The New Digs

To Sok San Beach, Koh Rong, Cambodia -- Day 1

Today, after a relaxing week at the Inn, we were off to Sok San Beach on the southwest side of the island. Our stay was very relaxing in the village, though our interaction with the towns people was fairly limited. Sarah’s husband, a wiry and happy Cambodian, and a couple of the woman that helped her, were often at the guesthouse; the local kids we’re frequently by to play pool, tag or just see what was happening; and we almost always passed someone at the well. Still, what we didn't see much of was the main activity of the village -- fishing. This was probably due to the guesthouse being set back from the water and the fact that there was little reason for us to walk up the road into the main part of town. It still seems odd to me that most of the noodle, rice or curry dishes are served with chicken, pork or beef, not fish.

Mathilde with baby Kiel

Meg and beautiful baby Kiel

The kids taking their turn at the well

A little after 10:00, our ride arrived. Since I had yet to see a four wheeled vehicle on the island, I was curious what it would be. Behind the guesthouse was a  blue, heavy duty, Kia flat bed truck. With a high shallow bed and no tail gate, I now understood why the guy at the lodge was so confident we would all fit. I'm pretty sure we could have fit three times as many in a pinch. Though the suspension was rock hard, the dirt roads were reasonably smooth. Everyone was excited for the short journey and a chance to see more of the island.

Soon enough, the ride was over and we all hoisted our bags for the 10 minute walk to our new accommodations. Sok San or Long Beach stretches for 7 kilometers on this side of the island, fronted by beautiful aqua blue water.  A few kilometers away, there are a dozen cement bungalows under construction. However, most everything else, a couple dozen bungalows, a few open air restaurants and a half dozen rickety, wooden piers, is crowded along the north end of the beach. A single cement path extends parallel to the beach with the bungalows, restaurants and food stands scattered on each side. We wondered out loud what this place might look like in ten years. For my tastes, the current level of development is awfully nice. Just enough activities and infrastructure to be comfortable without the crowds and congestion of a large scale, modern resort. If we could just get rid of the plastic….

When we arrived, everyone seemed pleased with the new digs, four simple rooms with a small deck out front sitting just over the water way leading to the sea. Though basic, they are, in fact, a small step up from the fishing village featuring running cold water, a fan, and electricity for a full 12 hours each night.

Home sweet home

View from the "deck" looking out to sea

For the rest of the day, we hung out at the beach. This time, however, we could lounge around until almost dark knowing there was no hill to climb to get home. Mathilde was disappointed that the Italian restaurant, Eat, Pray, Love, was already full.

Two cuties

Puppies, puppies everywhere in Sok San

It was a beautiful evening, with a light breeze and for the first time in weeks we could clearly see the stars. Apparently, dinner at eight was too late for Matilde, Kylie and Arno who were all ready to sleep before the food was served. Long, lazy days in the sun are leading to early nights for our crew.