Migrating South

Migrating South - Sihanookville, Cambodia - 1-28-2011

A friendly cruise captain I met in Phnom Penh said without hesitation - go to Sihanookville. That's how I've learned about the place's existence of the map. And the beach sounded good. I needed to warm up after the cold 3 months of South China, Vietnam and Laos. Did I mention I don't enjoy cold at all. ThoughI have been born in Russia, over the past decade and a half I have successfully turned into a California penzy. Or, maybe, I've always been one and the Bay Area just brought it out in me. 

So, after doing the abligatory heart-bleeding experience of visiting the Killing Fields and feeling thoroughly jolted by it [for it was the first time I've come THIS close to the remnants of a genocide], I took the bumpy ride from Phnom Penh right to Sihanookville. I've landed at Ochuteal Beach for a night, and found an unexpected friend from China [my bus seat neighbour] - Li. This las has thrown caution to the wind and left to journey the world on her own for a couple months in spite of her family's worries - a courageous and unusual thing for a young chines lady to do. 

After we landed in the Jasmine Hotel at the end of the beach [thanks to Li's recommendation!], we ran to touch the water. I was kid-happy! Finally! Warm! Water!!!!!! Yaaaaaay! Then we found that the beach was filled with beanie-bag or "cradle" style comfy chairs and plastic bottles with sand [for weight] and candles glowing in them. Quite magical. We hopped all over the beach following the sound of Burning Man-like music [very Playa-rrrriffic!] and both got an urge to dance. So, for the next few hours, we have given ourselves over to the wind, the sea and the music and undulated  on the beach rocks and the pier like there was no tomorrow to the amuzed/surprised looks of the locals. All that by the full moon and the tide coming in to greet us. I knew I was where I was supposed to be.

Aside: Li's dream is to fly free like a bird around the world. I am living what she would like to manifest. I am putting this here for your listening - please, put in a good thought for her to manifest her heart's desire in spite of here family's intentions for her [she was in a tug-o-war about this at the moment we met]. Li, I hope, you go into the orbit, Dear! The biggest risk we run is NOT LIVING OUR DREAMS.

The next day, though, I found that the nightly magic has transformed into a sardine-like arrangement of tourists that were incessantly badgered by the beach sellers [of everything from bracelets to manicures and massages], and all this was lubricated with 5x inflated prices [supply-and-demand trend at work, I suppose]. In the words of the governator, "ve've got to get out of hea," I thought. And did so promptly.