Wanderlust Cambodia

Bugs and other types of creepy crawlies are a staple in the Khmer diet. It's convenient, cheap and filled with protein. You'll find them on roadside stalls being freshly fried in oil. We decided to pick up a couple and try it out to see what all the hype was about (well Jose tried it, I observed from a distance). According to Jose, it was tasty. Hmmm.... I think I'll pass on this one.

It's ridicuously affordable to stay in Cambodia. Most guest houses vary in price from $5-$55 per night depending on your taste and what suits your need. I used Tripadvisor as a tool for researching places to stay in Siem Reap and The Golden Temple Villa was ranked in the top 5. For $25 per night you receive free pickup/dropout off at the bus station, a refreshing welcome drink, a free massage, a real bathroom with toilet (more about that in a later blog), a private balcony and free wifi. The customer service here is fantastic. The reception staff speaks at least 3 languages fluently and we are always greeted with a friendly Khmer smile. Plus it's within walking distance to the night market and pub street.

Khmer people love to sing. A popular past time is going to a KTV and reserving a private room for a couple of hours. It's like a mini club complete with disco ball and private hostess that attends to our drinks and music selection. Jose didn't even get a chance on the mic because my twin cousins took over and sang their hearts out. Our total tab for the night including beer and snack food was only $21.

Every morning, I order hot coffee and condensed sweet milk for breakfast. Throw in some deep fried dumplings and it's a complete breakfast. Jose prefers noodle soup. But the best thing of all is it all cost less than $2.50.

If you're looking to get some place long distance, then there are plenty of charter buses to choose from in Phnom Penh. We rode along the river front and found a sign for travel and tour and walked in inquiring about bus tickets. It took a phone call from the agent to the bus companies to confirm availability and seating arrangements to Siem Reap and 7 bucks per person later (for a 6 hour ride), we were issued our tickets. Easy as pie.