I believe I've found heaven on earth.

But lets back up a bit.. I still have a lot to say on Thanksgiving and Cambodian history and the wonder of why no one ever taught me the history of southeast asia. I didn't learn a thing in any of my history classes, so I guess it wouldn't have made a difference, since I lived in America for 22 years and can't really tell you much about anything history related. One week in Cambodia and I'm a walking history book. But alas, I don't have time to write about it all. So do yourself a favor today and research the wonder that is Cambodia. You will not be disappointed.

I spent an extra day in PP because I got sick. This was interesting because I never got sick in Vietnam and I think I forgot that Iwas going to a different country and things might be a little different. Luckily it was only for the night, and I was with Sarah so I got to stay at her place, which was a MUCH better place to be sick at than my three-dollar-a-night-room-with-shared-bathroom guesthouse. So after lounging for a day, I took a $5 bus to Sihanoukville, which is what I am now calling heaven on earth. I'm paying $2 a night for a matress on a floor, right on the beach. It's amazing here. The white sand and light blue WARM water and hot, hot sun are exactly what I was looking for in a vacation. The sun is freakishly strong here and I'm a nice red/golden brown color. You can be jealous.

I spend my days lounging on the beach, swimming in the water, playing beach volleyball with a million Europeans, and generally having a great time. I spend my nights sitting on the beach and eating/drinking/chatting. I haven't even gone into town because I'm afraid this is all a mirage and if I leave the beach it will disappear. I met two Americans (finally) from NY.. one of them just graduted in May from Northeastern. SMALL WORLD huh. We can't think of anyone we know, except a professor, but how strange? Things never cease to amaze me.

I brought up the question of why aren't there more Americans out here on the backapckers road. There are europeans everywhere I turn. I can't put a finger on it, but I guess it's just the way we are raised? I've been to quite a few places all over America, some multiple times, but I imagine if you live in Europe it isn't out of the ordinary to travel to different countries. They are all in such close proximity I know everyone who studied abroad there took advantage of that. But if you think about it, a flight to London is approximately the same as a flight to Cali.. and I've been to Cali a handful of times, but never stepped foot in Europe. If someone can do research on this and get back to me I would greatly appreciate it.

Tomorrow I leave heaven on earth and go to Siem Reap, which will be amazing, and I'll explain all about it afterwards. As a whole, I have noticed that I am bias on Vietnam. I think of it as more then just a country I've been to, which I guess was the whole point in me living there in the first place. It is easy to see how Vietnam has moved on and pushed forward after the war, while it is taking Cambodia a bit longer get over the Khmer Rouge Regime.. but I can see development. But driving through the country I felt like I was in India (a feeling I do not know, since I have never been, but I kept thinking about it.) Much less developed then the parts of Vietnam that I've been to, a bit dirtier, overall not as "nice". But the sites are worth seeing, and this little unknown beach is worth moving here forever. Many travelers end up staying here for longer then expected, some start working at the bars, its not a bad idea. But alas, I have to meet Sarah in Bangkok and I'm looking forward to a travel companion, and more eautiful beaches. I also plan on doing more "beachy" things.. maybe a boat or snorkeling, as many things as I've never done before to cross of that list. I can't wait!

I'm getting even slower with the emails (sorry!) Its easy to get internet access.. but I just don't want to haha. Keep writing though, some of us have gotten into some good novels, and I love you for it. Stay warm. :)