Cambodia Aug 12-13.....my maid's motherland......

We had a bad start to the day when there was no show of the pre-arranged pick-up from our hotel at 6.45am! 

Being a Sunday, even the ticketing office was closed and there was no way anyone could be located! 



We were apprehensive as whether to purchase new tickets through the hotel or to wait as advised by the hoteliers..... 

We thought about the online prepaid accommodation in Cambodia.... 

Around eight-ish, a representative , all apologetic over the time mixed-up, came for us. 








With the 6 hour ride and an hour held up at the border, it was well past 4 pm when we arrived at Phnom Penh! 

Driving past the border, we were amazed to see several casinos lining one side of the road. And I, was quick to draw the conclusion that Cambodia cannot be poor!

However, soon after, it was followed by sore sights....broken down houses, rubbish strewn fields that thirst for water and leaves that hung limply on trees....... 




Right until now, am still wondering who patronizes the casinos....









How the locals commute, was terrifying too!


As if being sardine-packed in a van was not enough, there were some more seated on top of the van!!!!

Surely there is every likelihood of them being thrown off with the application of the emergency brakes??!! 

Most side streets of Phnom Penh were filthy. Heaps of rubbish at every other corner and child nudity and un-groomed  dogs,heart wrenching, a common sight!!!

A walk to Preah Sisobath Boulevard reminded us of our Gurney Drive....  

After feasting on the local recommended dishes at a cafe, we went around snapping quick shots before night fell!  

 

The next day, we went to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and....








....the Russian Market in tuk tuks! 






I loved the feel of the breeze touching my hair and kissing my face as the tuk tuk rode through the city...a far cry from braving the penetrating sun, walking! 

The next day, we would have missed our ride back to Ho Chi Minh, had we not arrived way ahead of the scheduled time!!! As expected, no seats were allocated to us! 


It was after quite a hassle that we finally boarded the coach back to Ho Chi Minh.....  

Vietnam Aug 10-15, I made the best out of it.......

Cool temperature  between 12-19 Celsius, had always the deciding factor in all my planned vacations, as, aside from our slumber, 70 percent of our time will be spent outdoor, sight-seeing! 

Unless it is meant to be, I abhor moving around in the heat, perspiring! So when Ca-Ryn suggested visiting Vietnam and Cambodia, I wasn't too keen. 

We had actually planned for New Zealand but had shelved the arrangement partly because the climate was too cold and I hadn't fully recovered from my trip to Scandinavia and partly because of the earthquake!  

Somehow, I gave in, though fully aware that the other reason holding me back visiting third world countries is the fact that I hate witnessing depressing scenarios...... Vacation is meant to be blissful!! 

Whatever, with Ca-Ryn's little read-up knowledge online, we left for Vietnam and Cambodia where communication poses a barrier!!.... 

Tan Hai Long Hotel sits strategically on Ho Chi Minh City's vibrant entertainment district with adjacent streets catering for shopping stores, delicious restaurants, and entertainment activities. This hotel offers excellent services and deserves strong recommendation! 



The Reunification Palace, the Independent Palace, the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the old Saigon Post Office were all within walking distance! 



A cab ride to the War Remnants Museum brought about history which caught my unheard of interest... though greatly saddened by it......

We visited the Cai Be Floating Market on a motor boat and.....

idiotically went on a rowing sampan under the blazing sun,    something I definitely would not have done in Malaysia! 

We cruised along Vinh Long into upper Mekong Delta to a village for lunch and a biking experience. 

Having laid off the bicycles for decades, I was a bit fearful that I might fall off the vehicle and into the river as I pedaled along the narrow bumpy pathway! And, oh my! the brakes did not work!!! 

Relief overcame me when the ride was over. It struck me that I could have faced mishaps just because I didn't want to disappoint Ca-Ryn who was so excited over the biking arrangement! 

Towards evening, strolling along Le Lai street in search of food, we were amazed to see large crowds in the park amidst a bustling city! It seemed as though the park was the only venue for these people, mostly locals, engaging in physical exercises of various forms! 



There were several groups footballing, ladies doing the aerobic workouts, the elderly stretching and the youthful brisk walking! 

Apparently, they seemed pretty health conscious! But then again, wouldn't sniffing in the carbon monoxide emitted by the vehicles be hazardous? 

Then, there were the toddlers scampering about as they were fed their dinners! 

The following day, before we packed for home, we went to the famous Ben Thanh Market for  cashew nuts and..... the lotus seeds, which was partly what that brought about my trip to Vietnam!! 

Costly huh?...the LOTUS SEEDS??

It was a urinary tract infection!

I have always exercised hygiene when it comes to public toilet usage especially when I'm traveling. 

 I never sit on the bowl no matter how clean it may look! 

If I have to use the toilet roll when I'm run out of tissue, the first few sheets usually end up in the bowl as I'm afraid of likely filthy traces left behind by the earlier user! 

The hand, with which used to opening and closing of the toilet doors will never be used in the cleaning....!

So, how then was I infected?? Apparently, insufficient fluid intake may bring about a urinary tract infection! 

That explains it! While traveling, like many others, I tend to consume less water to curb the urges of emptying my full bladder every too often! 

With the 7 day course prescription by Siew Hian, my fever went off in a whizz within the day of partaking the antibiotic!  

I presume too the Doctor at the hospital was well aware of the cause with my clearly defined symptoms and his insistence that I got myself admitted was to earn bucks for the hospital! 

Thanks, Hian Kor for laying aside my fear of likely illnesses and most importantly, helping saved what would have been an EXORBITANT HOSPITAL BILL!!

No, I refused to be admitted.....

I felt heat all over me. My eyes, sore and tight, and body limp!

39.5 Celsius is way too high...the paracetamol didn't work for me!

I kept gulping chilled water while Ca-Ryn prepared to send me to a clinic.

At 8.15am, we arrived at a 24-hr clinic and was advised that I sought immediate attention at a private hospital instead!

Alas! What I dreaded and feared most was inevitable! We headed towards Loh Guan Lye's Specialist Centre and while Ca-Ryn prepared for registration, I was ushered into the Emergency Room. I heard the stress on double charges for consultation and all tests conducted....

Just as the earlier Doctor had explained, fever generally would have subsided within 3 days. In my case, it was already the 6th day and the temperature was too high for comfort!

Both Doctor and Specialist triggered the alert alarm!  

The physician insisted I be warded for observation! My cost conscious mind worked around the double charges to be levied.

Since results of all tests to be taken won't be known until Monday, why can't I just be admitted on Monday instead, at half the cost?!

"Hey, Doc, will I die if I wait for just another day? Can I not be administered medication to bring down the temperature? I'm a mere 24/7 homemaker with no medical insurance coverage and am not prepared for the exorbitant bill!"

Until tests are taken , I would still be administered with paracetamol only....

I decided against admission and paid Rm163 for the brief consultation, promising to check in tomorrow if my temperature failed to subside!!

Never ever felt this feeble....

The clinical thermometer reads 38.5 Celsius... My entire body aches, especially my fore upper thighs, and, the occasional spasms at the mid-riff and lower back areas were agonizing....

Jeanis's suggestion of a hike up the side of the Temppeliaukion Church had since caused me to cringe with every move I attempt....

Whatever, just couldn't comprehend why the fever persists when, I had taken a first dose of Panadol on 24/7 and thereafter double dosages....

The much dreaded medical assistance shall be sought if I still do not recover by tomorrow....

Just couldn't wait to upload photos and share the Scandinavian experience.....