Attack of the Giant Crab!

After our hectic week of weddings, temples and the heart break of the killing fields we decided we needed a few chilled days and a chance to indulge in some seafood. Kep (sur mer) seemed to be the perfect getaway. We secured a good deal in a fantastic little resort called Spring Valley, minutes walk from the beach but surrounded by a lush garden.

However our journey there was an adventure, we had booked the VIP bus with free water, wifi and a hotel pick up. After our last journey we thought this might be better. Oh boy we were wrong! 30 mins after our collection time and 2 phone calls later a tuk tuk appeared to collect us with another passenger and his luggage. We sped to the ‘bus’ to be greeted by a small mini van with no water or wifi or enough luggage room or even a proper seat. Karen was perched on a fold out chair with her rucksack by her feet wedged between her and French man.

John, always looking after himself, had secured himself a proper seat and was being fed goodies by his fellow passenger. Every corner the bus took Karen’s chair took the corner too. The bus packed to the gunnels finally reached Kep. It was like a game of Jenga trying to get the bags out from under fellow passengers making their way to Kampot.

The journey was quickly forgotten when we reached the oasis of Spring Valley. Channey greeted us with a warm smile and a refreshing welcome drink. A day chilling by the beautiful pool was required.

Kep is an old French colonial sea side town which was destroyed by war but rebuilding itself. There are still several shells of beautiful colonial houses but many new resorts and guest houses, Kep is bouncing back.

Seaweed Farmers of Kep

Spot the real monkey!

Our visit consisted of a few lazy days of blog writing but we did manage a few long walks along the beach and thru the national park. Sampling crab with Kampot pepper sauce from a local restaurant was yum and great fun when we had to ask for a lesson on how to eat the crab!

How do we eat this?

Carefully!

We enjoyed the sunset at the sailing club even if the beers were pricey the view was fantastic. We took full advantage capturing great photos, using their free wifi and eating all the peanuts.

Guess who!

Our highlight was the street food night at Spring Valley, this was a Saturday night tradition. The little resort was transformed into avenues of street food. We were greeted by out friend Channey with a sugar cane cocktail, which we could sip while we sampled the delicious food from the stalls. Our favourite was the dessert stall homemade coconut and chocolate cookies-yum.

We made many friends in Kep. There was Gordon Gecko and Freddy Frog who used to hang out, outside the room and Lizzie (a smaller Gecko) who kept us awake with her screams.

Gordon Gecko

Refreshed after a fantastic stay with the friendliest staff we were ready to see what Kampot had to offer.