First Night in Phnom Penh

On our first night in Phnom Penh, we took a cruise on the Mekong River. The Mekong is usually associated with Vietnam in the minds of Americans, but the river actually runs through the length of Cambodia before turning into Vietnam and fanning out into the well-known Mekong Delta.

After my first day of work, we left with several of my new colleagues to meet our boat on the waterfront. A group of Embassy staff had rented the boat as part of a farewell party for the person I was replacing (Shirley), and they graciously included Jeremy and me in the celebration.

The table on the top deck was laden with food – pizza, roasted chicken, peanuts, chicken skewers, fried dumplings, burgers, and spring rolls – and drink – beer, wine, and soda. We introduced ourselves around the boat and then dug into the grub. The group kept teasing Shirley to try some of the chicken, which was a whole bird complete with head and feet. Shirley, who is a vegetarian, grimaced in disgust.

Jeremy and I were entranced by the picturesque views of Phnom Penh, which included the Royal Palace and multiple Buddhist temples. We were also treated to a beautiful sunset.

As the night drew on and the alcohol kept flowing, we moved down to the middle deck for some karaoke. My new boss entertained us with a Spanish number, and then Jeremy took over the mic for an 80’s hit. The rest of us obliged by dancing along.

By that time, the boat had returned to the dock and we said our goodbyes. Jeremy and I chuckled all the way home thinking about this fabulous introduction to Phnom Penh and the fun we would have with this group of people over the next two years.

Update:
Although I didn't have my camera, I was able to get these pictures from someone else: