Much as I loved Phnom Penh, the idea of getting out, if only for a few days, was too irresistible, so this past weekend I visited Kampot. I was feeling sick on Wednesday with a horrible stomach ache and when it didn't get better by Thursday, I went to the Harpswell doctor for a diagnosis. He said if we were in the States, he would have run several tests, but being in Phnom Penh limited his options. After a medical history and palpitating my stomach, he decided I had an ulcer. The doctor gave me a few prescriptions and sent me on my way. I spent the night in my nice ac room and left the next morning bound for Kep and Kampot.
I met two girls on the bus who were from England and are here in Phnom Penh for five and six weeks respectively to do research about climate change. Dora and Geeta are both from north London, near Camden, and are starting school as "mature learners" at the University of York. We spent the next day together and I really enjoyed their company. We decided to go to Kampot and both Dora and I had been told that we "must" see Les Mangueieres, a mango plantatation turned guest house with individual bungalows and a house with rooms. We all got a tuk-tuk out from town and took a room together in the house. It was simple but nice. 
The plantation is located on the banks of the Kampot river and has free bicycles, kayaks for rent and nice platforms to lay out in the sun and go swimming. It was a hot weekend, so we enjoyed the water immensely. They had a set menu for dinner and breakfast and although it was a little pricey, the food was quite good.
The highlight of the trip was the boat trip. One of the employees took Dora, Geeta, me and two other people: Gabi from England and Skip from Boston, out onto the river after dark. We went up the river to where fireflies had settled in a few different trees. They were beautiful. There was also lightening in the distance, which made it even more spectacular. We were so far out that if it had been a clear night, we probably could have seen the stars. One of my favorite memories from Laos is laying on the ground staring up at the most stars I had ever seen and a very clear milky way snaking through the sky. We had a great time talking and getting to know Gabi and Skip, who are also working for an NGO in Phnom Penh promoting environmental protection.
On Saturday morning, we went for a nice bike ride through the countryside and a few villages. We saw a temple and said hello to the monks, who spoke a bit of English, and saw an old almost-toothless woman fishing next to a dammed stream. It was really fun.
Dora (on left) and Geeta (on right)
Unfortunately when I got back I discovered that I was getting a rash on my neck and face, which quickly spread to the rest of my body. I was concerned it might be related to Dengue Fever, which is endemic here, so I decided to head back to Phnom Penh. I haven't seen a doctor because I haven't had any other symptoms, but it appears to be a heat rash. I've been in Asia for nearly 6 months now in much hotter weather than this past week, and I never got heat rash during that period. Yesterday I checked into a guesthouse and watched TV while using the A/C to try to make it go away. It's still there and itchy, but the prickly heat powder I have is also helping a little bit. One issue with Cambodia: If you go somewhere other than Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, it can be difficult to get good medical treatment. Even in these two cities, it's a bit spotty.
On Saturday I"m going to Siem Reap, Battambong and maybe Kep for about 10 days. I'm very excited!
Hope all is well with everyone!
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