Morning Departure
On September 1, I left a beautiful spot and began riding toward Phnom Penh, Cambodiaās largest city. At the edge of the special economic zone, I had breakfast. Since arriving in Cambodia, the flavor of coriander has become much stronger, but the meat dishes were still delicious.
The restroom stop was less pleasant. A kind guard told me I could flush everything, but the toilet didnāt work as expected. He ended up cleaning it with a smile, and I felt sorry yet grateful. With that, I prepared myself for the heat and set out again.
The Road and Its Sights
Unique buildings appeared along the road, the kind Iād never see in Japan. Yet on a bicycle, once you gain speed, itās hard to stop. That is one drawback of cycling travelāyou sometimes pass by places youād like to explore more deeply.
At the first rest stop, I noticed monuments decorated with snakes and elephants, symbols of respect. Being there in person imprinted it on my heart more than any photograph. It made me thinkāif I had taken more opportunities for field learning when I was younger, my interests might have grown even wider.
Encounters on the Way
I finally found a Sprite for about 100 yen. Soda in Southeast Asia is almost always Sprite or Coke. A man nearby wanted his photo taken, so I didāno worries about small things here.
As I rode further, I noticed many OPPO phones in use. I carry one too, so maybe it could be repaired easily here. Apple, on the other hand, was rareāsometimes only the name borrowed.
Stopping at a stall, I learned cigarettes cost about 105 yen. So cheap compared to Japan. I donāt smoke, but it made me realize again how different daily costs are. Meat dishes at stalls rarely disappoint.
One boy wanted to try on my festival jacket. It suited him perfectly. I also handed out anime stickers, and seeing him proudly place them in his notebook warmed my heart. We took a group photoāhe even wore a Demon Slayer shirt.
When I asked to use a restroom, the same boy guided me carefully, warning me about steps along the way. Such kindness touched me. Perhaps he will one day help another traveler, just as he helped me.
Rain and Shelter
The sky darkened, and heavy rain began. I took shelter at a stall. In Southeast Asia, Iāve slowly learned to sense when rain is near, but this time it didnāt stop.
By evening, the stall owner called a guesthouse manager for me. Yet the owner hesitatedāāWe donāt know much about foreigners, and it feels uncertain.ā And I understood. If a bearded stranger appeared in Japan asking for shelter, wouldnāt many feel uneasy too? Especially when news often carries stories of crime.
Still, I was deeply touched that he tried, making calls on my behalf. Finally, one guesthouse agreed. By the time I arrived, I was exhausted. That night, I simply lay down, grateful for all the people who helped me along the way.
