Travelfish correspondent Abigail Gilbert

Dragged up in the drizzly north of England, Abigail prefers sunnier climes these days. She’s been stoned by villagers in India, become an honorary Kenyan tribeswoman, sweet talked border guards and had close encounters with black mambas. After spending time in Africa, India, Nepal, Europe and South East Asia, Cambodia is the place that feels like home. Her motto is: “Live to tell the tale.”
Website: http://www.penhandink.com

Posts by Abigail Gilbert:

• Go slow with a cyclo in Phnom Penh

  First published: 09 Mar 2013
  

  Some forms of transport are inextricably linked with a particular place. Think yellow school buses in the United States, or a London black cab. Introduced to Phnom Penh streets in 1936, three-wheeler cyclos are recognisably Cambodian. They are still the vehicle of choice for women returning from the market with piles of groceries and older … read the full post

• Phnom Penh Night Market

  First published: 02 Mar 2013
  

  If there are two things dear to the heart of Phnom Penhites, it’s eating and shopping. Not always in that order but, if possible, at the same time. Which goes a long way to explaining the popularity of the weekend Night Market on Phnom Penh’s riverside. Throw in some loud music and a chance to … read the full post

• Celebrity endorsements in Phnom Penh

  First published: 24 Feb 2013
  

  One of the joys of Southeast Asia is when the familiar jumps out at you from an unexpected source. Riding around Phnom Penh, I’ve realised how many celebrities are (unwittingly) lending their endorsement to hair and beauty salons, tailors and restaurants. Once noticed, it’s difficult not to get slightly obsessed about collecting examples. A consequence … read the full post

• Review: King Grand Suites Boutique Hotel II, Phnom Penh

  First published: 12 Feb 2013
  

  As Shakespeare once said, ”Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.” Phnom Penh‘s King Grand Suites Boutique Hotel II, to give its full moniker, most certainly has aspirations in that direction. Its large rooms and warm welcome are perfectly located on a quiet thoroughfare that still manages to be … read the full post

• King Father’s funeral weekend

  First published: 05 Feb 2013
  

  It’s been an historical weekend in Phnom Penh, as the King Father, former King Norodom Sihanouk, was finally laid to rest. Many of the rumoured 2 million mourners stayed at home and got a better view on the TV, but the streets were still full of Cambodians and a few Westerners dressed in sombre black … read the full post

• Photos: King Father’s funeral procession

  First published: 01 Feb 2013
  

  On the first day of the former King Sihanouk’s funeral weekend, a procession of 2,000 people led the King Father’s coffin on a six kilometre-route around Phnom Penh. The streets were lined with mourners in black and white, who watched as the cortege made its way from the Royal Palace, via Wat Phnom and the … read the full post

• Review: Beirut Resto-Cafe, Phnom Penh

  First published: 29 Jan 2013
  

  If you’re travelling around Asia for a while, the time comes when fish sauce, rice and curries lose their novelty, and your mouth starts craving new taste sensations. Fortunately, Phnom Penh has a world of cuisine available at reasonable prices, so there’s no need to tame your tongue. Near the Post Office Square at the … read the full post

• A classic big night out in Phnom Penh

  First published: 26 Jan 2013
  

  There’s nothing I find more satisfying than showing off my chosen city of Phnom Penh to friends from the old country. I get to see my favourite haunts with fresh eyes and revisit the differences which have become commonplace. And I get to answer questions like, “What is a classic Phnom Penh night out?” So, … read the full post

• Review: Pillar Hotel, Phnom Penh

  First published: 22 Jan 2013
  

  On the northern end of riverside, a two-minute stroll from the historical Post Office area of Phnom Penh, Pillar Hotel provides comfort and great panoramas from 11 generously sized rooms. The only drawback is the stairs workout on your way up — the price you pay for a good view! Within easy walking distance of … read the full post

• King Father’s funeral: What to expect

  First published: 16 Jan 2013
  

  Cambodia has been slightly subdued since the death of the beloved King Father Norodom Sihanouk in October 2012. The initial quiet intensity saw thousands of visitors burning candles outside the Royal Palace, rolling documentaries on television and a flurry of Facebook posts. Nearly three months later, mini-buses from the countryside, full of white and black … read the full post