Going Around

I don't have a habit of carrying cash when I travel. I depend alot on credit cards. I forgot that restaurants and businesses in Phnom Penh still use cash. Few places accept credit cards; Visa mainly. Luckily Mekong Quilts and Amara Spa do.

For a lot of other expenditure, cash (USD) is necessary. Tips are a way of life here and I've to put that on the personal expenses too. I didn't bring enough cash and had to draw from the ATMs and bear the USD4 admin charge. Grrrr. Do not like paying money to banks.

I spent most cash on transport. There aren't cabs in the city. So often, it's either the tuk-tuks The hotel arranged for one pick-up from the airport upon arrival. Then the enterprising driver quoted me a lower rate than what the hotel would charge and offered me his services for the duration of my stay. He knew all the right things to say. So I said okay. At the traffic light, he bought a flower garland from a passing vendor.

The driver picked us up in a sedan. Furry seats. I no like furry seats!!! I pointed to the random display of vehicles and said “I want this” (pictured above). He made it happen.

For the amount paid to the hotel, I'd rather pay it directly to the driver. I do not want to trek distances in the sizzling heat, nor do I want to take the motodubs which make my heart stop each time they cut across the lanes. Not at all environmentally friend a 4-wheel drive is, I know.

Our driver is really committed. He's always early in picking us up and spots us from a distance when we're heading back to the car after a stop. When he took the man to the airport, he asked if I wanted to go along and he'd send me back. "Free!" He offered. I declined. There was work to attend to! Once the week began, I'm no longer just a carefree tourist.

He also told us stories, stories that tourists would like to hear about life in modern Phnom Penh. I'm not sure how much to believe it. I'll take it with a grain of salt. I'm very pleased with how he has carried out his job. For his wonderful service, now, I just have to decide how much to tip him before I return home.