Kep, Kampot, Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh

1st November 2009
My parents arrived right on the 1st day of Water Festival. On one hand, it was great they got to experience the Cambodian Water Fest. On the other hand, it was an absolute nightmare for them to get from the airport to the apartment because it was chock-a-block jam-packed, not to mention, roads were closed to vehicles.

It was a nightmare for them to walk from Norodom Blvd. all the way down to Sisowath Quay where we were staying. But it was a good thing MOH was travelling with them. Still, no fun carting all that luggage!

Anyway, since it was shoulder-to-shoulder crowd, we didn’t venture very far for dinner. Thankfully, there was a Vietnamese Pho shop right downstairs where we live, ten steps away. And we had dinner there. After dinner, we did a quick walk around the block for them to take in the “sights” (crowd of people, more like) and then we headed home.

It was air mattress for MOH and I, whilst we let my parents sleep in our bed.

2nd November 2009
The van taking us to Kep arrived ten minutes earlier. We boarded, all gung-ho and ready to go. I had been to Kep so this was to be my second trip with MOH. For my parents, this would be their first. I was looking forward to the trip simply because I was just itching to get out of the crowd in the Penh.

The journey took us about 3½ hours with a stop for breakfast at the midway stop. I had forgotten the name of that little border town. We had noodles together with our driver and then we trudged ahead with our bumpy ride.

When we got to Kep, there was definitely a buzz in the air. We were here the same time last year – during the Water Festival, but it was still very quiet. This year, however, there were a lot of people milling around the Kuan Yin statue, the beach side in town (if it can be called Kep Town) and definitely a lot of people at the Crab Market. Kep is thriving! A lot of resorts were being built as we passed through.

We arrived at Veranda Resort at about 11am and waited around to check-in. They were building a pool, but it wasn’t ready (darn it). Anyway, talk about a back-to-nature lodge! It was a really basic little shack, but clean and nicely done. And it felt like we were camping ‘luxuriously’ amidst the jungle! Yet, we can see the view of the ocean from our little balcony-cum-veranda. It was so peaceful and tranquil in our little shack, with chairs, hammocks and cushions lined outside of the shack for quiet reading. I was definitely feeling rejuvenated!

After freshening up a little, MOH rented a moto. He was going to ferry us one at a time to the Crab Market for lunch. The Crab Market wasn’t that far away, but it was absolutely hot! We ended up at this place called Sunset Restaurant to have our meal – the wait was arduously long! But the food that arrived – Squid Stir-Fried with Kampot Green Pepper, Grilled Crabs, Grilled Prawns and Fried Noodles with Seafood were really delicious!

After lunch, my parents went back to the resort (ferried again by MOH on the rented moto) and then MOH and I went round Kep town. We went to Knai Bang Chatt to confirm our bookings and then we went to have a drink at a newly opened restaurant – Breeze – which was right by the seaside (no beach though).... it was a really nice place, lounge-like and again, very relaxing feel to it. The menu was not bad, but since we already had lunch, we ordered a little snack that we thought seemed irresistible – Fried Prawns with Chilli Rum Sauce. It was not bad. But the shrimps were a tad too small though.

Anyway, we went back and then MOH and myself, also had a Pear and Almond Tart from the Veranda bakery – it was yummy! We thought we’d take forty-winks but instead, we ended up over-sleeping – thanks to me setting the alarm at the wrong hour! My Mom and Dad actually had to come over to our shack and wake us up. It was right hilarious! We made reservations to eat at Veranda (the food was yummy when we tried it last year) for 6.30pm. We got to dinner at 7pm but it was still ok. We ordered a Seafood Amok, Stir-Fried Morning Glory, Chicken Stir-Fried with Kampot Green Pepper and a Crabmeat Soup (this was good, it was almost like a Lobster Bisque).

After dinner, MOH wanted to buy a muffin that was on 50% discount so we got a chocolate one and then, our newly-appointed moto driver took us to the Riel Bar. This time, MOH fetched my Mom and myself together – means 3 of us on one bike! Indeed!

The Riel Bar is still the same. The owner (again, cannot for the life of me remember his name) still as chirpy and friendly as ever.... so Mom & Dad and MOH & I sat and chatted about politics, about Cambodia and generally, had a good time.

There’s really not much to do in Kep. Just mill around and do nothing. The best part – no TV in the room either! Anyway, we went back to the resort around 10pm........ with nothing to do but do what the rabbits do for fun ;) We had that chocolate muffin for energy beforehand ;)

3rd November 2009
We woke up for breakfast at Veranda Resort (which was included in the room rates). It was nice weather, waking up in the early morning – well, I was enjoying the peace and tranquillity when I heard my parent’s voices right outside our shack – they were taking photographs and had already gone around the resort to take their holiday photos. Such a sweet couple!

Anyway, the breakfast was buffet and had a really large variety of food – breads, spreads, yoghurt, cereals, fried noodles, stir-fried vegetables, fried eggs, scrambled eggs, loh see fun soup, pancakes, tea, coffee and juices. Lavish, indeed.

After breakfast, we promptly checked-out and got ourselves moto-ed to Knai Bang Chatt. I think the moto driver had not expected us to be going back and forth so much with the moto! But I am sure he still made his money from the rental (USD8 per day – which we paid only USD4!!)

Knai Bang Chatt was really a different angel. It was of course, luxurious. Right in front of the sea (not swimmable, likely) and once again, absolutely peaceful – if not for the annoying screams of some children in the pool (you know, they should really disallow entry to children under age of 12 at any resorts like these!) ... oh well, one of the suites was ready, the other wasn’t. Thanks to JFT, our stay here was complimentary. And the suites – BEAUTIFUL. Really, really beautiful.

I wasted no time in basking under the sun! We read, we swam in the pool, and then before you know it, time for lunch! We decided to have lunch at the Sailing Club – just to get some light bites and all that. But still, we ended up with a Crabmeat Soup (this time, the version that we are used to), Fried Noodles with Prawns, Seafood Platter (Grilled Crabs, Grilled Squid and Grilled Prawns) and a Stir-Fried Prawns in Kampot Green Pepper. So much for going light, huh?

We relaxed and lazed by the pool for a bit more as we had earlier booked a Catamaran for sailing for 3pm. When 3pm came, we all went over to the Sailing Club again and set-off for our little adventure – minus Mom. Mom was to be our keeper of things and photographer. We were supposed to have gone out with an instructor, but my Dad said we didn’t need one. Aye, aye Captain!

So, off we went, into the blinding light and the vast ocean beyond..... it was really quite fun and of course, easy to sail the Catamaran! Did I tell you – ONLY when there is wind??? Without the wind, for novices, your bloody Catamaran doesn’t move!! And this was the problem we encountered when we turned around to head back – half an hour into the journey. We thought, half hour to go out and half hour to get back... since it was a sail to nowhere. It was so funny, every time I asked my Dad : “Captain, I think we are sailing off –course,” or “Captain, we have twenty minutes to get back onto the shore,” (because we only hired the Cat for an hour at USD15) and he would reply me with “What can I do??!” Oh My God. We took one hour for the return journey. And that also – because of my heroic stunts after our hand-paddling failed to work :P

I actually jumped into the ocean, without the life vest because that just hampers my swimming, and I swam and pulled the Catamaran along with me. I seriously felt like such a hero! I was rescuing my crew! More so, out of the three of us on the Cat, I was the strongest swimmer on board and my Dad, the Captain needed to manoeuvre the sail. Actually, to be honest, I was a bit hesitant in the water because the ocean was one that was unfamiliar to me. And I had images of under-currents dragging me below and then, there were lots of little things stinging me. If not for the goggles, I wouldn’t have swum. But I did have them and swim I did. I finally managed to pull the Cat to where the water was only waist-high. That was when MOH jumped in to help pull the Cat along, back to the Sailing Club jetty. The sea was all gooey and yucky inside – and midway – there were corals. Thank God for those rubber shoes that the Sail Club provided! Finally, after a long pull, we reached the jetty. And that was the end of my heroic stunts. But still – I felt great. It was my little cheap-thrill adventure!

We went for a dip in the pool immediately and not five minute had passed, a storm came in! We were so, so, so terribly lucky! Imagine being stuck out in the ocean, in the storm, cold and miserable?? Oh, thank our lucky, lucky stars then! We dashed into our rooms and promptly got ourselves showered. The storm passed as we were getting ready for our dinner. And we still managed to catch a quickie in the shower ;)

Anyway, we walked a little way out of Knai Bang Chatt – on muddy dirt road... sigh,.... why couldn’t a proper luxury resort make sure the roads leading to their resort was at least nicer? Anyway, we caught a tuk-tuk instead to take us to the Crab Market. Kim Ly was opened tonight so we went there for dinner.

After the adventure today, I said we’ll eat a damn nice dinner tonight and we even ordered a bottle of Vina Maipo Chardonnay to go with our dinner. Also, I went a little crazy with the seafood because it was our last night in Kep. We ordered the Stir-Fried Squid in Butter, Grilled Squid, Grilled Crabs, Stir-Fried Crabs in lemongrass and curry sauce and a Crabmeat Fried Rice. So full! After dinner, we went back to KBC to do... nothing once again. Even KBC had no TV. We read, and then we fell asleep.

4th November 2009
I woke up early as usual and headed out for my morning swim. The pool I think was about 20m... I had to do many, many laps to complete 30 minutes. Anyway, my parents, as usual, were up and doing their usual photography walkabout. They are really such a cute couple!
After my swim, MOH came down and we went for breakfast – which was also included with the room. Breakfast was not that great in KBC, much to our disappointment. Considering the spread at Veranda with cheaper rooms, therefore, this was a tad disappointing. But they had Marmite! And Nutella!

After breakfast, I meandered to the poolside again and caught more sun. Before you know it, it was time to check-out of KBC and leave Kep! We arranged for a tuk-tuk to take us over to Kampot – which is about 45 minutes away.

So, promptly at 12noon, we left KBC and Kep in our little tuk-tuk and headed off for Kampot. Goodbye Kep! I hope to be back. It had been really nice this trip.

The tuk-tuk ride was rather uneventful, but it was hot and in order to avoid funny tan lines, I covered myself with the sarong. So did my Dad! Surprisingly, it wasn’t dusty. I had expected to be covered in dust!

We arrived right in front of The Rikitikitavi and were shown immediately to our rooms. I was at once, really taken aback by how quiet Kampot’s riverside was. And I was also at the same time, liking Rikitikitavi VERY much. The rooms were pretty nice – ahh... this time, all 4 of us shared one large room with 2 queen beds. I am so looking forward to the midnight orchestra! :P

Anyway, aside from the room – which had TV and fridge (unlike over in Kep), the owner – Dominic (not sure I got the spelling of his name right) was such a friendly soul! He came over to the room to make sure everything was ok and I absolutely loved his British accent! (Well, it was not Hugh Grant, but better than nothing!) I soon discovered that Dom loves to talk! But I cannot say I remember the last time I felt such warmth and hospitality from anyone from a hotel before! But Dom – he is so the man. And I just know that I will be back to stay at the Rikitikitavi. Even the name of the hotel is so nice just to pronounce. A mouthful, yes, but it’s a sing-song. (Google Rikitikitavi and you’ll find the beautiful story behind the name).

Anyway, after we freshened up and all, we walked out to lunch. We had lunch at this place called Coco House. The lunch was mildly disappointing. I didn’t order anything to eat. My Dad had a Chicken Noodle Soup – which he disliked and gave to my Mom. My Mom had a Fried Noodle – which ended up with MOH and MOH ordered the Fried Rice which ended up for my Dad. I just pinched a little of everything from everyone. We also ordered a side dish of something – I think, maybe prawns with Kampot green pepper. The lunch was so boring that I didn’t even remember at all to take photos of it!

During lunch, MOH went to book us for a “Sunset Cruise” along the Kampot river. That should be fun. Woohoohoo! So we went back to the hotel, changed and came out. The best part was that the docking point was right in front of Rikitikitavi! So cool. Thus, at 3.30pm, we started on our river cruise.

It was quite fun..... but the sights were nothing that spectacular, really. Vang Vien on the tube was so much better – at least it felt more exciting. We thought we would be stopping at like the durian farms, or the rapids or swim, but nothing of that sort – and I have a sneaky feeling that we had fallen for a big con job from the tour operator (Key Man Tours) who actually told us that they would stop, etc. Welcome to Cambodia. That’s all I can say.

There were the four of us and one other couple – can’t tell where they’re from, but maybe Germans or something like that. On the way back, we asked the boatman to stop us at this “hippie” shack.... It’s the same owners of the Utopia Guesthouse.... and we knew it was “hippie” because we read it in the Kampot Survival Guide... but they were indeed dressed that way too with a few Westerners also milling around with dreadlocks and the likes.

Dad and MOH had a beer. We took some photos and then we left at 5.30pm. Back to the boat. The sun was setting fast and I didn’t want to miss that spectacular sunset Dom was telling us about.

Alas! I missed it anyway. You can’t see no sunset from the river! Or maybe not on the river cruise. I forgot which side was it that Dom mentioned had a really stunning sunset. Oh well, there’ll be a next time then.

We got back and showered. Then we headed upstairs for dinner. Yes, upstairs of the Rikitikitavi. And that is where I met Dom’s wife, Denise (again, apologies for wrong spelling) who is Dutch. Just like her hubby, she is warm and attentive. I really wish them the best of the best luck in whatever they do – just for being so nice! Anyway, we missed Happy Hour so my Dad refused to drink. My Mom ordered a beer and MOH had a lemonade. I got myself a Jamaican-something-something which tasted quite good actually. For eats, I ordered the Grilled Pork Skewers and Chicken Fingers (both starters to share), MOH got the Fish Amok, Mom ordered the Chicken with Cashew Nuts and Dad had the Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken. No guessing – Mom & Dad switched dishes more like. But we actually shared everything so we could all sample a taste of everything. I also ordered an Apple Pie with Ice Cream for dessert – which was so huge, we couldn’t finish it! After a really full dinner, we went out for a walk along the riverside.

It was really so quiet along the riverside. It almost feels as if the place is neglected and deserted! So unlike the chaotic riverside of Phnom Penh! I begrudge Phnom Penh even more after this trip to Kampot :P Since it was just a dim, lonely strip, we turned back and headed to the hotel.

I think we didn’t get the lunch and the dinner right for my parents today. Unlike when we were in Kep. Well, we were first-timers to Kampot too! But the food at Rikitikitavi was really good. Just that, I know my Dad is more a Chinaman foodie!

We got back to the hotel, showered and read and fell asleep. No hanky-panky tonight for obvious reasons!

5th November 2009
We got up early again, my parents had already gone for their usual photography walkabout...... and then we went upstairs for our breakfast. Breakfast was a set menu...... the usual – fried eggs and toasts..... and the leftover Apple Pie!

Then, we caught a tuk-tuk to take us to the Kampot Market...... my Dad is a market-lover. I have no idea why. He loves the sight of wet markets..... and so, we walked and walked..... around the market. It was hot (did I tell you the weather had been super hot since we arrived in Kep right up till the end of the trip?!) and after a short 30 minutes, we took the tuk-tuk back to the hotel.

Then, MOH and my Dad went for the Blind Man’s Massage which was only USD4 per hour...... it was quite amusing to see them. Mom and I waited outside for them and I was taking photos intermittently. My Dad, who started off doubting the massage, actually enjoyed it very much.
After that, we walked back to the hotel – which was just on the next block anyway and I headed upstairs for a Swiss Hot Chocolate which I had been eyeing from the menu since the night before! Ooohhh... YUMMO.

We meandered around a bit more with our own newspapers (MOH), book (me), camera (Dad) and then Mom came to join us for awhile.... just doing nothing but relaxing..... and then it was time to leave Kampot. We arranged for a taxi to take us to Sihanoukville.

So, once again, at 11.30am, we checked-out and went into the taxi. Of course, not before I took a photo with Dom – the Rikitikitavi Man! I just had to! Never have I met a hotel owner that was so utterly warm and friendly. I wouldn’t hesitate at all to recommend the Riki to any of my friends travelling to Kampot!

The journey which was supposed to be 4 hours took us only 2 hours because the dear driver was driving seriously fast. This bodes well since I couldn’t stand being stuck in a vehicle for long rides.

We arrived in Sihanoukville around 1.30pm and we checked-in to the Reef Resort. Hmmm.... from Rikitikitavi to Reef Resort – the service at RR was rather lacklustre. The owner didn’t even bother smiling – perhaps he was cleaning the pool. But hey – Dom was clearing his entire garden when we popped in and he still came to say hi! :P

Anyway, the room was more or less the same as in Riki, and clean as well – which was important. So, immediately after freshening and me changing into my bikinis and sarong (the last time I came to Kampong Som, I couldn’t be in my bikinis cos I was doing team building with a hundred Cambodian youths..... :P) and we walked to the beach for lunch. I was dying to have my yabbies and grilled squid! It seemed like they extended the “kiosks” area and made the beach narrower than I remembered it previously. Sigh..... such a beautiful stretch of beach and the tourism ministry doesn’t know what to do with it. Such a shame. And exactly like Malaysia, ain’t it?

For lunch, we had Fried Seafood Rice, Fried Seafood Noodles, and a side dish of Deep Fried Prawns as well. It was all so yummy. But oh my God – so bloody hot!! After lunch, we couldn’t even be bothered to walk back in the heat. We got a tuk-tuk and went back to the hotel. Across from the hotel was a little ice cream parlour cum cafe. My Dad, always an ice-cream lover (just like me!) said he’ll treat us to ice creams. I thought we’d just be having the one-scoop-cones, but when we got there and saw the extensive ice cream menu, we sat down to banana splits and chocolate sundaes instead! Oh, man....... all the sinful food and no exercise.... not good news.

While my parents went for the siesta in the room, I baked myself by the poolside. MOH came out for awhile and went in to the room shortly thereafter.

Around 5pm, I asked if my Dad wanted to go to the beach. He wasn’t feeling too well, you see. Why, of course he would! He wouldn’t miss out on any chance to experience new experiences. That is my Dad. And I’m so like him!

We caught a tuk-tuk again to the beach – I mean, it was only USD1 .... ! Unlike in Phnom Penh – I feel even more grudge for Phnom Penh as the holiday draws closer to an end! We walked along the beach and we decided to settle at this place called The Frog Bar or something like that. We ordered our drinks – fresh coconut, beer and a sugar-induced watermelon juice and Dad and I went for a swim! MOH joined us later and we all knew why we insisted Mom came – so that someone was there to watch over our belongings!! We were terrible indeed, huh! Anyway, if I’m not mistaken, it was my first time swimming as the sun was setting. Beautiful sunset as well. Right there – the gorgeous, golden ball.

The water was luxurious and the beach? Superbly clean!!! It was not yucky, gooey and rocky like in Kep or even in Nusa Dua, Bali. It was nice, clean and soft sand. My Dad is shaking his head in dismay at the lack of planning from the government to make full use of this selling point for tourism. For me – I say Welcome to Cambodia. Half the country doesn’t even belong to the country – what can I say? Corruption at its worst. What can we do?

Anyway, after the swim, we took some photos, finished up our drinks and then caught a tuk-tuk back. We had dinner reservations for 7pm so we quickly showered and all – in fact, MOH and I showered together much to the embarrassment and amusement of my parents!

Dinner – I have to say, was really great. Mexican Food. Let’s see if I remember what we had. The set dinner for 2 (which we order from a range they provided) – which came with 2 Anchor Beers, Jalapeno Poppers, Chicken Satay, Tom Yum Prawns with Rice, Chicken Quesadilla and we ordered a Spicy Mexican Meatball Stew separately. Lavish! It was Happy Hour, so I had the Frozen Marguerita which was so good, I ordered extra – Mom had one glass and I had three!! I was pretty tipsy thereafter!

The food really struck a good chord with everyone. After such a heavy dinner, we all went for a walk. Tried to walk the other way of the beach, but ended up turning back to the beach area anyway. On the way back, I got meself a Hazelnut Ice Cream on cone. I just had to wash dinner down with something sweet!

Then, it was time to get back to the hotel. You know, the weather is crazy. Last year, same time, it was cooling in Kep. This year, just plain whacked-out hot. Worse in Sihanoukville!

We did some reading and then as usual, fell asleep. This had been a really nice holiday because – it was early mornings and early nights.

6th November 2009
Woke up early for my morning swim again. The pool was even smaller than the one in KBC! I had to do 100 laps just to get enough time on my clock!

Breakfast was a standard set. Hmmm... the only buffet breakfast we had was in Kep so far! Oh well, better than nothing. After breakfast, MOH and I lazed about the pool while parents went out for a walk. They came back after a short while simply because it was just so hot!

We had arranged for the taxi back to the Penh for 2pm. So when it was almost time, we got in, showered, packed and then checked-out. After checking out, we had us lunch at this “Korean” shop... It was one of those stalls thingy – I think they were trying to do this “Aussie” beach concept but kinda failed a little miserably at it. There was a Fish & Chip kiosk next to the Korean place too. Anyway, we ordered a Fried Rice and a Fried Noodle and I walked over to the ice-cream parlour to get me an ice cream – yet again!

And then, it was really time for the entire holiday to end. How sad! I dread thinking of going back to the Penh. I’m just glad it’s the weekend and still a long weekend when we get back – given that Monday is the Independence Day celebration.

Midway – we stopped at the temple for a bit of a walk and prayers – that famous temple stop for all those entering and leaving Sihanoukville to pray for a safe journey. For the life of me, I have no idea what it is called!!

We got back into the Penh around 4.30pm. MOH had to rush off to the office. I’m just glad that the apartment is still in one piece. You know, in Cambodia, you never know. Touch wood, touch wood.

For dinner, I took my parents to William Tell’s – for Cheese Fondue and German Pork Knuckles. Ashley and her other business partners joined us as well. I’m glad to see my parents enjoying the food. Especially my Dad. He’s such a picky eater – just like the daughter. I wonder where I got it from :P

After dinner, we got back....... and once again, it was air mattress time for MOH and I. Again, no hanky-panky since it’s wide-opened-spaces :P

7th November – 11th November 2009
Evidently, Phnom Penh turned out to be a tad too boring, dirty and chaotic for my parents. But I managed to take them to eat at the places where I really wanted them to try.

On Saturday, we went to the Russian Market and had breakfast there.... as well as the best coffee.... and then Mom bought a few souvenirs for home..... We also took them to Lucky Supermarket for groceries shopping and then we got back and unloaded all our stuff. We walked to lunch on St 172 at that place called Mary’s. Which was not bad, really. And in the evening, took them for Happy Hours at Elephant Bar and then headed onwards to Malis for dinner – which they absolutely loved. At Malis, we ordered the Fried Cockles in Basil Leaves, Stir-Fried Morning Glory with Garlic, Deep Fried Soft Shell Crab, Bamboo Shoot Soup with Smoked Fish and a Duck Curry – which were all absolutely excellent. Chef Luu Meng (or much rather, his team) never fails to deliver. Of course, I must absolutely have my Jasmine Flavoured Pudding with Honey and Fruits (Luu Meng introduced this to me and I’ve been hooked eversince!) – this is an absolute haven and I will eat it again and again and again whenever I am there!

On Sunday morning, I made breakfast for MOH and my Dad – fried eggs and sausages... just to give our tummies a rest – as according to my Mom. Then, for lunch, took them to the “magic mushroom” noodle place. And then to Bayon Supermarket. We went to the Happy Tree Orphanage (for HIV kids) in the evening together with Chang who came to pick us up. I can’t wait to start the volunteer work there with MOH. We’ve both volunteered our time there – do some exercises for the kids, games and all that jazz. For dinner, Mom cooked..... nothing extravagant, simple home-cooked food with my belachan (I pestered my Dad to make me belachan – a dry version and a wet version and after much pestering, he did it and brought them over.... I love him!!)

Monday morning, which was a holiday, I went about with my gym routine..... and then came back. Mom & Dad already had their bagel breakfasts – which I bought for them from Fresco the night before.... MOH and I had a bit of a squabble.... but we went out for breakfast at The Shop and then went to buy some balls for our volunteer work and then we got back home for lunch. Mom & Dad actually went out for a walk and got themselves onto a River Cruise (only USD4 per person!) which I’m glad they managed to get... it’s all for the experience... Mom cooked dinner once again...... and this time, Ashley came over. It was Independence Day and the streets were chock-a-bloc jammed again..... but dinner was super yummy with Mom’s signature dishes – Low Gee Yuk and Vinegar Pork Trotters and the Bittergourd Stuffed with Minced Meat....... it was of course, too meaty for Ashley.

I’m also glad Mom & Dad got to see or at least experience how a working day is like for MOH and myself. We went off to work in the morning of Tuesday.... (Dad kept shooing us out of the house!) For lunch, I took them to Shan Dong which they absolutely enjoyed...... the Pork La Mein, Zha Jiang Mein, Dumplings and the Chive Pancake......I even took them to see my office and then they got a tuk-tuk (bless Pich who saw us while we were waiting for a tuk-tuk) to Central Market for a little walkabout and Mom once again cooked dinner. I think what was nice was coming back to find that the house wasn’t empty. That there was actually things going on in the house – much like what I was used to when I was staying at home back in Malaysia. You know, Mom & Dad annoying each other whilst the food was cooking on the stove, TV is switched on – and you knew my Dad is watching it when the volume is at its most deafening.... stuff like that. I love my alone time and I love my quiet spaces. But not when it comes to my Mom & Dad. I guess it all boils down to the fact that they can’t be around forever.

On Wednesday, I was a little down at thinking Mom & Dad were leaving..... and I tried not to think too much about it..... I came back to bring them out to a buffet lunch at Magnolia’s.... again, eaten with much enjoyment.... but I was rather disappointed that they didn’t have the Pho that day! Of all days! I knew my Dad loved Pho..... and I was really hoping he’d get a chance to eat it before he left. Oh well, at least he did enjoy the rest of the other food. He even happily helped himself to the dessert – much to Mom’s annoyance! Well.... that was that. Took them back to pack and then sent them off on a tuk-tuk to the airport!

I took over a thousand photos during this entire trip.... thank God for digital cameras! It doesn’t matter that not every shot was an “award-winning entry”.... in some shots, the “models” didn’t look very flattering... but all that mattered was that all the memories of that particular experience were captured, capturing that moment..... know what I mean? I think I strive as much as possible to make sure my parents experience as much as they can in life. That’s the least I can do, I think. To the point, sometimes, I get disappointed when they don’t want to do something that I had planned for them, maybe because they are concerned about my wallet or they plain do not want to do it, or in my Mom’s case, it is her less-adventurous nature taking over.... but anyway, I think it was a good trip overall.

You know, when they were around, I got a little annoyed with the nagging (“you are a terrible wife!” or “how can you not know the peanut butter is expired?!” etc..etc...) ... but it’s all done in good nature (or so, I’d like to think).... and I miss them. As I said – they will not always be around forever.

Well, guess it is now back to walking naked around the house.

Dom (from Rikitikitavi and me)