Sihanoukville

Sihanouk Ville

On the advice of our Scottish friends (Brian and Laura) we decided that our first stop in Cambodia should be dedicated to the longed-for beach, and what better solution than Sihanoukville itself. The journey that took us from the Vietnamese border down to the sea (about four hours by bus for only three euros) is characterized by an endless countryside that offers an enchanting scenery but at the same time indicative of the situation in which Cambodians live. Our attention was captured by the succession of a predominantly agricultural landscape interrupted, from time to time, by pineapple plantations. Another detail that struck us is the wildly overpriced white oxen, used by Cambodians for every kind of work and otherwise.

Brian and Laura have become part of the return to parallel zero team since our time together has extended beyond the three days dedicated to the Mekong. They are two contemporaries who, like us, have decided to embark on a trip around the world lasting three years.

Having finally arrived in Sihanoukville, we temporarily used five wild motorcyclists who led us in search of accommodation. Luck was with us since we found a room at a guest house run by young English learners; all about fifty metres from the sea: what a stroke of luck!

The beach with the longed-for white, powdery sand, but above all not too crowded except by the numerous children busy selling fresh fruit to tourists. What appeared before our eyes was exactly what we were desperately looking for. Our days unfolded in the most classic way if you are a tourist seeking rest after several days of travel. Waking up at a more than reasonable hour, breakfast and then the sea, the sun and the soft sand did the rest. A constant presence are the very numerous children who sell fresh fruit to tourists.

The only negative note, if we can call it that, lies in the fact that the sun goes down early and already by five the sky begins to darken, so it's time to go back to the room to get ready for dinner. The problem every evening was choosing which restaurant to go to for dinner; there was certainly no lack of choices since all along the beach there was a succession of little places lit only by candles: eating with your feet sunk in the sand offers an indescribable sensation.

Our stay lasted about four days, after which, accompanied by our inseparable friends, we set off for Phnom Penh.