Suddenly going to the jungle

08.01.2017

I went straight to the park ranger's office, as early as possible and I was surprised that an Austrian was leaving in about an hour. It would cost about $250 to go for five days into the jungle. At first, I declined, but as I was walking back to the hotel disappointed, I decided to go for it. I picked up the pace and brought all my stuff to the office. Quickly, Sopani, our guide, rattled off the minimal list of things I would need, pants, shirt, sweater, toothbrush, etc. I quickly shoved it all in my non-trekking backpack and we were off.

We had to stop to buy some food first, so I took two seconds to warn my mom I was leaving and scarfed down a bowl of noodles and liver... I even ate it too.

My motorcycle driver was a little handsy, and when he wanted to take a selfie, he casually threw his hand over my shoulder and reached down to my chest. Whoahhhh, I pushed him away and told him to get back on the bike. After we'd left him, I told Sopani and he said he wouldn't hire him anymore.

We took a little boat across the river and just started walking and walking and walking. Norbert the Austrian was very quiet, so it was mostly me chattering and singing and trying to learn some Khmer from Sopani. By the end of the trip I could count to 10 and also tell tuk tuk drivers that I'm going for a walk.

By the end of the first day, my feet already had small blisters. Norbert gave me some medical tape, which helped. I took a quick dip in the river as Sopani and Two (the sherpa???) set up our hammocks and made dinner. What luxury! I put my dry clothes on and went to bed early.

Treetop eco lodge