Day 14: Cambodia Last Day and Goodbye

Day 14:  Our last day together.  Hard to believe we've been doing this for 2 weeks and after today we all go our separate ways.  Davith, how about a bike trip to a marketplace and then a cooking class?

Amy, you have to change out of your pajamas to bike over dare

But I like these PJ's. 
Stylin' Fame

Better?  That was quick. 8:00 am butts on seats.

I like bikes to see a city.  This one was a bit bumpy at times and we all had to do some work.  Also, Davith's time estimations are definitely Cambodian time.  Our ride to the market he estimated at 20 minutes.  Double it.  It also took a little longer because we got stuck behind this family.

Look Mom, no hands or seatbelts or helmets or worries

Every country is similar but in different ways.  That makes no sense.  I mean all what we have is the same it's just different how we do it.  That also probably makes no sense.  Ok, here is what I'm trying to say.  This is Cambodia's Trader Joe's.  We both shop for groceries, but in different ways.

Trader Phams
The dairy aisle at Gelsons.
A, AA, AAA or any A.  Organic?

I bet you don't know what this is.  Take 3 guesses. Liquor Store?  Homeless fridge?  Musical bottles?

It's a gas station.  

I have an electric vehicle so I haven't been to a gas station in awhile.  But from what I remember, they look very different in the US.  They also have InstaCart here.


The Nike shoe store was really crowded.  
Any Air Jordans

Thanks Davith, a great stop at the marketplace.  Honestly, I am really inspired how hard the Cambodians work.  I bought a couple of oranges at the market and the woman was so nice and so appreciative.  I just see an ecosystem that works.  It's different, but it works.  Something to live by; something to learn from.  Next stop was a big surprise.  Had no idea, we'd visit a Monk. His name is Mr. Monk.


We learned that the monks don't just go to school to eat their lunch. They are a key fabric in the community. They offer guidance, education, and spirituality to the people. They're involved in everything from blessing new homes to being a part of important life events like weddings and funerals. They teach others about morality, meditation, and the teachings of Buddhism.

Our experience was just as magical. We bowed. Mr. Monk prayed for us. And showered us with water drops.

It's hot in here.  Thanks for the shower Mr. Monk

The Monk Cam

It was about a 3-5 minute short ceremony. But everyone can use a morning prayer in their lives. We all received a small bracelet for a token of his appreciation for the Mo-Phos supporting Mr. Monk (cash talks)


A Win - Win

Off to cooking class. Davith says it's only 10 minutes away. Yeah right. Fame, wrong bike.


We arrived at cooking class in just under 20 minutes after leaving Mr. Monk.  And we were greeted by the Owner, the Chef and the MC.  All very nice and funny women.  We clicked.  I'm hungry.  What's that banana crunchy welcome thing you girls are serving up?  I like this class already.

Mapha Stewart

Also, the class was just off of this really pretty lake.  Turtle Lake.  We took turns feeding the turtles in between course cooking.
Course 1: Spring Rolls


















Water down the rice cake; add spring; and roll baby roll


Course 2: Curry Stew

Master Student
Master Student's Wife

MasterBater.  I mean batter.




















No. I mean bater.

Course 3: Coconut Bananas

I am so fucking into cooking classes.  I know.  It sounds crazy.  This one may have even been better than the last one.  The people were amazing, and the final product was just as good if I do say so my damn self.  They served our 3 course lunch outside above the lake.

You guys rocked it.  Home run lunch.
Thank you Cambodia Cooking School

After lunch, the bus took us home.  Enough biking for one day.  And we all rested up for our last night together.  The Vespas again.  Fun, fun, fun.

Hold on Laura

First stop was the Infusion Bar to kick things off.  I like the way they start out the Vespa tours.  They know how to make their customers happy.   

Kiss me someone.  Anyone?  Bueller?

Amazing what a couple cocktails can do.  
Rob with his driver, Pham

Amy on the Pham Cam

Next stop the outdoor shopping market.  Our leader, Chong says that you can buy and eat fried insects on the street.  Mark hasn't stopped talking about eating fried insects since he sent in his trip deposit.  The time has come.  I've been debating to join the dare.  What the fuck.  When in Cambodia.  

"The Official Malkin Toast of The Fried Tarantulas"

Oh yes we did.  I had to.  I could not let Mark and Brad have a tarantula leg up on me.  Mark definitely embraced the moment and seemed to be enjoying his tarantula.  
Caught on video. 
Breathe. Swallow. Repeat.

Brad, not so much...
Tastes like chicken.  Rubbery burnt chicken.

Did some research on Tarantula tasting.  Just because it doesn't seem that normal to do this.  Well, it all started out of necessity during the harsh times under the Khmer Rouge regime, when food was scarce. People had to get creative. But it has evolved into a cultural experience. But not for the Rowans. Dan and Rob did not bite on the dare. They did not man up. Instead they decided to go ride bumper cars.

Men, Tarantulas or Bumper Cars?
Malkins: "Give us the beasts"
Rowans: "Give us the bumpers"

Meanwhile, Bethie was popping balloons with darts to win prizes for the neighborhood kids.

Her balloons at work 

Kids, pick a prize, any prize.

Next Vespa stop was dinner.  

The Last Meal

We all went around the table and shared our favorite memories.  How could you name just one?  But we all felt grateful just being together for the last 2 weeks.  It's been special.  One final legacy stop to put the icing on one hell of an amazing cake.

Our last ice cream.  Weep.  Weep.

Legacy:  He always bought dessert

I used to manage a Baskin Robbins and the best part about working at an ice cream store is everyone comes in and leaves happy.  And as the sun sets on this amazing trip, I can confirm that we all arrived, and we are leaving happy.  How could you not? Duh.

Thank you people of Cambodia.
It's been a spiritual awakening.

And thank you Mo-Phos.  Amy, your trip planning was amazing and I can't thank you enough for your time and effort.  And Mo-Phos, the memories we have made will never be lost.  They are etched in our memories and documented here.  Time flies when you're having fun.

Day 15:  Safe travels home. 

Wishing you all peace, love, and happiness always. 
Love, Jeff 
P.S. Ice cream anyone?
























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