It’s been eight months since I left my teaching life in Siem Reap. I didn’t think I’d return so quickly but as I’m Vietnam it would seem rude not pop across the border. The thought of returning has prompted me to think about all my regular haunts and some of the things I miss about living in Siem Reap, that I hope haven’t changed. In no particular order:

1. Happy Hour at the Victoria Angkor Hotel. Fancy hotel, 50% off all drinks with free canapes for two hours between 5 and 7pm. Also known as a glass or two of sparkling wine for $3 and dinner for Simone! The biggest event is on Friday nights but a more subdued version is served up every single night (perfect for those of us who have to work until 8pm every night).

2. Teaching gorgeous Cambodian students. Even the teenagers are eager to learn!

3. Psar Polanka – I had a meat lady where I bought pork, a poultry lady where I bought chicken, a couple of vegetable ladies and a few fruit ladies where I bought mangoes, bananas and pineapples. It’s probably all free range and organic (without the certification) too. Or covered in fly spray. One or the other.

4. Happy Hour at the Park Hyatt Bakery. The Glasshouse deli and bakery attached to this five star hotel has 50% off everything between 6 and 7pm every night of the week. They add tax and a service charge after the discount but it’s still a good deal for the best loaf of bread in town.

5. Mango and cashew nut smoothies at Common Ground – an expensive $3 but so amazing. It’s good for you (vitamin C and iron) but kind of tastes like drinking liquid cake. The best smoothie I’ve ever had.

6. Foot massages at Magical Massage. For a cool $5 an hour I get one of the best foot massages in Siem Reap. They actually work on muscles instead of just rubbing your shin bone. Most of the time.

7. Burgers at Rosy Guesthouse – Let’s face it – noodles and rice aren’t really known for their high iron content. So I’d head to Rosy’s for a medicinal burger.

8. Amok Fish at the River Garden. Best amok in town. Actually, all the food there is good, as well as the super smiley friendly staff. And the pool. Also, their lemongrass martinis. Especially when it’s 2-4-1 on the weekend.

9. Jazz at the Heritage Suites on a Thursday night. Half price cocktails, of course (my moto is never pay full price).

10. Cycling my green ladies shopper bike all over, and out of, town. Slow moving traffic makes life easy.

11. And, of course, all the people I met and the friends I made. See you soon!