So what do South Africans do when in LOCKDOWN in a foreign country, where no alcohol is being sold and the drinks at their Guesthouse are somewhat pricey.
Yes… That’s right… They track down and find a smous or shebeen!
So today, we decided to risk it and made our way rather tentatively, to the Cambodia Asian Bank (CAB) in a Tuk Tuk, for the balance of our quarantine deposit, which we were told we could claim back, 7 days after completing quarantine. We were quite surprised that the roads were quite busy considering the restrictions but we had all our documentation and passports with us (just in case we get stopped by the police).
We were unaware that Cambodia has a website called, “www.stopcovid.gov.kh” and an app where you have to scan in a QR code on your phone, before you can enter the bank (or any other shop or business establishment). This is quite awesome, as they can then backtrack anyone’s whereabouts, should they test positive. Unfortunately, you need a working Cambodian phone number and ours have both expired!
They were very helpful though. A lovely, friendly lady came out to check our documentation and after noting our arrival date into Cambodia, told us that the Ministry of Health has not yet issued deposit repayments for the date that we landed.
So note to self… Visit Smart to renew our Cambodian cell phone numbers before going back to the bank next week Tuesday (Monday being a public holiday)!
So a bit disheartened, but yet relieved, as we were not stopped or arrested for being on the roads during LOCKDOWN, we felt somewhat invincible!
So next stop… we took a chance and asked our awesome friendly Tuk Tuk driver “Pah”, if he knew of any alcohol being sold undercover during LOCKDOWN! A SMOUS! And he did! So all was not lost for the day…
We made it back safely to our Guesthouse and like two naughty children mixed vodka and juice in juice bottles to go and enjoy by the pool ,with the cheek of still asking the barman (a really nice guy named Henry), for two long glasses of ice!
Whoever said you cannot take South Africans anywhere, was so RIGHT!
As the famous saying goes, ‘n boer maak ‘n plan!
Check “Amethyst” relaxing in the pool with her “skelm” vodka and orange juice! And in the background “Pah” (our go to and partner in crime)…
And who says there are no tigers in Cambodia!
Note Lu Lu’s toy tiger in the background, strategically placed by Henry (the barman). Maybe his way of saying, “I’m watching you”!
Hope you enjoyed our adventure… We surely did!
