hello homesickness...

So it hit today, this afternoon. Not to horribly bad, but bad enough that I wanted to call my mom and I lingered on the thought of, life would be so much easier at home.

It's amazing what a difference in cities makes. I loved Phnom Penh, even though I was constantly getting laughed at. Not sure if it's because I'm a tall fat white girl or if it's the tattoos or all of the above. Regardless, the people were warm and welcoming.

Then about half an hour outside of Battambang I started getting a little panicky because I thought I might have missed my stop. It's hard because Khmer language is a bunch of squiggles. Very pretty squiggles, but squiggles nonetheless that I don't understand.

I made it though, safe and sound. The hotel sent a lovely tuk tuk driver to pick me up. Mooni, not sure if that's how it's spelled, but it's pronounced, moon-ee. He's been the most welcoming person I've encountered. He's taking me out tomorrow to show me around and be my tour guide. I'm actually really looking forward to it. Because everyone else has been very unwelcoming.

I was reading in the lonely planet book and it was saying how the boat trip from siem reap is what lures people here (i'll be doing that in a few days, i'm going backwards!) but that the chilliness of the city is what keeps them from lingering. Not sure if they mean the people or the climate. It is cooler here, but so are the people. It just feels like a sad, lonely city. I'm glad i'm only staying here a few days and moving on quickly!

So, how do you combat homesickness.... well, I watched the remainder of Andre on HBO, this place has a tv. Then i went to an american owned cafe and had Cambodian red curry with pineapple and then retail therapy of course. I bought the first thing for myself. A little coin purse so I don't need to carry around my heavy wallet with me everywhere. And the little shop I bought it at, all the proceeds benefit woman empowerment. And we all know I'm all for that! :)