Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh

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Today we boarded a public bus that would take us to Phnom Penh, capital city of Cambodia. Before the bus left I ate beef pho soup for breakfast, a dish that Vietnam is famous for and I felt I shouldn't leave without trying. (It wasn't bad, either!)

The difference in wealth between Vietnam and Cambodia is clear as soon as you cross the border. Many families live out here in simple shacks propped up by the side of the road. On arrival in Vietnam we are decided to go to the firing range - as this is one of the cheapest places in the world to get your hands on any weapon you wish to fire. And I do mean any weapon. On arrival we were shown to a table and given a menu - with ammunition prices. Amongst other things, you can fire a rocket launcher for $200 and throw a hang grenade for $30.

Joe was first to try the AK47, where they also told him that he could buy a chicken for target practice - an offer that he declined. However, we did accept a beer to drink while on the range.

I opted for an AK47 and a handgun, both great fun! At the end they got us to pose for photos which make me look like a madman about to go on a killing spree - but I thought I'd put them up anyway.

When we arrived back at our hotel it seemed as if everyone else had equally interesting experiences on there first day - Julia had even been offered a baby in exchange for her watch. "Angelina, Yes! Angelina, Yes" said the lady while trying to convince her it was a good deal.

In the evening we headed out to the Heart of Darkness nightclub - great fun and a must see for anyone in the area. It starts getting busy at about 1am though, so be prepared for a late night if you want to make the most of it.

P.S. Julia in our group is a journalist, she's written about stuff along the way through the tour but I came accross some of her stuff the other day (A really intersting read):

Search on www.upi.com for 'Julia Watson' to find her other stuff from the tour

http://www.upi.com/Consumer_Health_Daily/Reports/2007/05/21/eat_to_live_feeding_pol_pots_children/8261/

http://www.upi.com/Consumer_Health_Daily/Reports/2007/05/23/eat_to_live_chips_are_down_for_cambodians/5024/

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Comments

[sam]

Getting kitted up-
The name's Ryan...James Ryan

[Gina]

Haha I love it!