The Last Blogpost From SE Asia

Not up to much today really, just killing time before our flight out at 5 to midnight, I'll keep my progress updated on twitter, but as I doubt a lot will happen I may as well write the last blogpost now.

It has been a fantastic two months, we have done such a diverse amount of stuff and had some absolutely incredible experiences. It's been great fun writing the blog and keeping all those that are interested back in the western world in touch with what I've been doing. This certainly won't be the last ever blogpost, I will keep it going for future trips and adventures that I am certain will come thick and fast in the coming years.

SE Asia truly is an amazing part of the world, and so far away from the areas that I had experienced before, both geographically and culturally. The people, culture and environment here never fail to impress and I would certainly consider coming back here at some point in the future. I will have so many great memories of the places and the people I have met here as I'm sure has been reflected in past posts.

I'm going to end it there. Not a lot more to say.

Fantastic Countries, Amazing People - SE Asia - Well worth a visit!

Last Markets And Wandering

Went to the central Market today and thoroughly enjoyed it. I bought some shorts and a belt. I'll miss the bartering and jokes with the stall owners - always a good laugh.

From the market we had a wander down to the riverfront, sat around there and admired the views of the little boats and the people doing exercise on the esplanade, while we ate some lunch. Then afterwards went and admired the architecture of the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda - it's amazing how they have recreated buildings like that after the destruction that the city suffered both during the war and under the Khmer Rouge.

We were back at the hotel pretty early again and chilled out in the room packing our bags and sorting various things out, then headed for an early dinner down at the riverfront.

It was a great dinner, reminising about the trip and people that we've met, while enjoying the sunset and rainbows. After dinner we wandered along and had an icecream to cool us down as we walked, talking more about how strange it will be to be back in western civilization.

Back at the hotel now, watching a film. Just a lazy day tomorrow before getting the flight. I really love this country and the people here, it's been awesome, but Cowes Week awaits!

Another Day In Phnom Penh

Recovering gradually I think, feet are healing up and stomach is getting back to normal. Ear is still pretty weird, might have to grab some antibiotics for that when I get back to the UK.

Another quiet day here today really; feels a bit like we're killing time until we fly home now, but still enjoying it. We went for breakfast this morning and then walked to a huge shopping mall/indoor market where we all made various purchases; I got some fake Oakley sunglasses; doubt the lenses are much good, but will do for keeping the dirt out when mountain biking and not bad for $2.50!

Bought some lunch in the mall and then headed back to the hotel in the late afternoon, watched some tv and chilled out a bit. This evening we went down to the riverfront and had a fantastic meal, which made us all feel a lot better. Plan to do the palace and a bit more wandering tomorrow, should be another relaxing day. Just two days left before we fly out on Friday evening.

Crazy how quick the last two months have gone!

Russian Market

Woke up late this morning and caught a tuktuk to the Russian Market around midday. It was interesting, the girls went round getting presents and I went and bought a t-shirt. The place is full of factory cast offs at massively cheap prices, so quite cool.

Came back to the room and slept in the afternoon, then watched a few films. Just went out for dinner, but feel pretty rough, don't know why; first meal that I haven't finished since I've been out here.

Need a good nights rest I think.

Return To Phnom Penh

Last night turned out to be a very quite one in fact - with a massive monsoon rainstorm stopping people switching between bars. It was a bit of a shame, as it was our last night in Sihanoukville and as a four, but as we were all pretty shattered, the earlier night was welcomed.

This morning we packed and sat around chatting before getting on the bus back to Phnom Penh at 12:30. It was very weird and pretty emotional to leave Ben; we've had a fantastic two months travelling together and the four of us as a group have definitely become even greater friends.

As I write this we are just pulling into Phnom Penh, unfortunately due to traffic the bus took 6hours rather than the normal four. We can deal with that though; it's the last bus journey for us. All still pretty shattered still, think we will find the hotel, grab a bite to eat then go straight to bed!

Last Day At The Beach

Last night was a really good one - loads of UV paint and some great dancing - especially comic moments like Ben on the dancefloor rocking along alone with a huge grin plastered on his face.

Today we've done very little really; just trying to recover a bit. We booked our bus to Phnom Penh for midday tomorrow. Jess and Rosie decided to stay for one more night and travel back with me tomorrow instead.

Ready for a bit of city dwelling for a few days I think; and some early nights. The beach has been great fun, but it's not actually overly relaxing because of the late nights and we want to have a few relaxed days before we fly out, there's still a bit to see in Phnom Penh as well, so a couple of days there seems ideal.

One more big night tonight then - the last night as the "Vietnam Four". Plan on making it a good send off.

Another Day Of Wet Sand

Another good night last night, nothing overly special, but good fun. There were a load of American Navy guys in the bar who were absolutely smashed -doing beer funnels and jägerbombs - very funny to watch.

Breakfast in the hotel this morning, finished "The Killing Fields" - very interesting and moving read. Andy left to go back to Phnom Penh at just after midday. Back to the original four now! Seems a bit weird to be honest - we had a bit of team bonding this afternoon playing a bit of cards as the girls go back to Phnom Penh tommorrow, being fed up with the rain. I'm heading back in a few days to meet them there, but want to work the full moon party first. Ben is staying on here then going to Bangkok straight from here, so tonight is our last night as a whole four.

Off to work in a few minutes, UV paint night tonight, should be cool. Shame the weather here is so bad, seems like we were very lucky for the whole trip before weather-wise. Looking forward to the last few days out here though - what a trip this has been!

Surfing and Flying

Last night was really cool; very busy in the bar and lots of interesting people to talk to - couple of girls from Edinburgh Uni who were a good laugh - two were really into sailing so had a long talk about Cowes week etc; can't wait to get back and get out in a boat!

Long night though and we were up quite late - had breakfast in the hotel - it is pretty awesome to literally have a hotel room 15meters from the beach!

Then we said bye to Rupert; as he headed back to Phnom Penh. Our group is just 5 now, getting smaller by the day. After the farewell, Ben, Andy and I went for a swim in the waves; there still isn't a lot of sun, but there were some cool waves to go body surfing on - great fun! At about 3 we did some "flying" - handing out flyers along the beach for the bar, then chilled out for a bit. Ben and I went swimming and surfing in the waves again, as the wind seemed to have picked up.

Now, as I sit on the beachfront under the shelter of the hotel  awning, a huge monsoon has just rolled in. You could see it coming out at sea - massive black clouds rolling towards the land. Then suddenly huge wind and rain and the visibility drops massively - quite dramatic!

Another night of just a few drinks I think; seemed to work well yesterday, still had an awesome time - it's just pretty cool talking with new people and about their travels.

Cloudy Day At The Beach

Another great night last night, having a good time in the bar. Woke up feeling a little tired this morning and had some breakfast.

Pretty much chilled out for the rest of the day - read more of my book. This afternoon we went up to a really cool little cinema up in town run by an American guy. We watched 'Hot Tub Timemachine' - it sounds terrible and it was shocking, probably one of the worst films ever! That might be a little harsh actually, there were some funny moments, but it really wasn't worth $4 -out here that is about equal to about £15! But hey it killed a few hours because the clouds stopped us making the most of the beach.

Going to try and have a quite and earlyish night tonight, and hoping for some sun tomorrow.

A Lazy Day On The Beach

Last night was crazy - the bar got moderately busy, but still was amazing. From sitting eating free BBQ watching the sunset, to pulling people in from the beach and dancing on tables. It was great to have a good night out. We crashed reasonably early at 2:30 and slept pretty solidly until midday today, I think we were pretty shattered from the last few days and from not feeling so great a few days ago.

Once we had coaxed ourselves out of bed, and grabbed a free ice coffee and lunch, we walked along the beach handing out flyers. It's a great way to get chatting to people that you might not normally talk to and because the bar owners know the food ladies along the beach we could just have free spring rolls etc. -perfect!

In the late afternoon I sat reading 'The Killing Fields' it's very interesting to really learn about the history of this fascinating country.

Now, after a short walk into town we are chilling out for a bit before starting the evening 'shift'. Probably take it a bit easier tonight, but still have an awesome night.

We came travelling to have "experiences" and staying and working here is certianly a new experience for me, but a really good fun one, and it's great to chill out for a few days before we head home.

Crazy Arrival In Sihanoukville

Yesterday's night bus was alright actually - far better than the Vietnamese ones and because I was so tired I managed to get a decent night sleep.

Arrived in Sihanoukville at 6:30 in the morning, got a hotel and pretty much crashed out for the rest of the day - reading books and listening to music on the beach. The hotel is really cool - right on the beach, good food and nice rooms. Sihanoukville is also really nice, reminds me a bit of Croatia; White beaches with offshore islands. So we just sat and took it in for a good few hours.

This afternoon something really cool happened though. Ben and Andy spotted a sign in the bar next to the hotel saying "western staff wanted" and went in to ask. Long story cut short; Ben, Andy and I have got a job working next door for the next few days, no pay, but all our food and drink is paid for - awesome! Tonight is going to be another exciting one I think! We start learning how to run the bar in 45mins then go from there - can't wait.

An awesome and relaxing day - looks like it will be followed by an amazing and lively night - Epic!

Temple Time

I think that I ate a dodgy bit of chicken last night and was up for loads of the night feeling pretty rough, and only getting about 45 mins sleep in total. Not a great start when we had to be up at 4:30 to go and see the sunrise at the temples.

I was well worth it though. Sat watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat was amazing and we got some fantastic photos. Then we had a meal of pancakes and coffee at the side of the lake that is in front of the temple - that made me feel a fair bit better.

After breakfast we all piled back into the tuctuc and headed round the whole complex of the temples; they were fascinating, and although we were all feeling pretty shattered and not exactly at our best, we enjoyed it all the same. We went to the Tomb Raider temple and had great fun doing loads of stupid Lara Croft positions in the doorways and openings.

The temples have an interesting history and although we didn't have a dedicated guide, we picked up on a few conversations that were of interest, like how the Khmer Rouge smashed the heads off all the Buddhas in the temples when they were in power and how the places are being restored after some almost completely collapsing.

It was a great day and we all really enjoyed the experience, but by midday, having had a good five hours looking round the majority of the temples on the "Short Tour" we called it a day and got the drivers to head back into Siem Reap - there is a limit to the amount of stone you can look at, however stunning and beautifully crafted!

Back in Siem Reap we went to a supermarket to grab a little lunch, then Tom, Rosie and I went and sat in a really cool bakery/cafe for a good few hours and just chilled out and talked. I spent quite a while on the wifi looking at the feasibility of doing a four day cycle touring trip from the Isle of Wight to Lands End and back in mid September - looks like it could be a good way to build up the fitness a bit more for a few September races.

Were back at the hotel now, with a couple more hours to chill out before we go and grab a meal and then get on the night bus to Sihanouk ville (the beach), which is our last destination, before going back to Phnom Penh. Looking forward to a good week on the beach; perhaps some snorkeling and cycling and a bit of island hopping (not so much the night bus, but hey).

A great day and it's really cool to have the big group of 8; can't wait for a few days on the beach.

Markets and Angkor Wat Sunset

Ok, so last night did prove to be exciting, and very lively, and hilarious. We went to two bars and in the first proceeded to get everyone either watching or participating in a huge drinking game. Then in the second one there was a lot of shocking dancing.

As a result we were all pretty wacked out this morning, and didn't really get going until about 11. We went for a large Khmer breakfast (rice, noodles and more rice), and then went and wandered round the market. I reckon the Market was the best that we have been to, I bought a couple of things, and we all had great fun bartering down prices etc. It's going to seem quite strange having all fixed prices when we come back to the UK in a week and a half.

In the afternoon we went back to the hotel and just chilled our for a few hours. Then at 4:30, well actually more like 5 (he was late - as they always are in Cambodia) our tuc tuc arrived to take us to the Angkor Wat.

Despite the cloud, the sunset at the temple was amazing. The scale and history of the place is huge and it was fascinating to see how the architecture has been preserved. It is no wonder that the place has influenced so many writers and film directors; films like Jungle Book and Tomb Raider both use the setting. Can't wait to go back and see the sunrise and the other surrounding temples tomorrow.

We're now back at the hotel, just about to head out for dinner. It's been a relaxing day, and has certainly sparked my eagerness to see more of the temples tomorrow.

The Journey To Temple Land

Today we had a massive lie in, then caught the bus at 11:30 to Siem Reap. At first the air con wasn't working and Tom was saying we should have hired a helicopter to get there! Eventually after a few guys climbing on the roof though it all got working.

Pretty uneventful bus journey really apart from the whole bus watching Ben having a piss when he had to get off because he was almost wetting himself.

Arrived in Siem Reap at 5:30. Booked into a hotel and booked our tuc tuc to see the temples in two days time. Then went out for an awesome Mexican and now sat in a bar called "Angkor What' playing Irish snap and drinking buckets of whisky - this could be an exciting night!

An Easy Journey Back To Phnom Penh

Early start today- up to catch the bus at 6:30, which was a bit hard for some that had a bit too much to drink last night.

We had quite an emotional farewell to Chris, then got onboard for the 10hour journey.

Luckily it was all very smooth going - just two stops for lunch and breakfast and the journey seemed to go pretty quick - arriving in Phnom Penh at 4pm. We are now in a good hotel, and need to go and book our bus tickets to Siem Reap for tomorrow.

A pretty uneventful journey, considering our last one; but a relief in many ways to be back in an established, lively city.

The Last Day In Ratanikiri

Today was the last for a few things; last day teaching, last day at Thien and last day in Ratanikiri.

The day was a good one though, we were up at 7, having finally got a decent night sleep in our hamocs (shame it was our last) and cracked on with teaching at 7:30. The mornings teaching went really well and as we had mixed up the teachers a bit, I had Andy and Alex helping me, which went really smoothly and they both seemed to enjoy the hookikoki and duck&goose games we were playing with the little ones.

We had a great lunch of noodles, which was a great relief from the rice that we have been shoveling down for the last few meals. After an iced coffee, it was back to the last afternoon of entertainment.

The kids performed their concert pieces and we did our standard routine of human pyramids etc. The whole thing finished with a big rendition of the makarenna in the pouring monsoon rain. Then we loaded up the pickup and headed back to Ban Lung.

Checking into an new hotel, with aircon! We were relieved to have hot showers, especially after having washed in a muddy stream yesterday!

At 6:30 we headed out to have a fantastic curry and many drinks at a local bar, as a last night "on project". We thanked the great translators and had a big group dance on the bar and tables to songs like 'Don't look back in anger'; luckily it was only us in the bar.

Tomorrow we have to be up at 6, to get a 6:30 bus to Phnom Penh and back to some sort of western civilisation. It has been a fantastic two weeks out here in Ratanikiri, and we have enjoyed pretty much every moment, even being able to see the funny side of events like getting woken up by pigs at 3 in the morning. We have learnt so much and really see this place as a worthwhile cause. However, I think we will also be eager to do a bit more travelling and see some more great sites.

We've done so much in the last two weeks, but there's also so much more to see and do in the next two weeks...can't wait.

First Day Teaching In Thien

Despite sleeping in hamocs last night, through the worlds biggest thunder and rain storm, we managed to get a decent night sleep and woke up at the late hour of 7!

Kicking off with the first class at 7:30, we had a great morning teaching. The kids here seem to be a bit more westernised than at the other two villages; some were wearing make-up, horrifically applied, but still, shows a touch of modern society. Not sure about it when some of the boys were wearing it too though!

The teaching went well and the kids had a good time, even if they seemed a little less eager than some of the other villages, probably because they have had a school here for some time and as a result be a little less enchanted by it when they have to go every day (much like British kids).

The morning went quickly and soon we had to head off to lunch, as we didn't bring cooks with us to this village so have to go to a local restaurant. Jessie piped up that she would move the 4x4 round from the back of the school where I had parked it last night. She started it up and said "driving an automatic is so much easier than a manual", then slam, went reversing into a huge treestump, causing a large dent and dislodging the bumper! There followed a huge amount of jokes about female drivers - we're not going to forget that one in a while!

For lunch we had "swamp" the strange and rather tasteless stew of greens and meat - none of us enjoyed it much, so chris bought us ice coffees to make up for it - that sweetened the deal a bit.

After lunch we had a huge sing along in one of the classrooms, as it was pouring with rain outside. Then outside when the rain had eased we did the story telling and then handed over to the translators for their concert prep, while we went for a bit of lounging around in the sun.

We went and had a wander around the village, but apart from that, just had a chilled out afternoon, taking a bit of time out and enjoying the weather.

This evening it's back to the restaurant; apparently it's curry tonight, which should be interesting.
Another great day of teaching; strange to think that we only have one more day left before we head back to Phnom Penh and civilisation. It's been an awesome experience, and certainly one that I won't forget in a hurry.

Riding Elephants and Swimming in Waterfalls

This morning we all piled in the back of a pick-up and headed out to a waterfall a few kilometers outside town.

It was awesome; a really clear waterfall, plunging down into a secluded pool at the bottom. We had the place to ourselves and the boys went for a swim in the pool, while the girls went for an elephant ride. We had a great time swimming under the falls and sunbathing in the pool. I unfortunately slashed my foot on a rock and it swelled up like a beast, but it's going down now so can't be too bad.

Then after about an hour of mucking around in the pool, it was our turn to ride the elephants. They are such cool things - the epitamy of a chilled out animal. We went for an hours trek through the jungle - they ate so much -literally pigging out every five minutes. But it was awesome - them powering through the undergrowth and us getting an amazing view sat up on their backs.

After the elephant ride we headed back to TreeTops; checked out for the last time and went to lunch.

At about 3:30 we all jumped in the 4x4s to head out to our last village: Thien, which isn't that far away from BanLung - only 45mins by a decent road.

We arrived with no problems and now, having put up the hamocs etc, and got settled in (we are staying in the school, which is a very new building), now we're having a quick game of volleyball with the masses of kids that welcomed us in. Then soon we are heading out for dinner at a small local restaurant.

It's been a fantastic day, with a few "first ever" experiences. Can't wait to get started with the teaching again tomorrow. This looks like another great community with very keen and smiling children.

Rest Day In Ban Lung

Today we had a late start having stayed up to watch a bit of the football. After a long breakfast; reading books and chatting, we went off to the Market around midday.

I bought a hamoc and some other bits and bobs, then we had some peanut butter baguettes for lunch - boy we had missed those out in the villages. This afternoon we went back to the crater lake and had a long swim and chill out there.

We're now back at TreeTops - it's our last night here as we stay at a different guest house when we come back from the next project that we depart for tomorrow. This evening we are going to the same restaurant we went to last night called the Gecko House; great food and they let us watch the F1 last night so we are hoping for control of the Tv again tonight.

A fairly uneventful day really, but it was good to have a rest before we hit the last project hard tomorrow afternoon.

Travelling Back To BanLung

Today we were up early and down at the school by 7 to help put up some of the A-frames for the building; it was a lot more rewarding than the earth moving and the progress that is being made now is seriously rapid, and very impressive to see. These guys are essentially building a school with a box of nails, an axe and a few chopped up trees; I can safely say that it wouldn't meet building regs in the UK though!

After an hour or so, we packed up our kit and loaded up the hummer for the long journey back to Ban Lung. The children were all out to wave us off as we drove out of the village; the village chief said to us "please come back soon; the children are like clothes; if you don't keep caring for them, they ruin". It's great to see what kind of impact we have had and that they are so keen to welcome back more support in the future.

The hummer journey was pretty uneventful; just sore bums and masses of ants falling off trees. The only amusing thing was it getting stuck on the beach as it tried to reach the ferry to unload. That didn't matter though, we just took our bags and went across (mine got dropped in the water - luckily it is a waterproof sac!). Halfway across the river the monsoon began, and it rained big time! Tom, Alex and I drew the short straw and had to sit in the back of the pick up for the remainder of the journey back- ponchos came in very useful.
About 5 minutes down the road we had one of the scariest experiences of my life. The pickup swerved slightly to avoid a moped and then went into a huge aqua/mudplane skid - we went from the left hand side of the road to being in the ditch on the righthand side, then back again.
In the back we literally had our hearts in our mouths. Luckily the tyres gripped again and it was fine, but we all went very pale in the face!

When we eventually arrived back at Treetops it was a huge relief. I showered and shaved a weeks worth of stubble off, before having a sleep for an hour or so this afternoon.

We are heading out for a pizza this evening - we all decided that we needed some western food, rather than another meal of rice. Then we are hoping to stay awake to watch the world cup final (it will be a 1:30am kick off time for us).

It has been an amazing week and I have certainly seen and been to places that I have never dreamed of going to. These villages are fascinating and it's great to see that we can make such a difference to them.

Looking forward to a long lie-in and rest tomorrow - if a cockrel comes anywhere near my room...I can't be accountable for my actions!

Chai Thom Teaching Day 2

Last night we had an amazing time; we were playing cards in our hut, when we heard music playing over at the house that had been blessed earlier. We headed over and the whole village was having an huge party to continue the ceremony. There was music and masses of rice wine - we were forced to sample all the ten people's different versions! We had a great time dancing with the locals - seriously not what we expected to find in a remote Cambodian village, where only two days ago the locals were afraid to come near to us - it was a fantastic experience and we were really priveleged to be accepted so much.

This morning we almost murdered the cockrels as they woke us up again at 5am! Starting school at 7:30, we had a great morning teaching - some funny games like piggy back races and duck duck goose. After a long lunch break where I slipped in a little (very hot) sleep in, we started the last session at the PGS school.

They prepared their concert pieces in their little groups and then we had a big concert in the centre of the village. Most of the concert seemed to be spent laughing and smiling at one child, who we nicknamed "Spacecadet" for his spaced out nature: when his group did their dance, he just stood puzzled in the middle and when everyone clapped he looked confused and looked the other way - very cute.

After the concert we had a small game of volleyball, but it didn't last long due to the heat. Then it was the last wash at the bamboo pipe stream and then Rupert and I went with Chris to a meeting with the village chiefs to discuss the school and represent Portsmouth Grammar School. It was interesting to hear how the school would be run after we leave, and to thank the people for the hospitality they have so willingly offered us.

That hospitality was reflected again this evening when we had a huge singalong with the whole village. It diminshed into a bad rendition of Queen songs and football chants, so we made a subtle retreat.

It's been a great day, and a great few days; it's been great to see how much we have been absorbed into the culture and it's been great fun teaching. We are all looking forward to a proper shower and some food that is not rice tomorrow, but it's been a fantastic experience so far.

A Fascinating Day In The PGS Village

Today we were all woken up at 3:30, by a very annoying cockrel chorus. We are all completely shattered and weren't really up for another long day teaching, but we got up and it proved to be well worth it.

We had been told that the work we were doing in this village was groundbreaking, it is likely the most remote village in Cambodia; very tribal and very frightened of White people. However, we seemed to break through the barrier. After starting the day with singing and clapping to draw the children in. They seemed to overcome their fear and we had a great morning of doing sport with all ages. Sticking to simple games of shuttle runs and ball passing, their confidence increased massively and soon they were smiling and laughing.

We had a long lunch with some ice coffee brought in from the Nhang village - very very welcomed! After a few games of cards it was back to entertaining the children.

We started with singing more songs to them; including a lot of Jungle Book ones like "I wanna be like you...". Then the translators read some story books. It was while they were doing this that a very dramatic thing happened:
A new house that was being built just over from the community centre had it's first A-frame put up and the village were sacrificing a buffalo to bless the new building. It involved one of the village chiefs killing it with an axe, as it was tied to a post. Then many people came in to strip every possible part of meat from the body. It was fascinating to watch, and the fact that they were carrying out this when we were in the village showed that they had welcomed us and accepted us. It was also dramatic to see how tribal the nature of the culture is and how accepting the children were of it, as they sat in the community building having a story told to them, as we watched the whole thing unfold through the doorway.

After that, we had to change our mindset a bit to act the story of BillyGoat's Gruff, which the children and adults loved and found very amusing.

After that we headed down to the place where the PGS school was being built and were impressed to see that after our little contribution with the groundwork yesterday, they were now rapidly progressing with the frame of the building, which fits together like a massive homemade Lego set.

A quick wash in the stream, and we are now waiting for dinner again. It's been a very rewarding and interesting day, and we've seen a lot of the village culture and how we can be allowed into very remote places like this.

It is a bit like a BBC documentary being in a place like this, but it's so interesting that you cope with the tiredness and still look forward to the next day with eagerness.

Traveling to Chai Thom Village

We had a "late" start today - getting up at 6. After a breakfast, taking down hamocs and an hour of chilling out, it was back on the Hummer to head off to the next village.

It was only about a twenty minute journey to get there, although there seemed to be masses of overhanging branches trying to knock us out of the back of the truck.
As we drove into the village, the people were very curious of us. They watched from the raised houses as we unloaded our kit onto our own raised house, which will be our home for the next few days.

The village is a lot more basic than the last, it has no shops or ice coffee, just a lot of animals. Tom made the very true comment, that it is weird to think that our garden sheds would appear like luxury mansions compared to the buildings in this village.

After setting up our hamocs and getting settled in, while the children cautiously watched us from the bottom of the platform, we went and had lunch over in the small hut that is the community centre. We all fell asleep for a bit on the floor of the centre after lunch, being seriously exhausted after the last few days.

After a few games of cards back at our sleeping hut, it was 3 o'clock and Chris took us to see the PGS school that is being built here. At the moment, the foundations are just being laid and there was a fair bit of soil shifting to be done, so we all chipped in and got dirty; doing our part towards the building.

After about 90minutes of earth works, we returned exhausted to the village centre, collected our towels and wash stuff and went straight to the stream to wash.

The stream was literally a small bamboo pipe with water flowing out, and washing was throwing buckets over ourselves; we didn't care though, we were just grateful to be "clean".

Now we are back at camp, diary writing and waiting for dinner. It has been a chilled out day with some moments of intense exercise. We are all really bonding as a team though and feel ready to try and teach the very frightened but curious children tomorrow.

An exciting and great day; bring on the challenges of tomorrow! Loving the "jungle"!

Another Great Day Teaching

We were up at 5 again today with the damn cockrel crowing. We all felt a little tired as we had been up singing the night before. It was alright though, we had our breakfast and headed down to the school. It was just as, if not more, busy than yeaterday, which was reassuring. We were also relieved that we had an idea of their abilities and ages.

Our games were similar to yesterday; HookiKooki with the little ones, and races and bulldog with the older ones. It was great fun and we had a welcomed ice coffee break half way through the morning, which kept us pepped up until lunch, especially when we got involved in a volleyball game with all the older boys. Teaching is very rewarding, but I don't think I could do it as a career.

After lunch, we had a big singing session with all the school, including classics like London's Burning and Old MacDonald. Then we had a huge concert, with all the classes singing their contribution and us doing a human pyramid and the new UWS song that the girls have created.

After another short game of volleyball we were done and our time teaching at this school was finished. It has been great and we had a few little ones that we had become quite attached to - I hope that more people can come back to this school in future to teach, as the children are so keen to learn.

All shattered back at the hamocs, we got the lowdown from Chris on the school we are going to tomorrow, which is alot more remote and more tribal, another step back in time.

We have just popped down to the stream for a wash and now, feeling massively cleaner, are waiting for dinner. It's been a completely unique and amazing experience so far and tomorrow we head right to the "cutting edge of development" as Chris says - should be even more exciting and challenging!

Another great day seeing another side of this fantastic country.

An Exhilarating And Exhausting First Day Teaching

We woke up at 5:30 today: the crazy Khmer culture of waking up at sunrise when the cockrel crows. It was a great sunrise to eat our muesli to though.

As we were having breakfast we saw groups and groups of children heading over to the school even at 6 in the morning, it was going to be a busy day! So many headed over there, that when we went over at 7:30, we had to start half an hour early to keep the 170 children occupied.

At first we sang GingGangGooli to keep their attention and bring the people that weren't there over. We had them all doing the UmPa Umpa at the end. Then they were split into 4 groups of size and age.

We had a great first few sessions playing ball with the small ones and doing games like over the head and through the legs. The most amusing group was the youngest ones who followed everything we did and so we played a sort of HokiKoki with them in a huge circle. By 1030, with
the third group it was getting very hot and volley ball became a sweaty affair, even more so when the temperature was up at 38'C with the oldest guys getting really into the games of Volleyball. It was hard work, but great to see them enjoying it so much.

We had a welcomed lunch break where us sports guys had a quick shower in the stream to wash off the orange dust and sweat.

At 1:30 we went back to the school, with all the children eagerly returning too. We had the translators telling the story of the three little pigs and billy goats gruff, I was the big bad wolf and the troll, it involved me having wolf wiskers drawn on my face with the dust and rolling around in it when I had to pretend to die - the children loved it!

After that we had an attempt (successful the second time) at building a human pyramid. Then we had a game of Volleyball against the Cambodian translators, which we won, despite their bragging that they were amazing. Then it was a need for another shower and a chill out as
the school day finished.

One of the nicest things that happened was Ben, Andy and I went to get an iced coffee from the "cafe", while we were drinking, and massively enjoying our drinks - digging the bottom out of the glass. The owner came over and asked if we were the teachers, when we said we were, he bought another jug of coffee. It makes you feel really good to know that they are so appreciative of us being here and the kids enjoy school so much.

One of the most disgusting things that happened however was seeing some pigs getting rather sexuallly rowdy right below our platform!

Anyway, a fantastic day for us and the kids I think, very tiring and looking forward to dinner and bed now. Can't wait to get back to the school tomorrow too - a great expedition so far!

The Journey To Nhang Commune

Today we headed into the jungle, and boy was it an adventure.

We started off in two pick-ups and drove for an hour and a half, coming off the main road and heading towards the remote area that forms the triangle between Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. We borded a small ferry, crammed with bags, motos and people. It was a short journey across the river and then it was the start of the real adventure.

Waiting for us on the otherside was a "Cambodian Hummer" as they are known. It was like a huge 1940s truck without a bonnet and with massive tyres. We all piled in the back and headed off. We got out once for a very hot climb up one extremely steep slope that a fully loaded hummer couldn't manage, but apart from that we ploughed on. We went through everything; streams, jungles, remote villages etc. It was fantastic - a true Top Gear Adventure.

The whole journey in the hummer took about 2 hours, with a brief stop over at a stream to wash the sweat and mud off us. When we finally arrived at the Nhang Commune it was great. We stopped off at a raised platform, and all clambered straight on from the bed of the truck. This was going to be our home for the next few days.

We spent most of the afternoon setting up the school, that is a short walk away; and the hammocks, which look great - sleeping 15feet off the ground on our raised platform, with a beautiful breeze.

At the moment I'm sat at the edge of the platform, sun setting, looking out over the great little village. The only sounds are Rosie playing the guitar and some happy pigs grunting down below the platform.

This is a fantastic village, I can't wait to start teaching the beautiful children.
What a place!

A Comic Day in Ban Lung

Today was about planning and getting ready for the villages. We got up late, as we needed a bit of a lie in after a few very long days.

After breakfast we planned our sports lessons and Ben and I had a long game of catch with the little Cambodian daughter of the guest house that were staying in - she was actually really good!

After lunch we had a few more hours of prep time - mostly involving helping the art guys cutting out masses of cardboard stencils - leading to very sore hands!

Then late in the afternoon we headed back to the volcanic lake to have another swim. Just as we arrived at the lake it started monsoon raining with thunder storms, which was pretty dramatic. When the rain had died down a bit we had even more of a scare though. We were sat on the platform and some Cambodian guys came over to us and asked us "how much?", a little confused we assumed they meant the girls sat next to us, as a joke. However when they said "I love you" to me and Rupert, we realised that they in fact meant us! we swiftly bailed into the water - especially when one started touching Ben!

We went rather wet, but very amused back to the pick up and headed back to TreeTops. We packed our dry bags for the villages tomorrow and then headed for dinner.

We are all looking forward to the villages now and getting down to the teaching. Although the lack of showering could be an issue for the next 6 days. We won't have Internet for sure so the blog will be delayed until we get back next weekend. I'm sure there will be a lot
of interesting to report!

A Fantastic First Day In Ban Lung

The five gap year students in the group made the decision to get up early today and go with Chris and Sitar in the 4X4 out to two villages that we are not visiting, but RGS Guildford are the week after us.

The trip out there was awesome, and well worth getting up for. We went 45mins down a Tarmac road, bombing along with the five of us in the back of the pick-up. Then we turned offroad, the first school was about 10mins down a dirt track and was great to see; all the schools are built by local people with financial aid from UWS for the building materials. The children were amazed to see so many white people; Chris said that they had probably only ever seen 5 White people before in total, nevermind 6 in one go!

After that village we went seriously offroad; clearing trees from the path so that the car could get through, ploughing through marshland and driving up rivers - awesome! As you've guessed this village is remote; and was devastated by both American bombing and the Khmer Rouge, due to it's positioning next to the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The people here were even more scared of us and we just had to walk through the village smiling, trying to get them used to the sight of westerners. The village chief offered us rice wine that was suprisingly good and we all felt very aware that we really were on the edge of development. It's amazing to think that this area has not received aid before, as it clearly needs support and help in order to educate the people.

Back on the pick-up we headed back to the main road and Ban Lung; Chris pointed out the huge expanse of 1000hectares that has been cleared and burned for rubber plantations in the area; all in the last 4 years - it is clear that the area has been touched by the west, but not necessarily in a good way.

We met the other 5 guys back at Treetops for lunch, the whole round trip had taken about 4hours - we were all rather sore from the bumping around! After lunch we discussed our ideas for our classes and then went to the market to buy equipment.

At about 4:30 8 of us headed off in the pickup again just 5km down the road to a huge volcanic crater that has become a giant, perfectly circular lake. It was incredibly beautiful. We had our own platform at the side, where we could jump off and enjoy the setting. We spent about an hour playing with a tennis ball and I swam out to the middle of the lake. It was amazing - so quite and stunning scenery.

We are back at TreeTops now, just about to head out for dinner. This is by far the most remote place I have ever been to, but equally it is also one of the most beautiful.

Not a bad start to our time in Ratanikiri Province - looking forward to the next 12days eagerly!

A Little More Hell On Wheels

Ok, so I said travel with optimism, perhaps not in this case. When I last posted it was 8 in the evening our time. At about 1000 in the pitch black in the middle of the jungle we hit another large pothole (there are alot of potholes here) and knackered the rear suspension so the back right tyre was rubbing on the wheel arch! The driver went on for about half an hour like that, then called another minibus to come and get us.

We finally got to TreeTops at 1200: a 16hour minibus journey in total - Epic!
Quick meal and into bed!

Optimism -> TreeTops is an amazing guesthouse!

A Very Long Days Travel to Ban Lung

Today we had the prospect of a 10hour minibus journey to our base at 'Treetops' in the town of 'Ban Lung' in North Eastern Cambodia. Little did we know that it would be so much longer than originally planned.

The day started well; loading the minibus up with the bags, grabbing a quick breakfast and then heading to the airport to pick up Tom, the last member of our ten person team.

However, it was only 15mins out of Phnom Penh that the trouble began. The minibus, travelling at 70mph hit a huge double bump in the road, created by erosion each side of an old disused railway line that ran across the road. The sunk guard on the bottom of the bus wasn't complete it seems and the impact that the bus took smashed open a tank full of oil at the base of the engine. Losing oil rapidly all over the road, we pulled over and (while lighting up a cigarette!) the Cambodian bus driver inspected the damage. He said it should take 30mins to fix - yeah right! It took 3hours: including three mechanics and a moto bringing spare parts out from Phnom Penh. We passed the time listening to music and playing with a shuttlecock in the sun at the side of the road.

Back on the road, passing through a huge rainstorm (glad we weren't waiting at the side of the road in that) we made decent progress and were just pleased to be underway. We stopped for lunch around 2 at a roadside restaurant. We tried deepfried spiders - which weren't too bad actually, but we weren't going to make them our primary food! So we had plenty of Khmer dishes to stock up energy levels for the long bus journey still ahead.

As I write this we are travelling through a dramatic lightning storm. We should arrive in Ban Lung in about three hours (11pm local time) and have a late dinner before crashing.

An eventful day, but you have to see the funny side, and at least we are going to get there, at one point it looked like we might be back in Phnom Penh! - Always Travel With Optimism!

Phnom Penh Museums and Killing Fields

We met the others at 8 at the Golden Mekong, the hotel that we are in (which is far nicer and cheaper!) is about 10mins walk away. From there we went and had a breakfast at a local Khmer restaurant - quite strange operating in dollars all the time, but we had a nice meal and discussed what we are going to do in our lessons in the villages.

After breakfast we went by tuk-tuk to the Khmer market to buy sports and art equipment for the villages. Ben and I managed to get 13 footballs for a decent price after a lot of bargaining - lucky we are taking the minibus as I wouldn't want to try and fit those in my bulging rucksack!
Then the boys (Andy, Ben, Chris and I) went back to near the hotel and went to a local bar for a cold drink, while the girls went shopping at another market - ideal! It was great to learn a bit more from Chris (the charity leader) about what we could expect in the villages and how the charity was run.

Back at the hotel, we met the girls and split up into groups. Andy and our original four got in a tuk-tuk and headed for the Tuol Sleng Museum. The place is briefly mentioned in the film 'The Killing Fields', but none of us were really aware of what went on here in Phnom Penh, and the reality that likens it to the holocaust. Although I have been to Auschwitz, and that was a graphic and hugely interesting experience, there was something almost more harrowing about the events carried out by the Khmer Rouge in 1975-1979 (here is a brief explanation):

The Khmer Rouge, under the control of their leader Pol Pot "Liberated" Phnom Penh in 1975, although their arrival was far from liberating; within a day they had marched the entire city out to the countryside to work until death in poverty in the rice fields. Toul Sleng was effectively a school that was turned into a torture house for mostly high ranking officials and those that might be linked with "Rich" backgrounds that would try and prevent the Communist domination. The torture methods shown in the museum are not unlike those used in graphic horror films - including such atrocities as hanging a person upside down and repeatedly plunging them into filthy tubs of water when they became conscious, while they interrogated them.

The museum was hugely eye opening; and something that has to be seen in order to understand the country and understand why there are very few people in the country aged around 50. This fact was driven home when we got back in the tuk tuk and headed out to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. This was the place where the victims of Tuol Sleng and any other potential traitors were marched out to be brutally murdered and buried in mass graves. Choeung Ek is the largest of the mass burial sites and has a huge Buddhist temple to bless the 3 million people that died under the Khmer Rouge (1/3rd of the population at the time) - The temple itself it filled by a 17 story high box of shelves that holds skulls that were recovered when the graves where excavated in 1980.

As you can probably tell, the experience was very harrowing and very interesting at the same time. In some ways it makes you wish that the Americans had stayed in Cambodia, as they had prevented the Khmer Rouge from taking control while they were here. Either way, it was something that was vital to know about as it clearly affected everyone that was and is living in Cambodia.

After heading back to the city by tuk tuk we stopped off at a very western supermarket to grab a last bit of food for the villages and the journey there, and to get some late lunch. Then is was back to the hotel for a rest, before heading out for a late dinner in a few hours.

A very interesting day, and we all learnt a huge amount. Tomorrow we head off on our ten hour minibus journey to Ban Lung! Looking forward to the villages so much now - I think it will be an amazing experience. Will try and keep the blog updated as often as it possible.

Bring on the jungle!