In Kampot, a laid back riverside town in south east Cambodia, I stayed at a place called Kampot River Bungalow. It was quite far out of town, on a 2 km strip north of Kampot with a dozen of other bungalow resorts.
What drew me to this place though, was my “room”: a bed with mosquito net on top of and overlooking the river! No walls. I woke up to sunrise each morning. What a delight!
Also, the Khmer food in this place appeared to be really good, and the lovely owner rented out really good motorbikes. All of this at really, really fair price compared to the other places around.
So why not draw more customers in?
That’s why I offered them to redo their entrance sign on the main road.
It was a full day of work, struggling with poor quality “made in China” brushes and paint that quickly turned into glue due to the heat. And writing in Khmer was quite a challenge!
The fresh and new double sided sign made the owners really happy. In return they generously offered me free food and accomodation for my entire 4 day stay in Kampot. Now that’s what I call a great deal 🙂
John
Hey Lilian , cool. I like the idea of sleeping in the open air (needing protection only from the mosquito’s). Really relaxed.
Bernie Hooper
Sleeping outdoors always gave me the best rest…it’s the fresh air. Once when we were backpacking in Allegheny National Forest, we got lost and decided not to put up the tent, but just lean up against a fallen log in our sleeping bags. I fell asleep looking at the stars (and woke up with an ugly snail next to my head!)
Lilian Leahy
An ugly snail??! Yeek!! But other than that it sounds dreamlike :))
Jacqueline Swaalf
Geweldig verhaal weer, alleen dat writing in Khmer dat snap ik niet. Zie op het bord alleen maar westerse letters of mis ik iets?
Toos Overman
Hi Lilian, love to read your posts, although I never reacted before. You must be very happy during your journey, meeting so many nice people, seeing the most beautiful nature and countries, romantic places to sleep,and away from (sometimes) stressfull Holland. Enjoy your travel, succes with your yoga course and keep making everybody happy with your incredible drawings! x Toos
Lilian Leahy
Hi Toos! Thanks for leaving me a message here and great to know that you like my posts 🙂 I am indeed very very happy that I have the opportunity to travel and do what I love most, and even more that I can share the joy of creativity with people here and overseas through my blog. Thanks for your support 🙂 love, Lil
Jacqueline Swaalf
ok, op het moment dat ik mijn bericht verzond zag ik het opeens, mooi hoor!
Lilian Leahy
Hihihi ok gelukkig :)) dank voor de leuke reactie(s)!! Liefs!
eileen wagner
Great wheeling and dealing, Lilian. Your Dad would be proud, he could always get a great bargain! Beautiful job on the sign, and I’m loving your drawings, and step by step narrations of your travels. Stay safe. Love and miss you.
Lilian Leahy
Thanks aunt Eileen!! So nice to leave me a message here and I truly appreciate all the love and support I receive from my overseas aunties with this blog 🙂 much love, Lilian
Jeanet
Super leuk dat je iets voor de locals hebt kunnen betekenen ☺