Lewie's birthday yesterday. Just stayed at Jasmine Lodge in morning, lots of people about wishing him happy birthday. Decided we would cycle to work today. Left with Dee and Naseem about 12 to get there for 1. 15km to village, the first two thirds of which are on long straight roads past farms and rice fields. As soon as we got onto these the rain started and was the heaviest rain we've seen here which is saying something! We had no choice but to keep cycling, we were absolutely drenched and could barely see an inch in front of us, fortunately the road is really quiet though. After half an hour in the pouring rain we spotted a small shop and ran in for cover to the amusement of the family who owned it. Sat with them for half an hour and had a good laugh - well as much as you can with us speaking only English and them only Khmer! Then headed up the big dirt road that leads to the really small bumpy road to the school. Both were pot holed, flooded, muddy and had constant array of farm animals running in front or beside us. Great fun though.
Spent the day planning the organic garden while the kids played, Lewie was constantly playing football with the boys while Tess went off with some girls to the village and met their families. After the heavy rain the sun came out and it was incredibly hot and very very steamy.
The ride back wasn't as bad as the way there but it does take a good hour and is hard work after a day farming in the sun - especially as there are no kids bikes here so Tess sits on the back of my bike - and the 'bikes' themselves only fit that description as they have two wheels, a chain and handle bars!
Back at the hostel all our friends there and the staff and owner plus his kids were there with a birthday cake for Lewie and party hats. Sang happy birthday, had cake and played for a bit then us three plus Joni, Jess, Louise and Naseem went down to the Market for dinner then to Temple for cocktails. It was quite late when we got there so it was busy with travellers out for a night out and was more pub/clubby than we'd seen it. The staff recognised us though and got us a seat then got the dj to play a really odd version of Happy Birthday. Definitely a birthday Lewie will never forget!

Cycled out again today