Day 3 was basically to visit Mount Odong, which has a mini replica of stupas and steps alike to that of Angkor Wat. When we were there, we were met with "unofficial" children tour guides who took efforts and pains to engage us in conversation.
Right at the foot of the mountain, there were many food stalls selling local delicacy eg palm seeds, crickets, noodles etc.
There was also a big rest area where hammocks were hung for weary visitors who had climbed the 500 over steps up the mountain. The hammocks indeed look very tempting:)
James met his former tour guide, a tiny boy (which at age 15yrs old) looked like a 12 year old boy. He spoke French, English and a little Chinese. Each boy tries to attach himself to a tourist and mine was a dedicated one who tried his best to explain in simple English what Mount Odong was all about. The children loved coke and soft drinks and what impressed me was that James former guide, didn't open the can given to him but put it in his pocket to share with his siblings later. Wilson bought banana fritters (freshly made) for all the children and it was an interesting sight to see all of them lined up to get their fritter!
I learnt that they study at an English school for USD10 a month and many of them have homes at the foot of the mountain. From the mountain, you can also catch a glimpse of killing field and also a panaromic view of Phnom Penh itself.
At the top of the mountain, the stupas were the tombstones of important people I guess (prob royalty) and the culture was very similar to Nepal.
We also bought some guavas to try after the local staff offered two to us. They were sweet and juicy!
To round up the morning walk, the group had a durian party break en route back to the hotel. The Cambodian durians were large (abt 3.5kg!) and sweet. I ate two seeds and found them very huge.
Unfortunately a strong gust of wind blew and cause the durians to topple at the stall. Within split seconds, the durians' spikes had cut into Fadeth's shin and blood was trickling down! Thankfully Nicole had her first aid kit and
we were able to clean the wounds for her :)
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