I stood transfixed, unsure whether I should stay or run. The beast lumbered closer. I was caught in its shadow, with thoughts daring me to reach out my hand. A gentle touch, a new sensation learned. Rough skin. Course hair. Exquisite dark brown eyes with detail I could have never seen behind an intru
ding zoo fence. Such a beautiful experience it was, to meet that Asian elephant. An intricate tapestry design flooded with red and gold, hung down the sides of her back and head. The view beyond was the wetland valley reflecting the ancient Bayon temple of Cambodia. Stone carved steps lead us to new heights of mythology and history intertwined in Khmer architecture. Towering pillars clustered around the temple’s central peak, and smiling stone faces greeted us from every direction. Only a tuktuk drive away, were the world wonder temples of Angkor and Ta Prohm. They offered a surreal experience, whether approached on foot or trekked by elephant, it was an adventure all the way.
Laying back on a reclining pool chair and sipping the best orange juice ever tasted, I marveled at the Frangipani Hotel where we were staying. Modest, yet still offering an affordable feeling of luxury and style. Overhanging the pool were full-grown frangipani trees, subtly filling the air with their flowers’ sweet aroma. The outdoor pool and spa were a relaxing place to unwind from our escapades through the Russian markets.
A complimentary breakfast buffet gave us the best start to each day. As we toured and threw ourselves into the culture, we stopped at a different restaurant for every meal, enhancing the fullness of our experience. Indian, Mexican, Italian, whatever your fancy, there was no limit to the variety of restaurants within the cities of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Even waiting for the food was a pleasure, as we would be brought rolled up wet towels, cool and refreshing, to clean our faces and hands before a delicious meal.
The people we met and the relationships formed along the way, created the most exciting memories. The tuktuk drivers who drove us place to place everyday, all had interesting stories and hilarious characteristics to display. Whether it was the one who always clapped before starting his engine, or the one who played music much too loud, they all offered us a crazy fun ride. The friendly woman at the night markets who struck us such good deals always made us feel welcome. Her smile continuously brought us back, sometimes not to buy things, but simply just to converse again. The highlight for our group however, went no further than the hotel’s front door. The young Khmer bellboy about our age, never ceased to race us to the closed door so he could open it first and greet us ‘Good day’. It became a game for us, trying to sneak our way to the door when he wasn’t looking, but of course he always managed to win.
To those eager travellers who want a bit of spice in their adventures, I recommend a stop in Cambodia. With its treasures of culture and countless places to experience, taste and explore – Cambodia is a beautiful vacation to recall.
Cara Ontanu is a Bachelor of Arts student specialising in counselling at Avondale College of Higher Education. With a passion for stories and art, Cara hopes to create her own films.