Today's lesson: Don't take life too seriously

WARNING: Deep & meaningful post followed by funny stuff

Hi everyone,

I've arrived in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, after spending my last few days in Laos on Don Det in the 4000 islands. Had a great time relaxing and swinging in a hammock, just what the doctor ordered.

Unfortunately, with that much spare time on my hands, I tend to start thinking about things that I miss, worrying about what to do/where to go, as most of you probably know I tend to overthink things and too much alone time never helps that. I could feel myself slipping into another low, probably the lowest one I've had in my 3 months on the road. It didn't help that the last travel buddy and I didn't really get along, just a serious mismatch of personalities, but it coloured my experience of the South of Laos and left me feeling a bit irritated/unsettled. I reached a point where I just wanted to go home, and was desperately looking forward to the moment when I would pick up mum from the airport in Phnom Penh (mum can fix anything). More than once I felt myself on the brink of tears. By now I've recognised the pattern in my own thinking but sometimes recognising it isn't enough to stop it.

The long bus ride to Phnom Penh (12 hours) was even more time to feel sorry for myself, but as we pulled into town across the Cambodian-Japanese friendship bridge (seriously, Japan is buying friends left right and centre with these bridges) I saw bright lights, sky scrapers and air-conditioned bakeries... PP has turned into a mini Bangkok! It's completely transformed from the PP I visited 2 1/2 years ago. There are more bright lights, more paved streets, the entire riverfront area has been paved and is now a beautiful 15m-wide boulevard where locals and travellers alike spend their days and evenings. It was a welcome relief to arrive in a proper city and get a room with a proper bed, an actual 'hotel'room (still cheap) rather than crummy guesthouse. And there's Western food that actually tastes like Western food! I decided to splash out and get a USD$9.50 steak dinner that came with a glass of wine - a good 4x the price of what I normally eat but it was so worth it. Food has a huge impact on your mood when you're travelling, a good meal can make you feel like all the goodness in the world has been restored. And this is how the steak made me feel. (to be honest, it probably topped up my iron levels and gave me the extra energy for the next day)

After scamming free air conditioning by jimmying open the unit and poking around inside it (thanks Sebastian, I dedicate this one to you), I had a fantastic night's sleep and woke up feeling like yes, I could go on living. Got all my admin out of the way (visas, laundry etc.), caught up with Nathan for lunch - Nathan being the guide from my tour 2 years ago - and spent the afternoon doing what I do best - walking around and taking it all in.

Here's Nathan with his advertising-on-wheels
www.nathanhortonphotography.com

After feeling like such crap, it was a huge relief to wander around and recognise places I'd seen before. It's less hard work when you already know your way around, already know the landmarks, it's a huge comfort. And one thing I took particular enjoyment in today was the Khmer people's penchant for pyjamas. I'd like to share this with you:

Theme for today's photo essay: "I love my pyjamas so much, I'm just gonna wear them all the time"

the latest trend: pyjamas AND baby

I even saw some girls sharing a set, so they could both experience the joy that pyjamas bring

just popping out to pick up a bag rice

I'm gonna try to find some pyjamas for mum and make her wear them out & about :P

And finally, when life seems to get too hard, don't take it too seriously and remember that your dog may not shit on the grass here.

Love and smiles,
May Lee