On Monday I was in the Royal Palace with Ann catching monks sitting under a tree ready and willing to take part in my photo.

Monday afternoon I was travelling back to Kampong Speu for a couple of days.

Thursday meeting with all POE and DOE staff to evaluate the last year's education in Kampong Speu - pleased to say there has been an improvement at all levels - great news.

Thursday afternoon- down to Kampot for a night to finalize plans for K&K.

Friday morning planning meeting and in the afternoon back to PP for 2 nights before going to Kampong Chhnang tomorrow for a conference on AOPs.

After all that travelling I felt I deserved a little treat so this morning I went round to my favourite hair and nail place and got my nails done.

While I was sitting there indulging myself a man walked in. Shaved head, white, tattoos and a look on his face that made me think "oh no, please be polite, it is not their fault we can't speak Khmer"

He opened his mouth to demand /ask something and out came faultless Khmer in a very quiet voice. I haven't a clue what he wanted but at the end of the conversation he said Ah Kon (Thank you) smiled and left. The lovely couple who were doing their best to make me look better smiled at me and said "good Khmer" in a very surprised voice, I nodded and felt stupid that I have so little Khmer.

Yet again I have been reminded that you should never ever judge by appearances - the last guy that I saw just walk into a shop and demand something looked like a respectable business man - this one didn't. The first was rude and made me feel very uncomfortable, today I just wanted to smile as did those in the nail and hair salon.