Siem Reap Cambodia

In case for those few who are worried about me missing in action.....
I am perfectly fine and alive AND MUCH HAPPIER...
As easily pleased and contented as I always am, I am just very pleased with my 3 days holidays in Siem Reap, Cambodia last week with significant someone.

Far from our expectation, Siem Reap is a small city yet extremely clean from the sterotypical image of third world country.
Except the dusty road which I still like it very much.
Nice chilling town. The weather was extremely nice. Between 24degree to 15 degree.
It wasnt a nice surprise though since I only brought all my 3/4 pants and only one jacket to wear on the plane as I was expecting super hot scorching sun.

I like the slow pace of this city. We saw more tourists than locals and there were hardly much crowds around in the city center except the famous Angkor Wat. I like how it is not so commercialized even though sadly the entire city is encore on tourism. Vast difference from the neighbouring countries, these cambodians dont understand the theory behind making business unlike the cunning Chinese. When a few kids followed you to sell you any merchandise and you politely say no, they just walked away with diginity. They would not pester you.

The only thing I dislike is the way they openly asked for tips. Not rude but come as unexpected from our part. Tips are meant to be given on our own accord when a customer is pleased with your service. It is not something you asked openly. Nonetheless understanding their culture where their day to day survival depends on tips, they just have to take a bet.

We spent 2 whole days in Angkor Wat vicinity. Life is great. I love the tuk tuk ride. I love exploring around the anicent architecture and the ruins. If Rome and Anthen are praised for their enchanting beauty than Angkor Wat's magnificent presence should be much more magnified. It was indeed breathtaking though somewhat disappointing cos it is just a hollow architecture as much of its inner content would have been removed from its premises to prevent looting. Nonetheless, I enjoyed every single moment spent there though I am sitting down 70% of the journey cos I have really bad stamina.

We spent a great deal of money there. But it was way worth it. Hotel was excellent with a nice pool view and 2 huge beds as well as great location! I was spoilt and pampered greatly when he brought me to dine in this elegantly posh restaurant that really blow our budget away. In the first place, he didnt really set any budget cos he really wanna pamper me since it is our holidays. We spent US$100 over at the restaurant for 2 solid meals. I swear it was the best fusion food I ever had. For someone who never believe in fusion food, this restaurant named FCC makes my knee weaks with their delicacy. The chef really understands the wonder of both the western taste and asian flavour that fuse so wonderfully together. It was an amazing art of dishses. Even though one hearty great meal costs about US$15 in Siem Reap, this was way worth it in comparison to the kind of meal we get in S'pore. Even if we are willing to pay such amount, we could never have savour such heavenly taste.

The first dish to die for was the succulently crispy and yet juicy pork belly with scallop in a mixture of sweet sour thai salad alike. The scallop is the miniature abalone type than the white plain tasteless ones. Next dish was clams in coconut cream was a taste buding ticklingly appetizing. Followed by to die for confit of duck with poached pear. The best duck leg dish I ever eaten was in Barcelona and I was always yearning for it. It really makes me reminise my time in Spain. But boy! This dish really melt my heart and I would pay the airfare and the hotel accommodation just to fly all the way to eat that duck leg. While he is extremely delighted with his favourite Lamb chop. We were so pleased. For desserts, though they were not as creative, it still wrapped up the meal so nicely. That is FCC! I am in the midst of contacting the director or the chef to jointly open a restaurant in Singapore so all my loved one could enjoy the same good taste.

Our last night restuarant was another romantic hangout. The decor was in simple red and white with a tinge of asian woody essence and modern zen yet carrying a flavour of european romance. We had a traditional Khmer food in the best setting. I must say we were extremely lucky to chance upon such nice restaurants. It was way beyond what we could ever ask for in this trip.

Thinking back on the trip, it still makes me feel so dreamy and elated. I am just in the mood for holidays. But for now I have to work hard to earn more money so I can go more trips like this. He has been extremely lovely and tolerant. I am amazed how someone could tolerate my nonsense. I could be pretty annoying most of the time when he is absorbing the best of the scenery, I could be sitting down in one corner, pulling a long face, sulking and whinning cos I was tired. I was really a big attention seeking baby. (I really find all my friends amazing for how they have withstand my annoying stances all these years). He was extremely patient and never once raise his voice. He also let me do whatever I want like let me go for massage, buy me gifts I pointed and claimed I need to buy, having a meal for more than 2 hours cos i claimed I am tired to chew my food, drinking coconut juices only at stalls with exhorbitant prices in Angkor Wat cos I just feel like it. In short, he just let me have my way and just pay for everything at the back. It was amazing how he supported me even though I was real bitchy most of the time. Incredulous!

It was a nice and happy moment watching sunset on top of the stupa. Chilling out looking over the entire greenery of Siem Reap and chatting over our past and sharing stories. The fun and bumpy tuk tuk rides. The slow and romantic dinners. All were nice and it was definitely more than I ask for. Somehow the trip makes me feel as though our bond has strengthen and I am starting to have faith in him and in us.

Thanks for loving me this much and keeping me real happy. ;)

P.S Check out the photos on facebook!