Sunny Sihanoukville

The east coast of Thailand had been a bit of let down in terms of sun so when we woke up to glorious sunshine the morning after we arrived in Sihanoukville, Brooke, Snowy and I cheered with joy. Sun at last and lots of it. Plus the view from our hut over looking the bay at Coasters was amazing.

We ended up staying a week sunning ourselves on the gorgeous Serendipity Beach. Perfect for people watching, the beach was stunning, lots of beach bars which came to life in the evening. I ended up the proud owner of a number of book marks and bracelets. I know, I'm a sucker but it's way to hard to resist the children selling there bits and bobs. I also brought a couple of paintings too. Bit suspect that one of the children, Hong, who was particularly cheeky and cute actually drew the painting - he was pretty street wise, even at the grand old age of 11 - it wouldn't surprise me if he got the other kids to paint the pics and he sold them!! It all helps though and really what's a few dollars at the end of the day!

Few highlights from Sihanoukville aside from the gorgeous beach was meeting some brilliant people. Not a day would pass without 'Fruit salad' (the only gay on the beach) who would mince up to us and come out with some hilarious comments. In order to get us buy his fruit he would often threaten to 'kill' Snowy who he had a massive crush on - much to mine and Brooke's amusement. He would look horrified when we suggested he fancied Snowy but would always make a bee line for him. Fruit Salad ruled the beach, had the most amazing long nails I'd ever seen and also was great at painting nails!! My feet never looked so good!

Vindy, the moto driver, was lovely. Showed Snowey and I around Sihanoukville. Saw some amazing, jaw dropping sights..poverty was like I've never seen before. Not sure I'll ever eat Chicken again having witnessed a truck lined from top to bottom with dead chickens all hanging upside down. Anyway Vindy was the perfect guide, sorted us out with everything we needed and put us in touch will Mr Banana in Phenom Penh.

The food in Cambodia is pretty good. Not same in terms of variety that you get in Thailand but then I'm not in Thailand so it would be different I suppose!! Anyway, back to the food. Cannabis is a common ingredient used in Khmer dishes, just a touch, nothing too heavy going. Anyway, seeing as I no longer smoke (anything) I decided to induldge in a 'happy' shake - when in Rome and all that. My urge to sample a local delacacie lead me to meet Jo at South Afrian restaurant owner. I happened to stumble across his restaurant - Seven Club - which I later renamed S Club Seven - as it advertised Happy shakes.

After I'd literally downed 2 shakes Jo came over to check I was okay. Of course I was okay, I'd just consumed a few happy shakes. Life was great. Whether I could actually stand was another matter. So I got chatting to Jo. I talked at Jo for quite some time. In fact I'll put money on it that poor Jo had no idea what he was letting himself into when he wondered up to me on the premise of making sure I was okay.

3 hours later I was still going strong. Why was he living here? What had inspired him to buy a restaurant? What was South Africa like? Was he married (naturally he thought this was a come on -just to put this into perspective Jo was my dad's age so not on my radar whatsoever!). Given my experience with an ex who was also South African I naturally showed little mercy on the questions front. I also had to remind myself often that I wasn't talking to my ex who I really don't have fond memories of and change my tone accordingly.

Jo was the perfect gentleman though. I think the fact I'd sunk so many shakes worked in my favor. He probably just thought my ramblings and fairly personal quesitons were a result of the shakes. He was right to a certain extent but no matter what state I get myself into I usually find my ability to ask and/or make inappropriate comments (which I get from my mother!) usually comes to light soon enough.

It was in this state that I met Lou, an Aussie who was drinking with some Chinese guys - she invited me over to join them on the premise that it was better than sitting on my own. After a few shakes I tended to differ so I invited her to have one. That night I knocked back the 'opportunity' to be escorted back to my room by Jo and continude to drink shakes with Lou until the early hours!

Other highlights of Sihanoukville include watching the sun set at the Frog Shack (word of warning, never eat there just drink), eating fresh squid bbq-ed right in front of you for lunch on the beach (you get 6 for 1 $!), watching an entire Cambodian family all dance to Kylie Minogue at the Moon Shack and watching Lou nearly going up in flames when a fire boy's flamming stick flew onto her lap...obviously a highlight for the wrong reasons!!