Vicki arrived by bus yesterday with no problems - so anyone visiting there is no excuse. If Vicki can do it, so can you!! Last night we had a great BBQ. Vicki had bravely climbed on to the back of Marc and allowed me to drive her up and down the road. Having survived that, we decided the BBQ restaurant would be fine. This morning we got up early, went to the market and had brunch all by 9.00am. All this was on foot, walking after 10am in the sun is difficult. S...

Gillian and I want to see more of PP so we decided to be tourists for a day. Silk Island is, guess what, an island in the middle of the river that is famous for it's silk!! I was expecting the usual silk farm with shed full of women working on the looms, worms and silk. As usual I was wrong. The first surprise was the ferry, it was the one that takes the locals back and forth. It was a basic ferry that has a deck and nothing else. When we arrived at the “port...

As I have said this week is Khmer New Year. I am now in Battambang and in the Royal Hotel. I always feel this is where my Cambodian adventure started all those months ago so it is appropriate that I am here for part of New Year. Ways that I have seen people celebrate: 1. Fireworks 2. Water fights 3. Family parties 4. Beer and I suspect other alcohol 5. Loud teenagers 6. Music 7. Fairs 8. Markets - esp selling mattresses!! 9. Closed cafes (including my f...

Siem reap has a lot of shoe shops. I have bought one pair. Pat and Gwen have emptied the city of sandals!! We have enjoyed the shops, markets and restaurants. They have also managed to squeeze in a trip to see Angkor Wot. It is amazing how different a place can be when you see it with different people. When I was here before I saw museums, temples and wots. This time I have seen shops etc. So I can safely say that a visit to Siem Reap is worth it for most types ...

Tuesday - I arrived in Siem Reap for 4 days of R&R on Sunday. Gwen and Pat arrived on time and were in the hotel in time for dinner. They are now enjoying a shopping frenzy - even I have joined in and bought a pair of shoes for work. This week is Khmer New Year so decorations are going up every where - including the hotel swimming pool. It will be interesting to see how it is celebrated around town. I am celebrating by having my nails done, a facial and a c...