Into Cambodia

Getting Signed In to Siem Reap with Peregrine Tour Group

Sunday, February 17, 2013 -  Leaving Làos and flying to Siem Reap, Cambodia

Day 9: Siem Reap

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Activities:

​You are transferred to the airport, where you say goodbye to your Lao tour leader and fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Please note that you are likely to be unescorted on this flight and will be met on arrival in Siem Reap by your Cambodian tour leader or a local representative. You will also meet other members of the group who will accompany you on the Cambodian sector of the tour.

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Early Morning Drama - When is a safe too safe?

The alarm beeped early, 4:00 a.m.  We had a taxi to catch at 5:00 and a plane out of Laos at 6:00 a.m.   The airport is small and only a few minutes drive from the hotel, but there isn't a lot of wait time built in to our exit strategy from Laos.  By 4:30, we were dressed and packed  with the exception of our valuables in the room safe.  I tried to unlock the safe.  It beeped back three times and refused to open.  We tried again keying in our six digit code.  Again, no go.  Then Russ tried again, no go.

We have a phone in  the room, but the hotel staff  at this early hour may not have the best English.  We do not have a number for our guide.  We are not even sure she is staying i  this hotel.

Russ went down to reception.  No one accept a man, presumably the night watch, was around and he was sound asleep on the lobby sofa. Russ tried to wake him, shook his shoulder,...nothing.  Russ came back upstairs.  We tried unlocking the safe again, still nothing.  It was now 4:45.  out taxi would soon be here.  Russ went down again and this time succeeded in waking the watchman up, only to be told that the manager takes the key home and wouldn't be back until 8:00 am. and the man went back to sleep!  Russ says he isn't sure how much the night watchman understands.  We are hoping our tour guide will soon be down, but not much can be done in time if i deed the manager has the key.

By 4:50, I am super charged an sweating bullets.  We obviously can't leave without our cash and passports. All sorts of ugly scenarios are running through my mind.   I whip out the Ipad translator app and speak into it.  "Please call the manager.  We need the key to open the room safe."  I have the request in writing and orally.  By the time I get to the lobby with the IPad, our tour guide and everyone else is ready to go.  Russ and the night watchman (prodded by our guide) miraculously found a key for the safe are headed upstairs.  Within the five minutes it took the taxi driver to load our bags into the van,  Russ returns with our passports and money!  Success at the11th hour!  And we all leave on time!

We arrive in Cambodia by 10:00 and have the rest of the day on our own.  We visit the old market, go to lunch and for a swim before heading up to our room for a nap.

Lunch Time in Downtown Siem Reap

Mexican Food?  We can hardly wait!

So Many Kinds of Rice

Colorful Dragon Fruit - Pretty Too Look At,  Very Bland to Eat

 Russ has been sniffing for three days and now I'm getting a sore throat.  I think tonight's dinner will be a cup of soup, a shot of whiskey, and a good night's rest.

Cheers from the Worrall Travel R's