This morning I had a nice sleep in, waking up just in time to take another doxy tablet (and eat some cereal at the same time) before logging on for Skype. At this point I learned Doxy Lesson #2: They are not kidding when they say 'dont lie down'. I learned this because I naturally laid back on the bed where I'd been sitting as the call finally connected. Moments later I was racing for the bathroom as the doxy tablet protested this sudden horizontal orientation. I am hoping that I was able to hang up the call fast enough to spare Ryan the sound effects. What a pleasant beginning to the day! With that out of my system (literally) a more sucessful skype conversation was held before Kong came to pick me up on the ... read more

Saturday, 4 June Today I decided I would try and sort out this motorbike licence that it seems I need to obtain if I want to ride here and still be covered by my insurance when I fall of and break three arms and a leg. So I found myself a friendly looking motodop, gave instructions in Khmer and sped over to Riverside, where we'd seen some places the night before that might be able to help get my Aussie licence converted to a Cambodian one. Sadly though it turns out that it takes a month or so to process. Apparently it is possible to get it sooner, but it would involve a 'gift' (which I am not keen on giving) and even then it would still be unlikely I could get it before I go ... read more

An early start today. Or at least it felt early. Getting to the Riverside area by 10am I eventually located Nathan's studio. The studio itself is pretty impressive. He has a massive white 'infinity wall' (I think thats what it was called) along one side that is used for photo shoots etc. So for two hours, Nathan took me through a introductory lesson about how to compose better photos, things like light and how it works, colours, frames and diagonal lines. We looked at bunch of photos he's taken in the past and talked about the various elements that made them good or average shots. I actually found this class really helpful and would totally recommend it for anyone else who has high hopes of taking awesome photos but isn't necessarily too artistically minded. It was ... read more

During the week, most days don't quite warrant a blog post all of their own. So here is a week of mini blogs all together Tuesday I'm not sure why, but it seems that Cambodia starts very early in the morning. If you know me at all, you will know that I do not operate in the same way. This is presenting a bit of a challenge. Today for example, at about 5.30am I awoke to what could only be someone banging a hammer on a large metal pipe, over and over and over and over again, but in an irregular pattern that made sleep impossible. I was beginning the think the person must be sitting right outside my door but apparently the sound just travels well. After my early start, I set out to the ... read more

Arrrrrrg! Today I'm finding myself really frustrated with some of the limitations of my accommodation. Especially not having a sink. I don't like having to lean over past the toilet to spit into the drain in the far corner of the toilet/shower room. Even though the room is kept very clean. And I don't really like that I am almost standing on top of the toilet when I shower. I can't help but think about the fact that other people probably also use that toilet and that men do not always have the best aim! Wearing thongs in the shower makes me feel somewhat more comfortable with this. It's also a bit frustrating to find that the washing machine doesn't seem to work. I really don't want to have to hand wash my clothes! Its all ... read more