Happy New Year!!!! Today is officially Chinese New Year. It is explained as '"our Christmas''. The tradition brings with it an expectation that all families be together for New Years. No matter where you are in the country, the world, you are expected to make the pilgramage back to your hometown to spend the two weeks, or a month if you are richer, with your family. In China that meant 188 million train trips were trying to be booked the week I w...

It was a long and winding road, And it was hot and very dusty. And there was a border crossing with officials making the rules up with each person, and then there was a flat tire and sooo many cows on the road. It was the road to Cambodia - Bangkok to Siem Reap, via Poipet, on the 'scam bus". It was great.What a ride and what a long fun day - really. Was out standing on the corner in Bangkok at 7 am, fully packed and ready to go. Mini bus pulls up - lo...