We'd booked a bus to Kampot at 12pm today so we got up early to have breakfast before checking out. The hotel owner got us a tuk-tuk to take us to the bus station and negotiated with the driver for us so that we only paid $1 which is the standard fare but they always try to get more out of you.

Our bus looked a bit shabby but was actually OK. there were a lot of families on board, probably heading to the coast for the New Year celebrations this weekend. The journey took about 4 and a half hours and when we arrived in Kampot we were greeted by lots of tuk-tuk drivers desperate to take us to the guesthouse they were working for (they get money for taking tourists to that particular guesthouse). We knew that the street with a lot of guesthouses on was a short walk away, so we politely said no thank you to them all and started walking in what we hoped was the right direction!

Five minutes later we got to the street and had stopped to look at the sign outside one guesthouse called 'The Magic Sponge'! This took me back to my childhood when every little injury could be cured with the magic sponge or magic flannel! Just then, the manager came walking over to us and introduced himself. We said we were looking for a double room and he showed us 2 that he had available. We decided to take one, even though it was a little more expensive than some of the others - it was still only £8 a night! The place looked modern and tere were a lot of friendly people sat at the bar, so that was enough for us.

After writing down our details, the next thign he asked us was 'would you like a beer?' - OK then, you've twisted my arm! We ended up staying there at the bar all night chatting to the other guests - Johannis and Jolande from Holland, Elisabeth and Dominic from French Canada, and we were later joined by Eric and Ashling from Ireland. We all ate at the bar/restaurant and had a really good night together. I think we're going to like it here...

*The photo on this entry is the drink that Johannis ordered - he said he wanted a Whisky with one piece of ice...and that's what he got!!