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:

• Cambodia and Thailand: bus routes and joint visas

  First published: 13 Jan 2013
  

  Cambodia and Thailand have not always been the best of neighbours. In fact, they’ve often bad-mouthed each other to the rest of the local community, had arguments over quite where each of their gardens finish, and sometimes even had dust-ups in the street. Despite, or perhaps because of, much shared cultural history, feelings run deep. … read the full post

• Review: Java Cafe and Gallery, Phnom Penh

  First published: 07 Jan 2013
  

  Showing plenty of foresight, Java Cafe and Gallery has been open since 2000, well ahead of the curve which has seen a new coffee shop open almost every week in Phnom Penh recently. Java is centrally located just two minutes’ walk from the Independence Monument, with views over Sihanouk Boulevard park. We love the mid-price tasty … read the full post

• New Year’s Eve in Phnom Penh

  First published: 27 Dec 2012
  

  Although the official Khmer new year doesn’t start in Cambodia until April, Cambodians and expats love a party and there’s plenty of celebrations planned for Western New Year. From gala dinners to largin’ it DJs with a few fireworks thrown in, you won’t forget your New Year’s Eve to welcome in 2013 in Phnom Penh. … read the full post

• Phsar Toul Tom Poung (Russian Market), Phnom Penh

  First published: 22 Dec 2012
  

  Despite its English-language name, the one thing you can’t buy at Phnom Penh’s Phsar Toul Tom Poung is a Russian. But for almost everything else, this warren of stalls has it covered. The market became popular with foreigners in the 1980s when most of its visitors were Soviets, hence the name. Since then, it’s become a … read the full post

• Get lost in Phnom Penh’s Tonle Bassac

  First published: 20 Dec 2012
  

  It’s a surprise to find a quiet, low-rise area in the heart of rapidly developing Phnom Penh, but those in the know head for Tonle Bassac whenever they hit the city. Minutes from Independence Monument and a short ride from the Royal Palace and riverside, this small area has all you need for a relaxing stay. … read the full post

• Carols and Christmas dinners in Phnom Penh 2012

  First published: 15 Dec 2012
  

  If fish amok is not your idea of a traditional Christmas dinner, there are other alternatives in Phnom Penh over the holiday season. Although turkeys are not indigenous to Cambodia, several restaurants are offering a festive spread to ensure your tastebuds know it’s Christmas. Top it off with some carols and candles, and you’ll be … read the full post

• Visiting Koh Tonsay

  First published: 04 Dec 2012
  

  With some stiff competition in the beauty pageant of Cambodian islands, Koh Tonsay is the most easily accessible from the mainland and still under-developed enough for a proper castaway experience. With no motor vehicles, no mains electricity and few residents, welcome to the simple life. Only 20 minutes’ boat ride from Kep, Koh Tonsay (Rabbit … read the full post

• Christmas in Phnom Penh

  First published: 01 Dec 2012
  

  Being from the northern hemisphere, it used to be difficult for me to equate warm temperatures and bright sunshine with the festive period, but Christmas is growing in popularity in Phnom Penh. From the second week in December, Cambodians will wish you a Happy Merry Christmas. So forget “bah humbug!” — if you’ll be in … read the full post

• Phnom Penh’s Street 240 and a Half

  First published: 26 Nov 2012
  

  Street 240 is one of Phnom Penh‘s magnet streets for tourists and expats: a destination for eating, drinking and shopping away from the sweaty endurance event that is a Cambodian market. Tucked in an alleyway around a corner is a secret extension where you can find organic food, funky shopping and Japanese kitsch. Welcome to Street 240 … read the full post

• Review: Hotel Nine, Phnom Penh

  First published: 20 Nov 2012
  

  Just five minutes’ from the bustle of Independence Monument is the oasis of calm that is Hotel Nine. In best Phnom Penh boutique hotel style, owner Franco has revitalised one of the city’s villas and put it to good use reviving weary travellers. Almost hidden behind an epic bougainvillea, the white-painted hotel does its best to enforce relaxation. There’s … read the full post