Day one

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27 degrees and humid is a bit of a shock after the weather we’ve been having in Auckland. It’s the end of the rainy season in Phnom Penh, so far so good. The water festival is on later in the week so that will be an experience. We’re not quite sure what it entails, but racing on the Mekong is one of the activities.

Agata and Alexander met us at the airport. “We are very pleased that you have come to see us” he said In his cute 2 1/2 year old voice. We can’t believe how much like Sean he looks. The Halliday genes are very strong.

The drive back through the hustle and bustle of the city with motorbikes, cars and tuk tuks all vying for space took us an hour. Not sure about the road rules here. Vehicles inch out from a side road until they are so far out everyone gives way to them. Motorbikes with a family of mum, dad and two kids are a common sight. One pillion passenger was even carrying an air conditioning unit sitting between him and the rider.

Many of the old French colonial buildings have been or are being demolished but on the other hand new ones in a French Chateau style are being built on Diamond island in the Mekong. Including a life sized copy of the Arch de Triomphe!

Alexander loved his Kea and Kiwi bird puppets we brought over. I think the noise will drive them mad before too long. He also loves aeroplanes.

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Photos

Ian reading to Alexander
His favourite book Bumpus Jumpus Dinosaur Rumpus

Comments

[RENanDREW]

Nana Ninja
Hi Jackie, Welcome to TravelBlog! I'm glad I came across your blog this early in your travels, and will be looking out for your upcoming adventures in Cambodia and Laos. Seriously love your Nana Ninja blog name :)