I really wasn't looking forward to the six hour bus journey from Siem Reap back to Phnom Penh. Even though it was supposed to be on a 'VIP Limousine Bus', in reality, that could mean anything here! Also, those of you who know me, will be aware of my travel sickness, usually brought on by coach travel, or Sal's Dad's driving!
I needn't have worried, as it was a very comfortable trip! Our driver collected us from the hotel, and dropped us at the bus-station, so close to our bus I thought he was actually going to drive us up the coach steps!
We had the front seats, right near the TV showing 'karaoke' videos! I serenaded Sal with Boyzone's 'When you say nothing at all', '...you saayy it bessstt...!', come on, join in everyone! Sal wasn't keen, surprisingly!
She WAS keen on another 'snack in a box', generously provided by the Mekong Express Bus Company, the snazzy little carton (which Sal saved, naturally) contained a meat pie (no idea what meat) and a sweet bun, nice! Sal got chatting to an American lady who'd lived in Cambodia for 15 years, and worked for a charity. She confirmed our own observations, based on the contrasts between Cambodia and Vietnam, that Cambodia is light-years behind other SE Asian countries, in terms of development, health, education, etc. Mostly as a result of the Khmer Rouge years, but not helped currently by endemic corruption. Very depressing, again.
Armed with my trusty wrist-bands (they DO work!) I stayed nausea-free, and watched rural Cambodia pass by, and arrived reasonably fresh in PP six hours later. We dropped our gear and went to a restaurant which took kids off the streets and provided training and employment, it was a win/win, 'cos we had a great meal, and did a bit for charidee, mates!