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Walker's Travels in Scandinavia 2017 and others
26 degC, 91% humidity, cloudy We were up at 6am for a leisurely breakfast of the usual stuff before heading off at 8am on the bikes. We have approx 37km to ride to the border, with one drink stop along the way. Our first non-drink stop, at the 10km mark, was at a Buddhist temple/Ordination Hall with a meeting hall next to it. Another 15km on we stopped for a drink. Mark had a flat about 1km from the drink stop which held up the truck with the drinks, but it wasn't for long. We had a another temple stop, Tang Me Temple before our final stop at 37km. This was where we removed our saddles and pedals, put the bikes on the back of the truck, jumped in the bus and drove for about an hour to the border. When we say "we" we really mean the guides and mechanics did all the work while the rest of us relaxed! We stopped next to a watermelon and pineapple wholesaler and the guides bought a pineapple for us all to share. It was really juicy and very sweet. At the Thai border the process was pretty simple; provide your passport and completed departure card, and you are done. Getting into Cambodia was not too complicated but involved obtaining a visa first (USD35), and if you didn't have a photo another USD5 for them to use the photo from your passport. There was another USD3 for tourism tax or some such thing. USB handled all the entry requirements while we had lunch! After lunch we had our bikes fitted with saddles and pedals, had a short brief and were on our way. We were straight into it - up hill for about 4km, just when you thought you were at the top, there was another rise. The downhill was fun but there were two more climbs to come. Whilst they were not real hills, they were the first for this tour and really tested the legs. The two Germans are finding it really difficult riding on two fronts - the heat and subsequently the hills. We had another water stop at a park where there are six golden horses and a statue of a 16th century King on a horse. This stop was half way up another hill but it wasn't too difficult and we were soon at the hotel - Memoria Palace Resort. It is quite rustic in appearance but the rooms are fantastic. We had 30 mins to shower and change before heading off in the van to Yat Mountain which is basically a temple on top of a hill. We had to climb a number of stairs to get to the top and after the tougher than usual cycle day it was a struggle. There was a huge statue of a Buddha at the top which was quite spectacular. After descending we visited Grandma Yat temple. Apparently this area is matriarchal and one must pay their respects to Grandma. Everyone else wanted to visit an ATM in the hope of acquiring some Cambodian Rial to spend over the next week or so. Long story short - the ATM only gave USD only no one realised this fact till a lot of failed attempts. Finally they all had some money and we were able to return to the hotel for a pre-dinner drink, and then dinner. After a short brief about tomorrow's itinerary, it was back to the room for another shower, teeth brushing and bed.
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Tinkie Hi Wens and Greg. Great following your progress. Such a contrast to your usual team cycling at home!!! I'm home for 2 days to sort stuff here. Dad in rehab in Can. Slowly progressing. Anaesth. affected him badly. Stay safe and have fun. Love and prayers. MumT and DadR