Bad Ass Bikers

After two hour minibus ride from the beach, we found ourselves in the sleepy river town of Kampot, another charming Khmer spot known for its quaint French architecture and the best pepper in the world! With only one full day to explore the town and the surrounding beaches, temples, and pepper plantations, we rented a scooter and 2 helmets and set out on the country roads.

First stop, the "crab market" in Kep (Kampot's beach side competitor) and filled up on fresh fruit shakes and amazing stir fried shrimp and noodles. From our table we could practically reach out and touch the women collecting crabs from their woven baskets bobbing in the sea. One of the best things about Cambodia (and presumably the rest of SE Asia) is the fruit shakes - made from blended mangoes, papayas, pineapples, bananas, and whatever else the fruit stand next door has and good ice - pure heaven for only $1. Needless to say, we aren't sure how we will manage without once we leave.

Next stop, pepper plantations. We drove down a dirt road, stopped at a random house and followed the owner to his pepper farm. One plant produces green, red, and white pepper and since we both have a thing for this spice it was fascinating to see how it grows and is cultivated. At one point, all of the finest French restaurants in Paris were never without Kampot pepper on the table. We bought enough to share and hopefully it lives up to its reputation.

Third stop, a Buddhist temple set inside of caves in the bottom of a karst.

Fourth stop, got some welding done to the suspension of the motorbike for a whopping $1.25.

Last stop, back to the crab market for another plate of delicious shrimps and one more fresh fruit shake.

$3 for a scooter, $5 for gas, 100 kilometers, and one successful day! Off to Nam after a wonderful time in Cambodia.