Firstly, sorry for orangutan again, but this is the only picture stored on this site under Cambodia and I need to upload some more pictures. We returned to the Royal Palace (legs safely hidden) and the Silver Pagoda, which comprised some exquisite buildings and lush gardens. Inside the pagoda the floor is carpeted with 5000 silver tiles weighing 1kg each and there is a life-sized Buddha made of solid gold and decorated with 9584 diamonds, the largest weighing 25 carats. There was lots of activity due to the upcoming coronation of the new king, which we may well get to see, if things work out. Following this we headed to the Mekong Restaurant which shows a documentary on the recent history of the country - more on that later. There seems to be an abundance of monks here, or maybe they just stand out in their striking saffron robes. They are on motorcycles, wandering the streets and even topping up their credit in the mobile phone shops, which to me seems quite incongruous yet somehow very reassuring. I am still really enjoying this country and culture and I'm not surprised that in the past it was nicknamed the smiling country, although it can sometimes be off putting as you wonder whether they are actually laughing AT you. Hope everyone is well. Lots of love S xx