Exploring Kep, More Crab, National Park

Having rented a motorbike the night before, we decided to use the rest of our rental day exploring what Kep had to offer. We began by going to a French run bakery for a croissant and an almond twist. Both delicious and washed down with a lime juice and coffee. Guess who had which drink?

Next we drove to a butterfly farm. The layout was good with a caterpillar section next to a huge aviary. The place seemed a little unkept but it is understandable as it is off season. The pathway hedges needed cutting and the walking loops looked like they needed some tlc. Robin found the boxes where the butterflies were hatching and lifted the latch to let 4 new butterflies fly out into their new home.

After, we drove a little further to the national park entrance. Keeping my promise to Robin, we were not going to do any hiking. Instead we drove the bike round the accessible route passing by a fire watch tower which we climbed up for the view.

Feeling hungry from our drive through the national park we went back to the crab market. Lunch was a spread of shrimp and crab tossed in chili, garlic, and salt. We also ordered some crab spring rolls and some fried morning glory for vegetable. We rolled ourselves out of the restaurant before stopping for a cold soda and a sit in some AC.

The bike had to be back by 5pm so we returned to the hostel. After a shower we went out of a light dinner of grilled chicken.

Robin had a go on the motorbike today. She did amazing going straight but struggles on turns. On one round bend she went too slow before quickly turning the throttle to compensate. She lost control and slipped off the side of the bike. Thankfully she was going slow and didn’t end up hurt from the fall at all. However, in trying to keep the bike off the floor to avoid us paying a fine the exhaust rested on her calf burning her. Once back at the guesthouse we patched her up with gauze, petroleum jelly, and medical tape. Tomorrow we will tape a plastic back to her leg to watertight the burn so she can still swim :(

-M