Siem Reap: A reckless solo trip?

The story that I have wanted to tell the whole world for so long. I guess this is the time. It's not a typical travel itinerary post. You can find that elsewhere. *wink*

I never considered myself as someone brave enough to defy the odds, according to Sandra's book of life. I rationalize by choosing options deemed safe to avoid trouble. Well, the adrenaline in me pumped up that I decided to go for a solo trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia in July 2017. I was in a conundrum with my career during the time; hence, I needed to hit the refresh button.

Ever since I studied about Angkor Wat in my Sejarah (History) textbook during high school over 10 years ago, Siem Reap has made it to my travel bucket list. I stood flabbergasted at the sight of the amazing architectures of the temples, influenced by both Hinduism and Buddhism. Some parts of the temples were damaged after the Cambodian Civil War. Being on Tonle Sap river, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia excites me! This interesting fact, I studied in Geografi (Geography) back in high school too! Well, I guess I took my study seriously. *wink*

Well, the trip went not as smooth as it seemed. Firstly, a day before my flight to Siem Reap, I realized that my passport was not with me in KL. I absentmindedly left my passport back at my hometown, Miri. Genius! I told myself that this might be the sign that I should not proceed with this solo trip. Thankfully, I got my passport that morning the day I supposed to fly through my sister's contact, apparently my high school senior. Small world indeed!

Wait, it did not end there.

The trip was for 5D4N. It was too long for a solo trip, particularly in Siem Reap. 4D3N should be sufficient - solo or not. On the third day, I lost one USD100 note (approx. MYR430-ish). It is a fortune! You must be thinking, why USD? Due to the value difference between KHR and USD, touristy areas in Cambodia, such as Siem Reap, inclined more to the usage of USD. At first, I thought it would be dirt-cheap travel. An erroneous assumption, I posited.

Back to the story where I lost my USD100 note: It was stolen in plain sight! It happened when I was trying to haggle the souvenirs' price with the two local lady sellers. When I paid for my items, they both decided to be "helpful" by pretending to count my USD and KHR notes that I had in my purse while I was holding it tightly. I was not familiar with paying with both USD and KHR simultaneously. KHR notes are usually used to top up the USD notes. I could not figure out how this works.

To be honest, I was not keen on purchasing those souvenirs as I had bought enough from other local vendors and also from the local small kids who expertise in guilt-tripping tourists. However, that time I felt another two more items would not hurt. The citizens are mostly living in poverty. Probably, this hit my soft spot for the two ladies who had one baby on the traditional baby swing (the kain sarong type) at the back of the hut.

I happened to realize my one and only USD100 note was missing when I returned to the backpackers' budget hostel where I stayed for the trip - intended to count my cash for the next two days. That is my travelling habit, and I usually do not spend more than what I have in hand. Budget travel, my dear!

Quickly, I called my tuk-tuk driver, Rasy, and he took me back to those ladies. By the time we arrived, they have shut their business operation for that evening, which was earlier than usual allegedly by other vendors. It was pretty suspicious, and this assured me that they robbed my money. Most of the other vendors within the vicinity were still operating, although it was 5.30 pm-ish when the whole place supposed to be closed by 6 pm. We were informed that these ladies bought a few cans of beers, which they barely afford on regular days. Time to celebrate, I supposed?

Caught up in devastation and anger, I managed not to scream nor cry to vent my exasperation. On the other hand, Rasy could see past through me. Not only was I alone in a foreign place, but also I lost the only money that I could use to pay Rasy. I knew that I could just withdraw cash from the ATM, but the conversion rate was higher compared to back in Malaysia. Plus, I did not want to lose more. ATM withdrawal was my last resort and not exactly an option. But it was an emergency! I tried to remain calm. To be honest, I just wanted to go home. My excitement for the trip has gone south.

I was only left with two options:

• Make a police report > My next remaining days would be going in and out of the police station. There goes my so-called soul-searching trip down the drain! The ladies would be in trouble. Earning from the little commissions from every item that they desperately could sell was their bread and butter. By reporting them to the authority would make their hardships worst.
• Move on > Just pretend that I made a charitable work and just enjoy the remaining days of my trip. Money can always be earned as I had decent pay from my job back then. Easy peasy!

Humanely, I chose the latter. Undoubtedly hard, but all thanks to Rasy, it was bearable. He is funny, warm, and his remarkable personality made him my good friend, translator, and motivator in a foreign country. Indirectly, he made me feel safe throughout my stay. Listening to his stories about his life from being a monk to an ex-monk was one of my favourites. He taught me life lessons that I would not trade for anything else. In his own words: 

"Don't look back at the past. Just focus on what you want to do now and move forward."

"Mistakes are not meant to be repeated but as a reference in making the next steps ahead."

 

Since I have not enough cash left to pay for his 5D4N tuk-tuk service, he told me not to pay for just pay him any amount that I still had left on the last day. I was astounded that he could give away his service or free! Taking advantage of this situation was unethical and unacceptable to me. I promised him that I would transfer the money via Western Union once I am back in Malaysia. His trust towards a stranger he met two days ago moved me. He took the chance of him being unpaid for the service he provided. How could he trust me?

If you need tuk-tuk service for your future trip to Siem Reap, you may contact him here: https://www.facebook.com/rasy.soun

I had a great laugh with Rasy on the last day he sent me off to the airport.

As soon as I stepped on my home ground, I transferred the money to Rasy with extra tips for his excellent service. I told him it was for his only son that he loves so dearly. Rasy imparted life lessons about "happiness is when you are grateful that you have enough even when it is little".

After the trip, I started to view life from another perspective. It seems like I hit the refresh button so hard. Was the trip a successful one? Not quite, but it was a precious one. All the lessons I obtained were crucial to polish the Sandra that you know now.

Will I go for another solo trip next? A BIG FAT NO. I learned that a solo trip is not my cup of coffee. I need someone with me to express my excitement. Plus, solo travel is not cheap. Travel in a group would be less expensive as transportation and accommodation costs could be shared.

Will I go to Siem Reap again? I had enough. It was beautiful, and thank you next! I have other places to check in my bucket list.

One thing remains a mystery: How did I lose my money in plain sight? How did those lady sellers manage to do that, if it was surely them?

Glad that I am back home in one piece.

What would you do if you were in my situation? Kindly drop your thoughts. I would like to wonder as well, what could it be if I took the road not taken?