Yesterday evening the deputy director of education asked if I would like to join him and his three sons (triplets, delightful boys of 8 years old) for dinner. It was great you couldn't ask for lovelier company. We went to a local Khmer restaurant and yet again I ate dishes that were delicious and this time I could identify them. Ginger and chicken, beef in a Cambodian sauce, veg (easily identified because they were raw) fish soup and of course rice. I was back in my room ready for bed by 9 so that I could Skype Vicki and be bright eyed and bushy tailed for the next morning. Those of you who are following my blog will be asking yourselves where was Bunthorn, Vannak and all the other men who must have been at the conference.

I wasn't told all the details but Bunthorn did not make it to breakfast and I believe beer was mentioned. He said he had a great time and that he loved his job!!

I would like to know was it my nationality, age or sex (or all three) that stopped them from asking if I would care to join them. Looking at it from another angle at least it saved me from thinking of an excuse so that I didn't have to join them because let's face it at my age ...........

The conference continued to be good and finished at 12 so I hopped on to a local bus to Battambang. I must say I was worried about the bus as I have heard:
1. They are all filthy, overcrowded and dangerous
2. Loud music blasts out all the time
3. Mothers over feed the dear delightful children - to keep them quiet - until they are sick.
4. Number 3 doesn't work and the children cry the whole way.
I am pleased to say that, although it wasn't exactly clean and there was a child who cried twice during the 2 hour journey; it was music and sick free, I had two seats to myself and the driver knew how to drive!! In fact except for the cleanliness a far more comfortable journey than any of the taxi rides I have had.

So here I am in the big city. The main reason I have decided to visit Battambang is that I actually have to go shopping as I am going to a wedding next weekend and I need a Cambodian skirt!!