So our time in Cambodia has come to an end, it's been emotional but a lot of fun. New Year's Eve was a blast, partying on the beach with other people we have met on our travels. We didn't think much of the beaches in Sihanoukville but Koh Rong made up for what it was lacking, what a beautiful place.

Phnom Penh was a learning experience for us, neither of us new much about the Khmer Rouge. S21 was a difficult visit, it was very upsetting to hear what went on and the pain people suffered for no reason at all. It is hard to imagine that this happened not that long ago, how can people be so cruel!? Now we new about the history it stayed in the back of our minds to the next places we traveled to in Cambodia. Wondering how that place was affected. You definitely notice a generation missing, although not so much in the rural areas. And you see plenty of amputees from the masses of land mines that were planted. It's sad that you can still see the affect its had even today.

We perceive Cambodia to still be a developing country especially compared to its neighbour Thailand. People live in wooden huts on stilts, and there is such a divide between the rich and the poor. It's good to see there are many projects going on, like restaurants where they employ kids from disadvantaged backgrounds, music bands where the musicians have a disability, either caused from the Khmer Rouge period or other, and massage parlors where the masseuses are blind. We went to many of these places, and the service was always amazing, well worth the money. Although Pete's massage was a painful experience for him, he still has nightmares about it.

It wasn't all doom and gloom though, we had a lot of fun riding the bamboo train (completely not what we were expecting), quad biking and trekking. We managed to leave the tourist route and had a chance to see what rural life was really like, it really is the simple life. No electricity, running water and yes it does mean going to the toilet in a bush!

Our highlight was probably the trek we did, it was so much fun, we slept in hammocks under the stars and ate some amazing food. Talking of food, Cambodia has some amazing dishes, our firm favourites being Lok Lak and Amok, oh and the deep fried, fried eggs!!!!

The country is developing at an alarming rate, we are glad we came when we did, in a few years time some of the places in our opinion will be ruined. You hear of casinos being built in national parks, you see the beach resort that are already crowded, but still they continue to build.

If anyone asks us what we liked about the country, it's a simple answer, the people. They are so friendly and keen to help where they can. It took a bit of getting use to as in India if someone is being over friendly there is always a reason behind it. And the children, they are adorable, always running after you to say hello, or to give you little gifts like flowers. One picture that does stick in our minds is the women's fashion, they all (well the majority) wear pyjamas all day everyday, it's was kind of entertaining to see. We wondered if they new they were pyjamas?!

We have thoroughly enjoyed our time in Cambodia, and maybe one day we will return.