Since our weekdays are so jam-packed at work, we aim to get out every weekend to get some fresh air because we believe that taking mini breaks could boost our mental wellness.
Pools are undoubtedly a fantastic way for us to have fun, exercise, and cool off. So, we made our way to Balé Phnom Penh. The Balé Phnom Penh is a unique and elegant place for a staycation or short getaway away from the city’s hustle and bustle. It’s an hour from the city centre, but you feel as if you have traveled to another province. The resort is located on the banks of the majestic Mekong River, with breathtaking views across the glistening waters.
As soon as we arrived, we swept down a dramatic corridor, past a tranquil Buddha and along a sandstone walkway across a black-bottomed infinity pond. We noticed lemongrass, spider lilies, fragrant frangipani trees, and palm trees around the place.
At the resort, there were only 4 groups of people (each of 3) seated 5 meters apart, which is ideal social distance. In between splashes, we took pleasure in snacking by the pool, relaxing, soaking up some sun, catching up with family, reading a few interesting summer books, playing some games, or simply lounging by the riverside pool. The service and food were both good.
While we were there, we bumped into one of our former students from 2009. We talked for a while and caught up with each other – shared what we have been doing and warmed ourselves with memories. It was a pleasant encounter.
It was indeed a restful getaway! We were delighted and ecstatic.
It was a cloudless sunny Sunday with a brilliant light blue sky. Our wanderlust struck, and we decided to go on an adventure.
When I got home from work at around 12 noon, I immediately packed our stuff – sandwiches for lunch prepared by hubby, water, fresh green grapes, extra masks, and hand sanitizer. Then, we hopped into the car and drove away.
We planned to have our lunch when we arrived at our destination at the Chreav Waterfall. However, we took the wrong way and we got lost. It was already 1.30pm. We were starving and our stomachs were growling, so we opted to stop along the way to grab a bite. We ate our sandwiches beneath an old, huge tree while enjoying the shade as well as the sun and looking through the beautiful countryside. We could see the top of Udong in the distance, ancient capital of Cambodia and burial site of kings, as well as a tranquil pagoda standing by the side of a nearby lake.
After that, we continued our journey. It was 3pm already and we still hadn’t arrived at our destination yet. We realized we were heading in the wrong direction again. We drove back until we reached the road’s Y intersection. Then we turned right onto the road and eventually came to a dirt road. We couldn’t wait to get there. However, we were unable to drive quickly due to the steep, rough and muddy roads. We arrived after four-and-a-half-hour travel that was meant to take two hours.
We continued to ascend, but we had no idea how close we were to the entrance. We decided to stop in the middle of the way and exited the car, stretching our legs and arms. The air was crisp and fresh. My husband lit a cigarette as we gazed at the surrounding forests, which went far beyond what our eyes could track, where birds swooped, spun, spiraled, and dived across the air. Our son walked around searching for some spiders and our driver gobbled up his sandwich lunch. We were completely cut off from the rest of the world – no access to Wi-Fi, mobile connection and GPS, no houses in sight. We felt like we ended out in the middle of nowhere.
It was 5.10pm when we reached the entrance. We pulled up to the side of the road and stepped out of the car. A woman and three small children approached us if we wanted anything to eat. We kindly declined their offer. Then we hiked up for 15 minutes to see the waterfalls. We saw some folks along the way who were drenched and carrying their picnic supplies as they made their way home. As we went further, we saw a woman in her fifties burning a hill-like pile of plastic. It was smelly and terrible.
We continued hiking even though there was no proper trail to the waterfall till we came to a rocky plateau with flowing water and decided to stop. We lingered there for a few moments, taking in the sights. It was breathtaking. The area was lush with greenery and serene, with sweet natural bird and cricket melodies filling the air. When you’re up in the mountains, everything seems to be better.
It was 5.45pm and it was time to go home. We walked back down to the base and jumped into the car and drove off. Along the way, we spied some cool and interesting looking fruits. We made a quick stop and examined the fruits closely. From a distance, it looked like a rambutan fruit to me, but it wasn’t. It was soft and smooth.
As soon as we arrived at the village, the sun was descending gorgeously towards the horizon. We made another quick stop, snapped a few photos of the stunning scenery, and relished the time.
As darkness crept over the horizon, the surrounding was very quiet. Everyone in the countryside was in their homes. Every moment was filled with wild mystery and serenity. The moonlight blew about and danced in the breeze and thousands of pinpricks of chilly light were strewn across the deep blue canopy. As the air cooled, we rolled down the windows. My husband pointed his eyes towards the horizon. I followed his gaze and he held my hand. “It’s glorious, isn’t it?” he said.
We arrived home at 9.30 p.m. after a nine-hour drive. It was fun and we once again blazed our own path and went beyond the usual. Never cease to be enthralled by something. Never stop seeking out new experiences. Indeed, every unknown road leads to an adventure that allows you to discover new horizons. Cheers to those who dwell on a higher plane and to those who live in the happy life.
Little Lilly Meets the World 