Here I am in Kampong Thom Province in the heart of Cambodia. The main city is spread along the main road between PP and Siem Reap. Not a pretty place but clean and full of friendly people.

I am here to evaluate the contribution of VSO to education within the region - which will be fun. Not sure I should be thinking about it as a fun activity but I am, as it will give me a chance to see more of the country and meet more people. I am here for three days and will interview about 20 people all together. That I think will be the biggest issue - working through a translator doing in-depth interviews.

Bunthorn and I spent all morning working through the questions making sure we had the same understanding of the meaning - words as we all know can mean different things to different people. Now I just hope we have the same understanding as the guy who wrote them. I did rewrite a few as I think I know what he meant but ........

I arrived here by bus. As I have said before these buses have a bad reputation and are generally avoided. However I disagree, as in my experience they are as clean as shared taxis and far more comfortable. You have your own numbered seat and leg room. I often wonder how anyone over 5 foot 3 manage in a taxi.

This evening was great as we had another Cambodian BBQ - prawns, squid, beef and a few vegetables (well you have too) all cooked on the table BBQ. Ate far too much but loved every mouthful.