Sihanoukville - Cambodia - Arcadia.

Wat Krom

Clear blue skies for Arcadia in Cambodia.

Arcadia sails out after a memorable day - photography courtesy of John Baranski - Senior First Officer on board Tahitian Princess - thanks for that John!

Tahitian Princess along side in Sihanoukville. A Princess Cruises vessel.

A local village just behind where we were berthed.

The shuttle bus pick up point at the local beach.

James Blog in Cambodia!

The Local Beach.

Local Beach again - many people spent the day here.

beach massage at Sokha Beach.

Lion Roundabout - now these did impress me!

Wat Krom

A monk in a hurry..........

After school private tuition.

Children give thanks.

Thanks for visiting and look at my Arcadia pencils!

Sokha Beach

Welcome reception on the dock.

Plaque exchange with Commodore Steve Burgoine in the Piano Bar.

Nice view for lunch - Sokha beach Hotel.

A local house for 10 people.

Cynthia was delighted to be on the beach! Cynthia is married to Graham.

Local dancers entertain.

Stupas in Wat Krom

A beautiful evening for sailing out - next stop Singapore.

Good Day Everyone,

What an exciting day we enjoyed at Sihanoukville in Cambodia. This was the first time for me to visit Cambodia. Early morning around 35 Officials boarded Arcadia to do the paperwork and stamp every passport. They were all very efficient and polite. Soon the gangways were in and the day was underway. It was very hot and humid in the morning but we must not complain as I like it that way!!

At 1030 hours we had a plaque exchange ceremony in the Piano Bar where Commodore Steve Burgoine exchanged words of welcome with the Minister of Tourism etc. We all sat around and drank tea with Danish pasties which they enjoyed. Early afternoon I was changed and down the gangway to take the shuttle bus to the town and then onto the beach. The people are very friendly and appear happy. Everyone can speak English! I returned to Arcadia thankful for all the material benefits we enjoy and often take for granted.

The Tahitian Princess from our sister company Princess Cruises was also in port for the day.

Graham was on tour and here is his report..............

Up with the lark and out on the quayside in the already warm sunshine; that was the start of the day for me. For the greater majority of the passengers and crew on board this was a first time visit to Cambodia, the country that is fast recovering from the scars of war.

We headed out on tour and our first stop would be the Wat Krom a fantastic Buddhist temple that was built in the early 60’s. Its lofty position gave the buildings a somewhat powerful feel. The beautiful carvings so perfectly presented were fantastic photographic opportunities.

The monks are still busy here and seemed to be rushing around hither and thither. We found the stupas fascinating, so colourful and interesting shapes yet still respecting the dead of course.

Next up was a terrific visit to one of the state run primary schools. Here the passengers could see for themselves the fairly poor conditions that these children are being educated in. Lots of the passengers came bearing gifts of pens, pencils and books together with sweets and any other small gifts that the children and school teachers were eager to accept.
These were special poignant moments and there were quite a few moist eyes as the children clasped their little hands together in thanks.

We moved onto visit a local house where the lady of the house showed us around her humble dwelling. This was a house where 10 people share the basic things that we all take for granted. No washing machine or refrigerator here, just a simple cooking hearth and basic washing facilities. Again the harsh reality of eking out an existence here in Cambodia was brought home to us very quickly; these charming people really have nothing and yet were still happy to show us around after which we left for our home on the sea, Arcadia. There was no doubt that we all benefited from our time both here in Cambodia and in Vietnam.

Thanks for that Graham and Cynthia!

We are sailing for Singapore now. A beautiful day here in the South China Sea! Wish you were here?!!

Best wishes,

James.

Of all created comforts, God is the lender; you are the borrower, not the owner.

Samuel Rutherford.