Calm in the Eye of the Storm

Matt and Amy had left for school, Paul had headed off to the office, pre-packing had begun when the OMG moment happened. “Helen we have a problem” was the stated twist on that other famous understatement. And so the wheels of panic driven organisation began to turn. Patrick was called, from his reeking smoke filled office he confirmed the offending package was still indeed in his safe. Phones rang hot. Luckily the ANZ network is now quite extensive throughout the country and the Branch in Sihanoukville was opened and the staff helpful enough to pop down and collect the package for the hotel (it helps when it’s their boss asking). The vital documents were then passed to a taxi driver who just happened to be doing the trip anyway. And in true Cambodian style the package was soon hurtling its way through the chaotic traffic as described in earlier blogs. . For a mere cost of $2.50 (plus generous tip of $2) the documents arrived in Phnom Penh 4 hours later. Where else in the world could you get service like that?
In the meantime we all went calmly shopping. First to collect the clothes from the tailors, then after to an incredible cup cake shop, run by an ex-pat who loves cake decorating and spending a huge effort in helping educate the local women in the art. Swanning around the shops and having coffee and cakes of this quality was an interesting insight into what goes on when the kids are at school and the husbands are at work. Tough life but someone has to do it. The practice Helen has had makes her the perfect host and tourist guide/shopping master.
We then headed off the markets, some up market (due to cost and the multiple stories) and some the same same (Cambodians would understand that line). The Russian markets were re-visited to collect the custom made jewellery. And all the while we were taking in the sights of the city in all its busy glory. From barefooted builders working amongst the tangle of power lines, the myriad of tuk tuk’s, the plethora of scooters – some of them interestingly weighted down by salad dodging Policemen.
Lunch was back at French Cafe on the river front and then the inevitable mad rush to pack and get the airport (picking up the passports along the way). A fond farewell to Helen (who was to be back in a couple of hours to collect her next set of visitors) and we were off. A short hop to KL for a 3 hour stopover, 2 of which was waiting in the slowest ever check in line. As it turns out the plane is only half full and being the seasoned travellers we now are we quickly capitalised on it and took over the spare seats.
Not much else to report on this trip apart from arriving in Tullamarine – which was a little better than last time (most likely due to lees concurrent arrivals) and into a hideously cold, wet day. A toasty open fire soon took the cold of the edges though. It took all day to unpack, sort out the plethora of bought stuff, wash clothes, get the goldfish and the post from next door, accept Webster back from Oma and we even got Louisa to netball. Tomorrow is back to reality (work and school for all of us) and thus an end to an amazing adventure.
We really need to thank the following players:
Helen for giving us a whole week of her life and showing us the town, the country and her new lifestyle with such enthusiasm and generosity.
Paul for the same and also for setting the whole scenario up in the first place.
Amy and Matt for spending their holidays with us and generously letting us impose on their space.
All the helpers of their household, they made our travels the easiest and most stress free we’ve ever had.
Charm for looking after Webster (“woof woof” from him).
Brian and Fran for collecting the mail and looking after the goldfish, including the bowel diagnosis of the one who regularly floats upside down (another time for that story perhaps).
The Assauws’ who kept an eye on the guinea pigs.
All the people of Cambodia – you’ve been through hell and are now pulling yourselves out of it with great tenacity, enthusiasm and most of all - friendliness. Please don’t loose those values; they make you unique in the world.