Phnom Penh'd it like Beckham

Our bus set off and was a comfortable ride I assume, only waking when we reached the border. Clearing through we set off again and into new territories. First challenge, cash machines with new currencies - not realising to enter amounts in dollars we punched in the figure in Riel.. Gladly the machine was not inclined to withdraw the amount initially suggested.
After seeing the new countryside our bus caught a small car-boat over an impassable width of the Mekong Delta and soon thereafter arriving in Phnom Penh, not quite as chaotic it seemed and the offer of a $1 tuk to our hotel was gratefully accepted. On arrival the driver developed into a prospecting tour guide 'tomorrow i take you to killing fields?' which I declined 'come here tomorrow for you, why not?'
Checking in we had a quick drink at the hotel bars' happy hour, taking the opportunity to learn some Khmer before braving the city streets.
Heading along the riverfront to eat it was clear that we were spoilt for choice, and compared to before there was room to breathe.
Next day after having tracked down the tourism cambodia building for a map and info - and finding a travel company closed for the new year - we headed down the Quay again, further this time finding a set of small buildings comprising of firstly a small pagoda like building with a neon lotus pulsing frenetically, second a 'bandstand' with marimba like blocks and tuned gongs in the round then a drummer at the front.. A number of people sat silently in thoughtful prayer holding incense, and then just infront was a second small pagoda with a stream of people entering bearing gifts and offering prayers. Unsure of the deity or reason we took in the scene for a while before heading back.
We tried getting into the Royal Palace the next day and shocked by the $6 entry fee we almost gave up.. This choice was made for us however, as wearing a scarf over the shoulders isn't deemed appropriate compared to a top with a plunging neckline. We left instead of paying $2 for a shirt, unsure if we'd return. We took in the National Museum soon after and found far less trouble, only once being 'cooed' at for taking a picture in an area where it was forbidden!! Quite interesting, lots of carved stone statues and reliefs of Hindu and Buddhist mythology plus more dynastic relics and a small screen showing a 3D visualization of Angkor Wat. Another hotel guest described it as boring, though I could have happily spent a bit more time there.
We headed from there up to Phsar Themey the central market, full of clothes, trinkets and as much fruit meat and seafood as you could desire - if it wasn't for the flies, though in fairness it was built in the 30's on a landfill site..
Our next venture was down south toward the coast, aiming for a beach to the East of Sihanoukville called Ortres where we'd stay a few days then head back to go North..