The next morning I woke up really early as I wanted to walk around the city. Since most of them had already been around, I went by myself. Feeling adventurous, first I went to the Independence Monument and took a walk along the street with all the huge beautiful embassies, discovering many little watering holes, probably for the expats. There were also many big houses along those hidden side streets, belonging to many foreigners and some of the richer local people. It was quite interesting just to walk along by myself, and the weather was amazing as it was only about 8 am.

I trailed some tourists, and managed to see a shopping mall, some temples, some schools, the Palace and also managed to go through 2 markets. These markets were exactly like the ones that GANay and I visited in Vietnam (Sorry for the comparison again). Basically a musty smelling huge building with people selling everything that you can imagine from food to shoes to clothes to household appliances and touristy gifts. You can walk for hours and still have loads to see. By the time I returned to the Guest House it was around 11 and the others were up. I did a bit of studying and then we were off to the Russian Market. One of the bigger tourist attractions in the city, it was a Market much like Victoria Market or the Vietnamese Ben Thanh Market. Loads of VCDs, fake watches, jewellery, antiques, furniture, Tshirts, shawls, silk, instruments, sunglasses, hats..the list goes on and on. I think the girls had a great time and must have bought over fifty shawls between them !

Later we went back for a rest, and trooped down to the Main House for lunch and then to the karaoke room. We sang for a while and celebrated LucBear's birthday. While some people kept on singing (including me) some went off for a massage, some for a nap and some even went back to the Market ! I thought it was a bit of a rush job and stayed at the karaoke room till the end, before going for a cold shower.

It was a last minute dinner pre wedding party held at the bride's house. Since it was a first time for all of us, everyone was busy getting ready, putting on suits and shawls (since it would never do to be bare shouldered!!). The trip there was an enjoyable half an hour filled with many smiles and laughter. Her house was way past the airport and boy was it huge.

It was bigger than a football field I would think, and inside there was a moat going almost around it. I call it a moat, but it could also be a lake, and there certainly were a few canoes and even a pair of paddle boat swans ! There was also a huge garage, a whole indoor swimming pool and what seemed like acres of gardens ! We also sneaked into the toilets to get a look at the house inside. Magnificient. It would have passed off for a hotel ! Furnishings and Carpets were exquisite ! Down to the indoor orchid garden that they had ! Even the grand staircase to the front door would give any girl fairytale dreams as they walked along the red carpet !

When we arrived, most people were looking at us as we certainly were not wearing traditional clothes. We found some seats though and filled up three tables along with some of KrBear's friends. Later on, LucBear, DinoBear, YuBear and VBear even sang a song as a tribute to KBear ! Very sweet. And of course another song by LucBear and KaBear. And KBear sang a song too, to KrBear. Aww ! Later we learnt some traditional Cambodian dances on the dance floor !

All too soon, it got later and later, and we had to get back to get some rest. If I remember correctly, some people went out to sample the nightlife while LucBear went to get some Happy Pizza (spiked with weed). The rest of us took showers, watched some television and SoBear, FredBear and I even played Mahjong with a wooden set that he bought at the market earlier that day. We laughed a lot as we played. I still wonder to this day if it was the effect of the Pizza or were we just having a really good time !~

Around 2 am, the clubbers return amid much noise and fanfare, not drunk, but certainly on a high. And sticky with sweat too !

Pretty soon though, it was beddy time. The next 3 days would be long days !

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