Overnight we had torrential tropical rain and the roof of our converted barn/hotel being corregated steel, resounded to the impact all through the night. This put paid to our plans for a Boker National Park trek, revised plan originally was then to hire bicycles and cycle locally, but a short walk to Fish Island across the Kampot River, convinced us that the roads and track were all but impassable to two wheeled transport and the dark skies threatened more rain to come. Plan C, quick trip back to the hotel for more money and catch a bus to Kep. The bus was due to leave at 10am, we loaded onboard with a host of backpackers, who were mostly en route to Ho Chi Minh City (12 hour trip minimum). The bus was crowded and very hot. ... read more

Day 3 starts with glorious sunshine and a peek over our balcony confirms our suspicions, the health-conscious Cambodians are pumping away on the outdoor gym across the road. No expensive membership subs required! Feeling very lazy, we make our morning coffee and watch them for a while, then get down to the serious business of planning a leisurely final day on PhNom Penh. Of necessity we will stop over again next weekend for one night when we travel from Sihanoukville in the South West, to Battambang in the North West of Cambodia, however unlike some Capital Cities this has not been an endurance test. The people are polite, the streets not too dirty, and the food outlets very good. Added to the fact that our Hotel Cozyna is on the major tourist strip, allows us easy ... read more

After catching a much-needed night's sleep, we were woken by some lovely chanting melodic music, and when going out onto our balcony, the source was easily identifiable as a Yoga/Pilates style of morning exercise class. White, tunic-clad enthusiasts of all ages and gender getting their limbs lumbered on the riverside, in fact, the whole length of our visible vista showed a veritable outside gym, every type of machine in fervent use, and this at 6.30am with the sun barely risen. We almost felt the urge to join in ( only lasted a second though) and we settled to watch a perfect orange sunrise as the heat of the morning began to settle and whilst Leo slept , Paula drank coffee and enjoyed the morning bustle which is Sisowath. Today we plan to explore on foot, as ... read more

Wednesday 10th January, typing from home, which happens to be Cyprus. Testing this blog in readiness for next week's journey into Central Asia. More soon.... read more

Saturday 25th February Yes, We've skipped yesterday - mainly because we did beggar all! Friday was THE laziest day of all while we reflected upon what/where we've done/been and how we should spend our last 48 hours here in beautiful Southern Thailand. Saturday morning dawns, a bit humid, very hot and muggy, with a couple of distant thunder rumbles to indicate that the weather forcasters could be correct in their prediction of a thunderstorm and 4cm of rain. We would dearly love to witness a tropical thunderstorm - they are really something to behold! But no, all quietens down and the sun sneaks out. By 10.00am we are breakfasted and have a rough and cunning plan! Not having ventured North further than the Hua Hin Fishing Lodge, we decide upon a circuitous route - Pak Nam ... read more