My last night in Pailin and I spent it in a karaoke bar just outside Pailin with the girls. Yes I did say KARAOKE. I had asked them out and they suggested Lucky, so of course I said yes. The meal had been lovely, in an open air room at the front of what looked like an ordinary Cambodian house. While we were eating the electricity went so they all just took out their phones and carried on cooking, chatting and generally ignoring the fact we were now in the dark. When we finished eating one of them said, "did I want to see ......," so of course I said yes. I really must learn Khmer, as she must have said KTV!! It was actually good fun watching them and of course not only can't I sing - I can't speak let alone read Khmer. They have given me a Sampot and a scarf. Vi made me a Christmas decoration - a paper tree that she has folded beautifully. It was as close to the perfect end of my stay in Pailin as I could wish for. (When unpacking in the hotel I realized that my paper tree has fallen out - really upset but luckily she also folded me an excellent basket that will survive the journey home with Kathryn)

Well, my lovely landlord has worked his usual magic and has organised things already so: Sydney has been tied to the back of a taxi van, my entire household goods are in the back of a van with no label (just a tel number on a scrap piece of paper) I am on a local bus and we are all going to Phnom Penh. I think Sydney has the most space as the bus is crowded (especially in the luggage department - the usual boxes, bags and deadstock) The conductor has just tried to put my suitcase in front of me - luckily it did not fit. It is now at the back of the bus somewhere. Just spotted it, it is being used as a seat in the aisle!

I only have a third of 2 seats but it is still more comfortable than most taxis. Mind you the child who is sharing my seat may well try my patience.

The women behind me has just wobbled my bingo wing and laughed. She just put out her hand and wobbled my bingo wing!! We then had a chat, I think they wanted my age - which I gave. They laughed again and showed their arms which I must say look better than mine. I must learn Khmer!!

Ok so once a teacher always a teacher - child now knows how to draw on an Ipad!! About to teach him to write. I love teaching he worked out how to delete by watching me, discovered symbols that I didn't know were there and generally was a delight.

Journey was longer than a taxi would have been but I had leg room and could stand up. It was quiet and a very good journey.

Friday - just been to the office. Sydney and my household goods were there waiting for me!! The scrap piece of paper system works.