Kickin' It in Kampot

Chom Riep Sua from Kampot!

This week I have had the pleasure of traveling to the beautiful Kampot province, which is along the southern coast of Cambodia and is home to Dr. John's wife Thearry as well as all of her many relatives. This has by far been my most enjoyable part of my trip- the provincial capital, also called Kampot, is an incredible seaside town surrounded by mountains, farmland, and is world-renown for its seafood and pepper plantations.

We arrived Monday evening to find that Thearry and John were invited to a party. What kind of party? Thearry wasn't sure, but I came along willingly not knowing what to expect, as we all know the word "party"
carries several connotations. After winding through a few dark backyards, we came around a corner to find an astonishing scene- over 300 well-to-do Cambodians dressed as if at a wedding sitting at tables and chairs that were wrapped like presents in pink and gold silk underneath a large canopy. We were served an abundance of whole, fresh crab (John had to give me an introductory lesson on how to eat them, as I was oblivious!) as well as an amazing noodle stew with shrimp, squid, and beef. Music videos and dancing were to follow- with John being nearly 7 feet tall and myself the unknown foreigner, we were targeted by everyone to join the revelry which centered around an odd plant decorated with Christmas lights. These Cambodians know how to party!

Tuesday was a fun-filled day with a visit to the Kampot market and a sampling of foods and a boat ride out to Rabbit Island in nearby Kep. Contrary to its name, Rabbit Island is not home to any white furry creatures but rather houses a white sandy beach, pristine waters, a few thatched bungalows, and hardly any people!
It was impossible not to contemplate shredding up my passport and remaining there for the rest of my adult life, but unfortunately we had to jump on the return boat at 4:00 that was run by two strapping young lads with outrageous straw hats that gave them appearance of the Cambodian version of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer.

The next two days were filled with a spectrum of activities that demonstrated the diverse experiences a traveler can have in Cambodia depending on how much one has an inside connection with the locals. On Wednesday, I indulged in the very touristy activity of getting a two-hour massage with Seeing Hands Massage;
this business provides employment and living services for blind Cambodians who really know how to work out a knot! The best part was, it was only 8 dollars!

To provide a contrast, I spent the rest of Wednesday and all of Thursday going out to the farms and villages to meet many of Thearry's more distant relatives who live in thatched huts without running water or electricity and range in growing bean sprouts and watermelons to raising pigs and chickens . At one stop, we drank coconut juice after watching one of the uncles shimmy up the tree,
knock down the coconut, and then hack it open with a knife for our immediate enjoyment.

I also got to meet the well-deserving family who was given two female cows by my Grandmother Charlotte last year so that they can send their children to school.

I still have a few more days in Kampot, so I will provide another update soon as I know I have many more adventures awaiting me with each passing minute! I continue to be amazed by the kindness and warmth that every person here has displayed and truly couldn't be having a better time.