Zipping around Phnom Penh.

Last night, in anticipation of yet another trip back to the city, thinking about the various errands I had to run, how I always seem to get suckered into paying more than the norm for moto rides and my continual depletion of funds, a lightbulb flashed in my head: Rent a bicycle! So, when I got off my 4-hour bus ride today, right next door to the bus station was a bike rental place, for only $1 a day.

Zipping around Phnom Penh is a lot of fun, especially if you're directionally challenged like me. I had to stop a lot to look at my map and even had to turn around a few times. It's a good thing that this particular capitol city is relatively small. You can go from one end to the other in about 30 minutes or less. But, since most sidewalks either don't exist or are crowded with parked motos, everyone pretty much has to drive on the main streets. With very little traffic regulation or driving laws, imagine the crazy fun (and some danger) I had going around the city. Only the major streets (which is about four of them) have street lights but all other streets, even if they are four-way have no lights at all so at any moment you may have to make a sudden stop because there may be too many cars coming at you while you try to cross the intersection. At one point, I banged into a moto and later also nearly got hit by a car. I pissed off a lot of drivers. All in all, good fun.

This is the first time I've really tried to navigate my way around with only a bike and it's satisfying to know that I can do it, albeit, in my own silly and time-consuming way. Even though I can get lost quite easily, I always find my way and if I can do so in the name of self-sufficiency, exercise and being environmentally conscientous, then it is well worth it.

This was a business trip for me so I am trying to enjoy it but not get too comfortable because I will return to Pursat tomorrow. Yeah it's rough to have to come to the city and enjoy delicious fries, proper omelettes and milkshakes.

After I checked into my guesthouse, returning to a place I had frequented on previous occasions before, I ended up sitting with some travelers, as they passed a joint around, sharing about their embassy frustrations of trying to leave Cambodia to go to China. I get offered marijuana often as it is both very cheap and accessible but alas, I have declined every time. I am making it a point to not smoke anything anymore, hoping to take this new habit with me when I go home. For my lungs, so I may continue to zip around on a bike in any city that I am in.

Jack Kerouac's On the Road is the choice read for this trip, as is my iPod. A book and music, essential traveling companions.

The country's recent inflation is depressing. Coming to the city used to cost 16,000 riel, now it's 20,000 ($5). Going back was 17,000 and now 28,000 ($7). But speaking of money, what's going on with the American dollar? What should I expect when I come back?

The Utah girls will be bringing me a package (assuming it will arrive in time) and my updated passport. I've never been so excited for Mormons before.

The sun sets over Kampuchea now and I'm off to visit my favorite bar.