Day 9 : Kampot

Like many new visitors to Kampot, we have been seduced by the little riverside town. It is a relaxed place with a hang-out-and-chill atmosphere. It's one of Cambodia's finest (yet rundown) ensembles of French Colonial architecture. Strolling the streets here evoke days long gone. Tree lined streets are filled with old french shop-houses now decrepit and faded. The main square and riverfront are revitalizing and spreading throughout town. We stayed at Orchid Guesthouse, after arriving with no reservations but a sense of the area we wanted to stay in.

Orchid Guesthouse is a series of shady little  bungalows in a garden setting with a thatched roof cafe and yes, A/C. Brian usually insists that that is his only request, and this time, with the 90 degree temps and 80% humidity....I agree.

Blissful Guesthouse, set across the street, was our usual hangout this stop. Blissful is run by a British expat from Manchester, a chef by trade and one hell of a past we couldn't quite get out of him. Skinny as a rail, one-toothed, tattoo covered and quiet as a mouse until everyone got "loosened up" on shots of pepper shots (a homemade brew of Vodka infused with the Famous Kampot peppercorns).

No famous Paris restaurant is worth its salt without the Kampot pepper. Almost all of Cambodia's pepper farms were destroyed by the Khmer Rouge who believed in growing only rice - not spice. Kampot pepper corns are making a powerful comeback though thanks to Eco-entrepreneurs and foodies who are passionate about the unique spice that has a delicate aroma yet packs a powerful punch. It is now only grown on small family farms in an area that possesses a unique climate combined with labor intensive growing techniques. its good. We were served up the shots from Raphael, a traveler from Montreal.