For the next two days, we cycled the back country roads outside of Cambodia, to see the local life and experience more food stops! When we left the floating village, thankfully we did not have to cycle along the long long levee, and instead got a ride in the support van. We stopped at the village near the entrance to the park and visited the local market, where there were many vendors selling fruit, raw fish, meat, and pretty much anything else you could think of. It was interesting, but we did not buy anything here.
We continued on the country roads, getting covered in more red dust, and getting some more shade this time. There no real stops on the way except for some refreshments. It was fun to see so many school children on their own bikes who waved and had big grins as we passed each other. They were adorable and everyone in general seemed happy to finally see tourists making their way back. There were some beautiful tree lined lanes toward the end of the ride before we got to our lunch spot where we had another delicious meal. I got a giant coconut juice in
After lunch, we got into our van and on the way back to the hotel and saw a fairly large massage parlor where we stopped to see if we could book appointments for later. Thankfully, yes! So we got a nice shower, took a little nap, J and I hanging t the pool and enjoying a drink with G, and then we all came back at 5pm for our massages, all six of us! I had asked a few times if I could try the Khmer massage, which I believed was their local type and probably similar to a Thai massage, but they just gave all of us the aromatherapy one, me sharing a room with two other women. It was nice, very nice actually! But I was wishing for the other because of the cycling, I was a bit stiff and would have liked to have been stretched out. Anyway, it was wonderful.
The owner was so happy to have tourists at his parlor that he volunteered to drive us back to our hotel or to dinner so we did not have to
get a taxi. He was so sweet, but he drove like a turtle. He apologized and said he really did not drive much at all, that they had another driver, but he wanted to do this service for us. So sweet, so we really could But, turtle. He dropped four members off at pub street where they had dinner and explored. J and I were exhausted and not at all hungry, so we had him take us to the hotel. My directions apparently took us to the old hotel location, so we found the correct one - so slow. Our friends asked if we got back safely, and we assured them that we could not be safer. He was so nice though - he was happy to see that the town was livening up again with many restaurants that were closed for two years open again. I guess it must be such a difference.
The next morning, we were scheduled to do a 50km then a hike to a waterfall. So, we left fairly early, and we got to see an amazing sunrise. It was hard to take a photo because there was no direct view, but
it was bright red and with the blue sky, red roads, and greenery all around, the colors were amazing. After an hour of riding, we stopped for breakfast, my favorite of the trip by far. Probably my favorite meal actually. It was at this little rickety building near a dirty intersection, so none of us really knew what to expect. We were offered the choice of a curry in fish sauce or pork and rice. I chose the pork and rice because the curry sounded too heavy. But then they brought out the curry and I asked to try so I got one of my own. O. M. G. Delicious! The fish taste was extremely light, just a bit of flavor, but it was definitely a yellow curry. They also serve with a variety of greens, including coriander and other random greens, but my favorite was the hyacinth blossom. Who knew it was edible! So, you add it to your bowl for a bit of color and you can eat the blossoms dipped in the curry and it is truly delicious.
