Mad dogs and English men go out in the midday sun - I am a woman so I don't!! This morning I explored Pailin to find basics for the house, like almost everywhere I have been it is nothing like I was led to believe. The market is so much nicer than PP's as it is local and not full of toot for the tourists!! I bought a wok, saucepan, 2 spoons, 2 forks, a lethal looking knife, chopping board, 3 containers and a couple of plates all for $12!! I expect I was done but they got me a seat and a fan! I also arranged to have large water bottles so I do not have to cover the tap with cotton and boil my water for 15mins before filtering it.

The best thing is everyone talks to me - being blonde, European and 59 (yes I have been asked that before they ask my name!!) is a big advantage. A young mum just stopped and chatted, she was an English teacher and now works in the ministry of tourism (she offered to come to the market with me to get the things I needed but I resisted and did it myself). We exchanged e-mails and I really hope we will see each other again as she is a possible Khmer teacher for me.