Usually when ppl tell u that a pickup is coming to pick u up, u would expect like a tuk tuk or something. But instead, a lorry appeared (it really became a pickup). So was driven all the way to the bus station where I boarded the sleeper bus.
Haha, it was my first time on a sleeper bus, so it was quite an eye opener. It was slightly cramped though but it was also quite comfy (I managed to sleep my way through). My only complaint was that the person sleeping next to me is an auntie instead of a cute girl, but I can hardly blame the bus company
The bus arrive at Phnom Penh (I was hoping it will go directly to HCM), and I wasted like 2hrs there waiting for the next bus. From then on, it's just the changing for buses. The next bus brought us to another bus company in Phnom Penh, where we boarded another bus for HCM (like finally)
Midway through the journey, something cool happened (probably the only thing that happened actually). The bus went onboard a floating platform and the platform left the shore. It was pretty amusing
So apparently there were 5 backpackers on the bus, and we were all going to the same destination (the backpackers district...like duh). So after alighting, the 2 other pairs went to draw money even though I offer to pay for the cab. Eventually, we decided that it was too much of a hassle to find a cab to fit 5, with the condition made worse by the rain. As a result, we went our separate ways. I've only strolled like a couple hundred metres and I saw one of them waving hysterically at me. And so, the 5 of us were on our way.
Nothing much happened, just small talk. So a pair of them have been backpacking for like 3 months, while the other pair for 1 months, which makes me the noob since I've been around for a few days only. It was a rather short journey, and we parted ways
My new hostel is a little hard to locate. It would be what I describe as "at a corner in the dark alley". For some reason, I didn't like the housekeeper, who required a deposit, my passport for safekeeping and he felt a little too eager to send me to my room.
As a result, I didn't want to book days tours from him. To be honest, Cambodia took a lot out of me. Was really too exhausted to find my way around alr. 不认老都不行. So I walked around the neighbourhood and entered a tour company who was much friendlier. He advised me to keep my bags in front, was all smiles and offered a great deal of assistance
Eventually, I decided to take the tours from the company. In addition, I also got him to buy my air tickets to Hanoi. Initially wanted to take a 30 hour train to Hanoi which costs $120, but common sense prevailed. Now it is a $90 plane ride which will take 2 hours.
It's almost becoming a habit of mine to visit the night market. So I walked to the Ben thanh market (once again, I hate the traffic). Wanted to look for shoes, since my current pair belongs to my dad and I was instructed not to bring it home, but most of the shops were closing alr. Eventually settled for some pho (noodles) for dinner, which had a unique taste to it :)
Feeling a little lethargic...I think age is really catching up. Shall make my way back and wash up
Uncle Mark
PS: I need to try Vietnam coffee one of these days
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