $2 for a motorbike taxi on badly pot-holed roads into town. I rode directly to the Funky Munky, sister bar of JCs, my home bar back in Michigan. Mac and Trixie would know of a good hotel or guesthouse near the Old Market area. But the Munky was gone; no longer by the shaded banks of the Siem Reap River. Its new location was right on Pub Street, kitty-corner from the Red Piano whose claim to fame was the place where Angelina Jolie had once dined. The Munky had new owners and I was glad to learn that Mac and Trixie were still in town. I could only wonder about Angelina.

 

A couple of the guesthouses that I wanted to try were also gone.

Siem Reap had changed a bit since my last visit. I made my way to the Riverside, a familiar hotel where I had stayed before. The Khmer owners remembered me from a lengthy stay two years ago and ushered me directly to room 307 ahead of eight others waiting to check in. Being a 'regular' paid off. Angelina probably had that privilege wherever she traveled, ate, or stayed too. It felt good.

 

After a hot-water shower and a head-shave, I put on shorts, a T-shirt, and flip-flops then walked back into town for iced margaritas and a couple of tacos at the Viva. I strolled around town for awhile then headed back to my air-conditioned room. It was a real struggle staying awake after the long eastward flights from Germany. By seven o'clock I fell into a deep sleep and didn't wake up until six in the morning.

 

[Here's a link to my related blog about JCs and the Funky Munky:

http://www.travbuddy.com/travel-blogs/18515/JCs-Bar-Funky-Munky-28]