Well yesterday we made it across the border into Thailand. This was a bit of a struggle as Georgie, Janie and I were all sick - poor Georgie being the worst with stomache problems and really run down. Janie was recovering from the same problems. For me the main issue is bronchitis, brought on by a cold and allergic reaction to pollution in Saigon and Phnom Penh. I went to see the doctor yesterday and I am now coming good - should be even better when we get out of Bangkok as the air here is unbelievably bad. With the rushed schedule and feeling sick it has been difficult to keep up with the blogs - by the time I uploaded a few photos (which could take hours) I just didn't have the energy.

Hopefully everyone will recover over the next few days as the pace from here on in is much more sedate compared to long travel though Cambodia - for example 7 hours on a boat from Siem Reap to Battambang, then seven hours on a bus to Bangkok the next day. No complaints though - even with a few setbacks this trip has been fantastic.

We all loved Cambodia, despite the poverty and the rubbish (there are plastic bags everywhere). I have mentioned the continuing political difficulties there and corruption is endemic. If you want the police to help you, you have to pay. We were also told that if anyone voices dissent they are arrested on trumped up charges, or simply dissapear. You have to remember that many of the people now working in the Government, army and police were previously Khmer Rouge - almost all of them were given immunity so the rest of the population just have to live with them.

There does appear to be hope for the future though - it is hard not to feel positive when you see so many happy laughing children everywhere. Thanks to the KR and a high birth rate about 50% of the population is under 18. And the little kids are just georgeous - they always smile and wave. People believe that tourism is not only the answer to some of the economic problems, but will also make it harder for any further problems with the government, who they still fear. Hopefully greater worldwide awareness will help.

Now we are in Thailand things seemquite different. While people are still friendly some are obviously more jaded with tourists, and the children definitely are not as enthusiastic. Anyway got to go and get some breakfast - life at the Hilton is tough!

Shane