Well we left Phnom Pehn without any problems, we even arrived on schedule which was very suprisingly. I did like the fact we continued to pick up locals From random places along the road, but at least we had plenty of room. It was nice driving through the rural parts of Cambodia seeing all the workers farming their rice fields, I don't know how they did it by hand in this blistering heat!!

With the girls advice to stay in Tomato Guesthouse (a recommendation I too would make!!!) we stayed strong and firm with the tuk tuk drivers trying to change our minds. We checked into the friendly family run buisness and grabbed a quick bite to eat, which was fabulous too. Hana & I were craving some exploring time of this city, supposibly Cambodias second largest city. So we set off on foot to see what we could find, unfortunately Rachey had to return home still not feeling great but we marched off discussing how to get back to reality at home in the UK. It wasn't long before we feel in love with the city as we walked along the river that divided the city. We came to a big paved area where some guys had set up some rickety goal posts and were playing what looked like a 5-a-side tournement. The teams split by shoes & no shoes, kicking a wicker ball. What was cute on the otherside of the water fountain a kids tournements was playing too, so we sat down and watched which made a few show off a little. The light was dimming and the river sides were buzzing with people all busy doing things so we continued on our exploration. We saw a temple and decided to walk on through before realising it was actually a monk's school, and we didn't have our shoulders covered. However they let us wonder around while they continued their studies, we saw where they obviously lived and it was cute to see all their orange robes hung up on the washing lines. But we didn't want to over stay our welcome so we left quickly and headed back to the busy river. Again there were hundreds of stalls all selling interesting food from their little converted motorbike trailers. The smells were amazing and the sound of clattering as ladies tossed stirfrys around the woks. Crossing over the very busy bridge was a nightmare on foot the pavement wasn't designed for walkers, as the motorbikes with families riding them whizzed past us. On the other side we were excited to see lots and lots of aerobic classes taking place along the boardwalk. Hundreds of Cambodian ladies had kitted themselves out even wearing sweat bands and were following the leader in an open air work out. It was great to see a country helping everyone, couldn't happen in UK.... Health & safety and all. While the mums danced around the children were playing badminton, dancing to their own music or playing arts and crafts. The men played with an adapted hackie sack toy, the object similar stand in a circle and try and keep off the floor. It was nice to see families spending the Sunday afternoon enjoying the outdoors. It was getting late and dark and our tummies were rumbling, so we checked out Gecko cafe a resturant designed to help train Cambodian people in service skills. It paid good wages, free lessons in English and even free food. The service was amazing the food was better and all round it was a plesant evening if a little more expensive than usual.

We awoke the next day to no alarms, we knew what we wanted to do but decided we would have a leisurely day and a well deserved lay in. We hurried downstairs for some exciting noodles & egg soup for brekkie, even though it was lunchtime. It wasn't anything special but it reminded us of simple food and was only 50p....bargin. We set off in search of a tuk tuk to hire for the day and finally settled with one that would cover everything plus our evening entertainment.

First stop was to the famous Bamboo railway, it is not used so much now for transporting goods but more of a tourist attraction. It is a simple railway track that leads from the city into the fields and villages surroundings. It is simple also in that it is just two sets of wheels with a carriage consisting of just bamboo sticks tied together with a thin mat to make it comfy. They use to push the rains along using a bamboo rod, but now they are powered by small engines. We paid more than what you would expect to pay, and jumped on lounging out in the midday sun. We sped off into the countryside passing locals that were walking on the track, some even walking their cows. Either side was stubs that were not tamed and so you had to duck to avoid the stray branches. The track wasn't very smooth, sending a clattering through your whole body, big gaps were developing which would give you a break from the clattering but only to be sent a huge jolt through your backside. The scenary made up for the travel pains, open wilderness of the simple farming life while the sun shone above. After 20mins we arrived at our destination, a strange little village where all we did was get served some Angkor beer and be like a new toy for the children. They came over showing off their bracelets and rings all made out of Bamboo leaves, it was very clever one even made us a grasshopper. Hana however did manage to break everything she was given. A young girl practiced her English with us and then took us for a tour of their brick factory, it was very strange but we were living for the moment and the stories. It was soon time to leave and so back on the train we took off along the bumping rattling track, but uh oh wait their is a train coming in the other direction. This is just a single track and nowhere to cross, so like in the old days the train with the least about of cargo is dismantled off the tracks to let the other pass. It takes just a matter of minutes and both trains are on there way again.

Back with our tuk tuk driver it takes us off into another direction away from the city for some more sightseeing. He stops to show us some bats hanging out in the tree and takes us to talk to some monks, but with a huge language barrier we left it with just a few smiles and photos. One conversation we did have the monks asked our ages, we all said them and turns out the monks were the same age as us. But they didn't stop there they laughed to each other and said they thought Rachey was the oldest and how old was her baby!!!!! Rachey wanted to die but it was sooo funny. Ankor was born that day!!!

Driving along the countryside roads we are gobsmacked by a motorbike that over takes us carrying a wicker basket full of piglets!! We take off to catch up to get our tacky tourist snap, and then head to our next attraction...... Phnom Banan. Before us leads the staircase, all 358steps that lead us to we don't really know what. Two very cute children stand at the bottom both very young and as we begin to climb they start to walk with us fanning us with a cool breeze. It isn't much help as our fitness and the heat force us to have small breaks, where is the stair lift!! We reach the summit clothes soaked through to see a temple. Pretty similar to the rest all according to these guys it is similar to Angkor Wat and therefore was it's inspiration. The views are cool but its overcast and we can't see for miles, so we turn around and begin our descent kids in tow continuing to fan us. We down a few bottles of water before arriving at our last destination of Battambang. Phnom Sampeau is again more temples that are situated high on top of a limestone hill. It would take 2 hours to walk the climb so we decided to pay the extra and backkie up with the locals on the motorbikes. The road wasn't a great standard and my driver tried to avoid the pot holes but sometimes it really wasn't happening so I decided I would hold on tight, which I think he secretly liked. I was lucky though I believe the other drivers rearraged the mirrors and drove over lots of pot holes for their enjoyment. At our first stop we were told to walk around the temple, it was cool as they were painting the ceiling so we could see the begining, middle and finished look. We then went for an eeire walk into a cave that was used as a killing spot during the time of the Khumer Rough. It was scary being inside with the remains of victims, and a few shrines and buddas to look after the dead. So we didn't waste time in heading back to our drivers. At the top their were more temples but what was cool was the remains of heavy duty milatary weapons that had been used to shoot at the Khumer Rough in the opposite mountain. Shame they were disused, I would have paid to fire one of these. Their were some nice views but again although stiflingly hot it was overcasted. Back at the bottom we asked our driver to take us back so we could prepare for the evening but this unfortunatly ment we missed the grand finally. At dusk hundreds of bats fly out of the limestone caves, it is supposed to be a wonderful site and one we were gutted to miss but we had better plans we didn't want to miss.

Back at our hostel we had a quick shower and changed our sweaty clothes, had some more noddles & egg before setting off to Phare Ponleu Selpak. This is an arts academy for disadvantaged children, twice a week they put on a circus and dance show. We like doing things that are a little different so this was perfect. We arrived and the children were extremely friendly and helpful, we were lead to the small big top and sat down ready. It was by far one of the best shows I have ever seen, these were just kids with amazing talents. The whole show including the music, lights and performances were organised by the kids of all ages. They put on acrobatic performances, funny sketches and a phenomanal dance production. It was even crazier to hear they weren't even at their best, I hope they get to continue their talents into professional shows. It was a must see by everyone, and if you go to Cambodia you must visit. We loved our time in Battambang which was a spur of the moment decision change and one we all enjoyed. Tired from our day we relaxed and fell asleep immediately ready to leave again early morning to Siem Reap.... Famous for Angkor Wat.