The Case of the Missing Shoes

Our second day at the Manor House started slow. We had a leisurely breakfast and chatted with David the owner. He’s travelled a fair bit so he was able to give us quite a bit of advice which was fantastic.  For this leg of the journey, I’ve been determined not to think too far ahead because there have been a few times when we might have changed things up if I hadn’t already booked a flight or hotel. Trouble is, way back when I was doing research on Southeast Asia, the literature said you needed an exit ticket for visas so I went ahead and booked a few flights in advance thinking I had to. Of course, not once has anyone asked to see an exit ticket.

David has a travel agent who will arrange Vietnam visas for 5 dollars each visa so we handed over our passports and Cambodian visa to get a 3 month multi-entry visa. Staff also arranged transportation to Koh Kong for us. David is an invaluable source of information and has been a great help.

Needless to say, it was lunchtime by the time we got going. To our dismay, Ian’s excellent Keens (and only pair of shoes) were missing.  Both Sook un and David helped us look but we could not find them. They had been left on the steps of the hotel with all guests’ shoes, mine included. I can’t imagine one of the staff taking them so we think it was a tourist who saw a good pair of shoes and took them. This was a first for David. No one’s fault but now Ian is without shoes. I would be devastated if someone took my shoes with include orthotics. Needless to say, I won’t leave my shoes outside any more.

Ian’s Keens have been great shoes for him – no blisters ever and he wears them all the time. I went online to see if I could order a pair but Keens doesn’t deliver internationally. David suggested that we take photos and see about getting a pair made because getting shoes made here is very cheap. So we printed up some photos and off we went with Ian in a pair of borrowed flip flops.

A tuk tuk took us to the shoe shop and a fellow who speaks fluent English served us. After examining the photos, he said he could copy the design but would need to use different soles and laces but they likely would not be ready for Wednesday – the day we were leaving. I suggested getting a second simpler pair made that would be done by Tuesday and would do for a couple weeks – David could then pick up the others for us which we could get on our return trip back through Phnom Penh.

Until Tuesday, Ian could borrow Sook un’s flip flops to get to restaurants but he certainly couldn’t walk long in them. Any outings we had planned were cancelled.

The River

Ian took a tuk tuk to the river area and poked around the central market for as long as his feet could stand it, then went for a coffee.  I joined him later and was astounded at how busy and noisy the area was. I am so glad we didn’t get lodging in this area even if the view might be nice.

There is a splendid walkway running along the river and I noticed several Cambodians out exercising along it. Some were walking quickly swinging their arms while others used exercise equipment set up in the middle of the walkway.  Only one person was jogging and that was a Western person.

Some of the buildings had a clear French influence to them and I loved the long wooden shutters framing the windows. There were many restaurants with a mostly tourist clientele. We went up to rooftop restaurant but didn’t stay long because nothing on the menu appealed to us. Typically our meals have been about 10 dollars but in this neighbourhood, things were pricier.

The Universal Symbol

One thing we’ve noticed on our journey is that when you are finished a meal – the universal symbol for asking for the bill - writing with an invisible pen - is understood in all countries.  We’ve eaten out hundreds of times and never once had someone not understand that gesture – until today. Ian went to a coffee shop and finally met a woman who didn’t know what the heck he was doing or asking for.  Funny thing was – just yesterday he taught himself how to ask for the bill in Cambodian but never thought to say it.

Finishing up in Phnom Penh

….more swimming, lounging and eating; the food has been incredible here: make your own salads with huge variety of choices including cheese, seafood, chicken, avocado, grilled veggies, etc. for 5 bucks; baguettes with onion marmalade, brie, bayonne, lettuce, olives, and tomatoes for $6; fish amok, mango salad, mushroom stir fry; and on it goes.

Ian picked up his ‘temporary’ shoes for 19 bucks, and although they look fantastic and fit well, the leather is rubbing on his ankle because they are not broken in.  He does miss those lost Keens.

Our taxi picks us up at 10am tomorrow so we’ll be up early to pack.