Bye Saigon, Saved the best for last- Hello Cambodia 😇

If you can believe it ASU has a satellite campus in Saigon. I about flipped out when I saw the sign, crazy small world. Our day started with a new Breakfast Buffet, Rachel’s favorite thus far. I will vote that this place has the best coffee but eggs better elsewhere. Due to the French Flare, there are yummy meats and cheeses. It was a mellow day as we prepare for the next 3 full days of touring in Cambodia. 

We left hotel to check out the famous Ben Thanh Market, this was like a huge indoor flea market, with rows upon rows of stalls, lots of trinket, gift type products; scarfs, jewelry, fake purses/wallets, clothing, shoes, cooking utensils, food, candy, dishes, arts and crafts….you get the picture. So much bargaining, one lady actually said to me, “ I don’t like you, don’t come back to my store”. My starting price was too low and insulting for her 🙂 After we each made a few purchases, we had had enough. Off to find the Cong Cafe that we loved in Hanoi. We will be leaving Vietnam today and need one last Coconut Ice Cream Coffee. Yummy- Goodness. We enjoyed this quiet time connected to wifi and in cold Air Conditioning. It is a hot hot day today. Rach had researched and found the #2 Spa in Saigon. 

Next stop, Temple Leaf Spa…..I got a 60 min foot for $12, she got a 60 min full body for $15. Some last minute pampering. This place was another heavenly experience. As the title says, “foot” , its never just your feet in Asia. This woman named, Oy- was another strong tiny lady who crawled all over my body. It was crazy how she stretched, moved, and beat me. Lol 🙂 It was also with hot smooth stones, rubbed on you. The calming peaceful music is playing and I’m reclined in a very comfy laid back chair, like a big couch that sucks you in, in a good way. They are so proper and polite, modestly respectful to privacy etc. At the end she requests I sit on stool so she can do my back/neck/shoulder. After she asks me to clasp my hands together  behind my head, she literally tried to break me in half that I broke out in hysterical laughter and begged to stop. She was like, “ ok ok ok, I was like no no no” it was pretty funny. Anyways the treatment ended with fresh lemongrass hot tea, with the lemongrass stalks sticking out of the glass jug.

We headed back to hotel, showered again, packed up and headed out for a Japanese lunch. I got a Coca Cola on ice, miso soup, and a yummy shrimp dish. The food here is SO cheap. I will be living at the gym upon my return, oink 🐷  oink. We walked back to hotel along the Saigon Rodeo Drive, passing Cartier, Chanel, Hyatt hotel, beautiful tree lined streets. As well we got to pass The Saigon Opera House. It had started to rain a little which is quite cooling for the temperature but moistening to your skin. I tell you my skin has not been this hydrated all summer long, it is happy.

We arrived at airport extra early as this is an international flight to Siem Reap. The last leg of our trip, and the whole reason I had wanted to come to this part of the world. Angkor Wat awaits us……We have a personal driver/ Guide for the next 3 days, Mr Kat. I have been communicating with him via Whats App for months and cant wait to meet him at 7 am tomorrow morning. He costs only $25 per day and I’m splitting this fee with my travel partner. Crazy cheap luxury in 3rd world countries. 

OMG!!!😊😇

We have arrived in what feels like my absolute favorite place. Its dark as its night time but so far this destination is reminding me, of parts of Bali, my favorite place on earth. Besides that our plane here was a bit sketchy, the airport is beautiful, the hotel is treating us like royalty bowing down to us. The driver presented us each with a gift, a scarf to cover up with at temples as a keepsakes. The Welcome juice and small dessert was delish. It is a total third world type feel with dirt roads and truly rustic. The hotel room again is perfect, shower seems like you could be outside, and the whole place smells like a spa. We ate dinner at a place I had read all about as Angelina Jolie made it famous when filming Tomb Raider here, called The Red Piano. The guy told me they are famous for the ribs….I got ribs, fries and a salad for $7.25. We went to a mini mart and purchased 2 -1.5 large liters of water along with a bar of soap for $2. The foot massage place on our street that looks dreamy and is calling my name for tomorrow is $3 for a 60 min massage. I think I may decide to extend my trip…….j/k. 

In all honesty I have had Cambodia on my dream wish list to visit for now 10+ years, Whenever Woodley came back from her BIG TRIP. Thank you Rachel for helping to make it my reality now. At least I do know dreams come true. 

Until tomorrows full day of touring Temples and feeling enlightened. 
Sweet Dreams from Siem Reap!

I promise many more photos tomorrow.

All my love,
Laurie Sue XO