Just some thoughts

So I thought I would collate some thoughts and observations together about my travels.  They are not in any particular order, just as they spring into my head.

1.  How can the Thais eat so bloody much and remain stick thin? You should see them put it away, it's shovelled In lol. Some of them are really petite, they must be a size 4 lol and that is just the lady boys lol.  If I lived here I would not get any clothes to fit me, it's bad enough in England but the good thing is my friends that the majority of you would be in the same boat as me because anything above a size 10 here looks massive.  Welcome to my world.  I can't imagine the difficulty I would have in buying a bra.  God only knows what I would do.  The women are very tiny where I have been blessed/cursed in abundance lol.

2.  Why do you only see older western men with younger Thai women? Yes girls, I know we all know the answer to that one 😏 lol.

3.  How does any work get done.  More so in Cambodia than Thailand - there appears to be a lot of sleeping and hanging around, but wait for it, only by men.  You see tuk tuk and coach drivers either sound asleep in the back of the tuk tuk or they have strung a hammock up.  Lol I'm not saying anything lol these are my observations.

4.  Who does own the dogs and are there any vets in the Far East and if so, I bet they don't earn anything like in the UK.

5.  In both Thailand and Cambodia why have a green flashing (not literally girls) man at the traffic lights if they traffic still aims at you and does not stop lol?

6.  Why doesn't TFL (Transport for London) have priority seats for Bhuddist monks lol.

7.  Why does the whole world commute at 17:00?  After using the Skytrain and ferry in Bangkok rush hour I think the Northern Line is going to be a breeze!

8.  How many plastic bottles are being used daily around the world?

9.  The whole world is on a smart phone!  No one speaks to each other anymore.  Couples are sitting their tapping away including the monks lol!

10. The whole world are on Facebook or playing Candy Crush, or hooking up on Grindr or Tinder lol including the monks lol.

11. Everyone wants the wi fi code lol.

12. I don't want to see a McDonalds, Burger King, Hard Rock Cafe or Starbucks on every corner thank you America.  Where the cost of a meal (especially in the HRC) is more than people earn.  

13. Why am I so tasty to Mosquitos? But no one else whats a bite lol!

14. There are utter knobs in every country lol and they stand out even if you don't speak the language.

15. The british still think if you talk loudly and slowly people will understand.  Lol it is amusing to watch lol.

16.  Sex sells ......... In any country and at any price!

17.  We are fortunate to have the NHS so don't moan about it.  However, diazepam is dirt cheap in Cambodia ........ Perhaps that is why they are asleep lol.

18.  Thank goodness I am a vegetarian and I really do not think I will be eating fish again either since the one wriggled over my foot to escape 😟

19.  Why are our cinemas generally manky and expensive when it is the complete opposite here?  Where's that money going?  Even the popcorn etc at the cinema here is cheap.

20.  Teenagers are the same in any country.  Think the world owes them something.  Except when the King is shown on the screen at the cinema then total respect to them.

21.  Man's greatest enemy to mankind is man!

22.  But I still believe the majority of people are kind!

23.  Why are we paying so much for the Internet in the UK?????

24.  Why are there so many moped in Phnom Phen and why don't they care about pollution?

25.  Are there any Chinese or Koreans left on China and Korea?

26.  What do they do with all the stuff they buy?

27.  Why do the Korean's insisted on 

        A. Always using a selfie stick

        B. Pose for a photo doing the peace sign

        C. Take 50 photos of the same thing

28.  Why do people think walking around looking like Doctor Bob from the Muppets by wearing a mask over their mouths is going to help at all?

29.  How strange was it for me yesterday to be the only farang (foreigner) on the train yesterday.  But for many in the UK this is the same for them every day!

30.  Where do monks keep their phones lol!

31.  Why is there no deodorant in Doha or Abu Dhabi? I can see a niche in the market there lol

32.  Why do I think I'm turning into Dame Judi Dench? I wish there was a real Marigold Hotel I could retire too.

Day Fourteen - Bangkok then the long, long trek back 😕

Terrible nights sleep.  It was very humid then new guests arrived at 2:30am, they weren't particularly noisy in all fairness. I was a sleep until 4:30 but I think what kept me awake was the fact that apparently the board has been put up outside the cottage saying To Rent.  No big surprises I was expecting it but my head was racing as to what I need to get done now, now and how the hell am I going to do it all. I guess it's all getting a bit real and it's a tad scary when there is only me to arrange it all.  

So shower then my delicious breakfast.  Me and the older woman have been teaching each other english/thai.  God only knows what we have been saying to each other.  I need to be out of my room by 11:30 but as I thought there is no problem with a shower and change of clothes later in the day.  So I will use my market bag to host my evening and flying home clothes (coat can go in the case, that really is one step too far)! Today I will not venture far, just stay local, there is nothng I need to get.  I guess I feel a bit flat this morning. It's a typical Karen thing ....... Doesn't know what she wants, I guess I have been like that most of my life lol. Me and my friend Jackie were 'talking' last night and we compiled a list of attributes any future 'partner' of mine has to have.  Obviously, I am not expecting him to have them all, see I can do compromise but remember I am a Virgo.  So if any of you know a candidate, please put his name forward for selection lol.  He must be:

Preferably 6'4" then I will feel tiny lol

Preferably younger than me - real age not 29 I'm not that sad lol (Andrew Murphy keep quiet lol)

Dark hair, with a beard and broad shoulders

Preferably foreign but I can negotiate on that lol

Does yoga, reiki and meditation

Is a vegetarian

Can find and bring me a mangosteen (or even know what one is and has eaten one will do, see compromise lol)

And love the Far East as much as I and loves to travel and have adventures

Now there are 7 million people in London.  Can anyone work out the odds?

It's not looking good is it?

I think Green Day sum up how I'm feeling.  It's one of the songs on my playlist for when I leave Stoke.  I have told Andy that I know I will be in a state so just ignore me, he will, I will put my iPod on and listen to some selective songs and hopefully by the time I get to no later than Stafford I will be ok.  Anyway, enjoy Green Day, but listen to the words.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnQ8N1KacJc

Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road
Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go
So make the best of this test, and don't ask why
It's not a question, but a lesson learned in time
It's something unpredictable, but in the end it's right
I hope you had the time of your life

So take the photographs, and still-frames in your mind
Hang them on a shelf in good health and good time
Tattoo's of memories and dead skin on trial
For what it's worth, it was worth all the while
It's something unpredictable, but in the end it's right
I hope you had the time of your life

It's something unpredictable, but in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your life
It's something unpredictable, but in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your life

Well considering I was going to have a quiet day it is now 14:45 and I have walked 12354 steps aready.  Today's quest was to return the plug I bought the other day, as it was the wrong one.  I walked past the shop four times yesterday but it must have been closed with the shutters down because could I find it?  But found it first time today.  Sung Song (I bet you have Neil Diamond in your head now lol) wrote me a note In Thai explaining what I needed.  It reminded me when I was sent up the shop by my Mum with a note.  Anyway, no joy.  The shop would only exchange it for a multi country adaption pack which looked as if it belonged in the 1950s and was made of bakerlite. Needless to say, there was no refund.  So I tried a couple of other electrical shops but I have come to the conclusion that no one travels outside of Thailand - mind you why should they it is a beautiful country.

I ended up down a little road that I was familiar with.  If any of you have seen the Hairy Bikers in Bangkok lol it's the road where they cooked for the tuk tuk drivers.  Found a dodgy looking plug lol but he wanted 100B for it - really I think not.  Walked a bit further and got one for 60B.  Got to love a bargain.  So Jackie if saves Nigel doing a re plug on my lights I bought for my new bedroom lol.  I then went to sit in the park. Remember, the one where the guy was meditating.  It was lovely just watching the river flow by. I guess I will be doing a lot of that in London, watching the river.  I was listening to Damien Rice and was getting a bit upset to be honest so I decided to meditate and time I wasn't joined by any Americans.

By now it was getting on for lunch so I started to make my way to Jenny's when I saw these huge plastic bags with a zip for 160B about £3.20 and I thought that would be fine to pack my two duvets and pillows in when I move.  Oh the elderly woman who served me was so lovely. Anyone would have thought I had bought the whole shop.  She beckoned me over and have me a handful of cashew nuts and something that looked like cannabis lol wrapped in paper.  I was so touched by her kindness and thanked her, in Thai, as I left eating the cashews.

Jenny was delightful.  She knows my name now, I suspect the french guy has told her as Sung Song has told him.  I was quite taken back to be honest.  I ordered papaya salad and she asked if I wanted it spicy ........ Silly question.  Then she really made me think.  She said when do you go? I explained it was later tonight and that I did not want to go and she said why? Just be happy.  And that is it isn't it, just be happy.  It's the fundamental belief of all Buddhists that all should be happy.  The papaya salad was bloody hot lol but bloody lovely, I wish I could make this at home; maybe when I am in London and can get the ingredients.  Popped back to the hostel to drop off new storage bag and to find out what the cannabis looking thing was that the 80 year old had given me lol.  The girls said oh it's, it's it's but no english word was found.  So I said do eat it? The girls said yes so in my gob it went.  It was chewy and quite hot tasting but I wish I knew what it was because it was gorgeous.  So here I am, in the cafe across the road, drinking an iced Americano and feeling ok, I'm feeling happy Jenny.

Last lot of washing is in the laundry, my old faithful thin towel lol and suitcase etc is in the storage room.  Plan for later is to have a shower and hair wash and wear my summer dress for the last time for another 12 months and go to Jenny's for my favourite - Mossaman Tofu Curry and Brown Rice.  Airport transport has been arranged for 22:00 and I will, if it kills me lol, cram everything in my suitcase. If I am fortunate enough to come back again next year I have it planned lol.  I will have a few days with my friends, here in Bangkok then for about £14 I will catch the air conditioned train over night to Chang Mai which is north of Thailand and have a few days there. The. I will go into either Loas or Myarmar (Burmha) and have a look around there.  I guess it's ok to have a plan for just in cases lol.

So said my until next time to Sung Sing then off to Jenny's for the final supper - my favourite tofu mossaman curry and brown rice.  Said goodbye to Jenny with a big hug and kiss then she said you come back to Bangkok as an english teacher it is not a problem I can get you a job.  So I have a job in Cambodia on hold now I'm wanted in Bangkok ....... I need to get a job in London first.

So my friends I will post this now.  Bus wink be here in 40 minutes so I better get my UK clothes on and get ready for tears when I say goodbye to the girls.  I hope you have enjoyed reading the rantings of a mad woman and thank you for accompanying me on this amazing adventure.

Much love. X

Sandles

Do you remember last year I wrote about my towel who has been with me longer than any bloke? Well this year meet sandles!

Sandles were purchased at Clarks at Cheshire Oaks around 2000! They have walked four continents with me:

Europe, America, Australasia and Asia.

They have been plodding the streets this year and for any of you who think when I go away it's a rest. Let me tell you that to date I have walked, according to my FitBit or as I call it my FatBut I have walked so far

71.11 miles 

How cool is that? Well it's not cool it's bloody hot but you get what I mean.

So thank you sandles. I know you are not cool looking and trendy in the UK, but you just fit in fine on my travels and i hope you continue to serve me just as well as my towel, which for the record is of course with me 😊

Yes I know I have llama toes lol lol.

Day Thirteen - Bangkok

Had a good nights sleep.  It's difficult to sleep in the UK for me and here it's I hot.  I was tired last night and fell asleep with my iPad in my hand but then was awake just after six.  But the FatBut lol tells me I have had 7 hours 30 minutes rest so that will do.

Just had my lovely breakfast of eggs on toast and decent coffee, thank goodness.  The girls have been asking about Cambodia and I have been telling them. They had said that they had heard that people are husseled there but they did laugh when I told them that GG kept asking where I was going and I refused to tell him lol.

So today I think I have a plan, but I will go with the flow. I leave the hostel tomorrow around 22:00 tomorrow night.  I will have to be out of my room by noon but I know there won't be a problem getting a shower and somewhere to change.  Here's who cooked my breakfast this morning.  She is such a sweet mannered young woman. Her english is not brilliant, so she practices on me.

So made my way to the boat and went uptown.  Uptown is where all the swanky hotels are. Got off the ferry walked to the Skytrain station and overheard some Americans say to the guy selling tickets but we want yo go to the Royal Palace, why doesn't the subway go there! I explained to them that the 'Skytrain' does not go down town lol. I told them where to get the boat from, to, how much to pay and where to go to find the Royal Palace when the got off the boat lol.  I could be a tour guide.  

Found myself uptown again and wanted to get some special bits to take home with me and I certainly did that.  Had some lunch out, pasta, salad and garlic bread it was massive I felt so stuffed.  Then went to a different Mall. They make Bluewater/Trafford Cente look like nothing. 

Looked at the pictures again lol, I do like the cinema.  I went to see Hugh Grant's  new film ReWrite.  It was ok.  Had the King stand up thing again.  The cinema was once again beautiful. Spotlessly clean and a bargain at 150B £3:00 how cool is that.  I have seen two new films and paid less than what I would have paid to see one at the Odeon in Stoke.

Then I went to the loo lol and this was on the back of my door!

It made me chuckle so went to look in another toilet and there was this lol

You have to love the Thais. I wanted to take a picture on the Skytrain but I didn't want to offend. There were priority seats for the old or pregnant then a sign said Please give this seat up for a monk don't you just love it 

Back to the hostel via Skytrain and boat and for the first time my back is aching 😟 but I have walked another seven miles today and to be honest I feel a bit dehydrated.  It has been very humid. So I went to the 7-11 got some coke and have had a quiet night in my room. I wasn't hungry as lunch filled me up. So I might go to Jenny's for lunch and dinner tomorrow as tomorrow is going to be a long, long day. The girls have arranged airport transfer for me to be collected at 22:00 (the last one is 23:00) and it takes a good 45 minutes to get through the traffic to the airport.  My first flight leaves at 1:45 so I won't know if I'm coming or going.  I arrive back in Manchester at 12 noon on Friday.  I asked the girls to kidnap me but to be honest lol no one would know if I were back home or not - well perhaps a couple of people lol.

Day Twelve - Goodbye Siem Reap hello Bangkok

 GG really does need to brush up on his hotel management skills lol.  He sits there like the king of the hoop whilst his minions (women) do all the bloody work.  I've started to rattle his cage now and I love it.  For two mornings I had omlette the next day he said omlette so I said nah I'll have scrambled eggs thank you, which were awful. So today is the last morning. So there he is just sitting there surveying his empire and he says .... Breakfast, no good morning in any language just shouted at across the foyer so I stand there and I look at him and he shouts omlette scrambled eggs lol lol so I just look at him and reply so sweetly I will have the fried eggs this morning thank you. His face but the women laughed and laughed. It was a priceless moment.  So case packed and I have just nipped up to the coffee shop up the road for a decent coffee.  Considering the french had 'ownership' of this country the coffee GG serves on a daily basis is, well shit and trust me working in the community I have drunk some concoctions in my time. This is a lovely coffee bar and this morning I have treated myself to a croissant I mean it is not as if I am holiday or anything is it.

So a flight is booked with Primark Airlines lol aka Bangkok Airlines.  The flight is only 55 mins but I still have to be there two hours before! I did want to go by coach but it is eight hours and I have heard nightmare tales of having to wait at the thai Cambodian border.  At least this way I will be back at Jenny's for dinner.

Cambodia is an amazing place.  I don't care if I never see PP again but I am so pleased that I went to see for myself the horrors man can subject mankind too.  I have said to Daniel that he should take the coach down to experience it himself.  SR is completely different it is more laid back.  I have walked around here at night feeling quite comfortable - apart from the relentless madam tuk tuk, and you buy one dollar which I have now blocked out.

You see along the road containers holding soft drinks but don't assume they are plugged in. No, they have huge pieces of ice in them to keep the drinks cold. If people do not work here or have family, then they beg on the streets.  You see people with limbs, mainly legs, missing because of land mines that were planted during the many recent conflicts in this country.  In fact a guy has just stood at the end of the coffee shop with no hands begging it's so sad.  I gave him a dollar but then five minutes matter an older bloke comes along begging and I have to say no.  But I can now, I have figured it out. Daniel was telling me that up until recently there was hardly any education for he children and people in thieir 30s now did not attend school, only the very wealthy.  But this country has spirit. It's fighting back and why shouldn't it? Who am I to say you should not have what I have. But do what we have, really, really make us happy?  For me it does not and I learnt that last year when I went to Thailand and it has been confirmed to me ten fold again this year.  So yes i will go to London because I know in my heart of hearts I do not need to be in Stoke any more because as my doctor said .... Keep doing the same thing I will get the same results.  Yes I'm excited to be moving to London and Andy and I will have our sexless marriage lol and we will just figure it out, because that is what we do.  But, there will always be a pull on my heart to the Far East because here I just shine, I feel totally at home.  So before I leave for my flight and leave Cambodia I will leave you with these words again from Eat, Pray, Love if you have not read it if seen it I recommend you do so.

I've come to believe in something I call, the physics of the quest.  If you are brave enough to leave behind everything familiar and comforting. It can be anything from your house to bitter old resentments and go on a truth seeking journey either externally or internally.  And if you are truly willing to regard everything that happens to you on that journey as a clue and you accept everyone you meet on the way as a teacher, and if you are prepared, most of all to  face and forgive some very difficult realities about yourself - then the truth will not be withheld from you.

I'm now starting to leave things behind, the place that has been 'home' for 24 years, furniture, belongings and friends.  I'm working on the difficult realities but there is one that will never mend my broken heart.  But I have met people who have been sent to make me laugh, when I hadn't laughed for months and others who have reassured me that I am not the only one as my dear Dad used to say with a light over my head that only special people see.

So back home opinionBangkok.  I took the Skytrain from the airport 42b (84p)!  Then negotiated a taxi mmm they said 250b (£5) I looked at them and said really, really lol I normally pay 150b (£3)! The first guy they took me too started to argue because of the traffic etc I said ok forget it I'll go down to that road and get a tuk tuk. No, no, no please take this taxi 150B says I oh yes yes.  Mmmm slightly different to Cambodia oh also I actually gave the address in Thai go me.  Normally I hand them the hostels card but no I was impressed too.  Anyway, the traffic was bad and in all fairness I gave him a bit more.

The girls were so pleased to see me again, I thought the older woman was going to squeeze me to death.  So I have a big room upstairs and it's beautiful. I said I'm in the penthouse and they did giggle.  

So shower and leave my washing to be done lol and off to Jenny's for dinner.  Something amazing happened she was so pleased to see me, she hugged and kissed me.  I passed on Daniel's love to her and said the reason why Daniel did not say goodbye is because he will see you again one day, so it's not goodbye.  She did laugh, she really is a sweet soul.  I told her I was hungry as it had been a busy day and tonight I was going to have a pudding - sticky rice, banana, mango and coconut milk - I don't think that is in Slimming World's recommendation lol. I also ordered pad Thai . Well the pud come first, but I did order it first lol only in Thailand so ate that and it was so lovely.  Then my pad Thai - I really must learn to use chopsticks lol.

Then the gorgeous french guy come back ............. With his equally gorgeous American wife 😕.  She was lovely and we swapped tails about Cambodia.  It was good actually as they thought very much as me.  They thought in comparison to Thailand it was expensive and she also thought that some of the guys had issues around women.  She too had thought she looked like an ATM and said that some guy had spat at her when she had said no to dishing out a dollar.  Yes! It's a good job that hadn't happened to me I can tell you.  We agreed that it was a shame that they are building huge five star hotels for the tourists when there really is better things they could be spending their money on.  It was interesting to get another's opinion.  Anyway, she said northern Vietnam is lovely and so us Loas.  So we shall see.

Went to the hotel bar again and had two, yes two, Singapore Sling cocktails and now back in the penthouse as I'm exhausted, it's been a long day.  Oh I didn't tell you lol.  Checked in the hotel snd I was invited to use Bangkok Airways executive lounge. Seriously, I think I'm turning into Dame Judi Dench. So all very lovely don't mind if I do thank you very much. Get on the plane, plane pushes off and I just knew there was something wrong, I could just tell by the noise then the smell of aviation fuel.  It smelt like he had flooded the engine. So we were told that because of a technical fault we are not going anywhere.  Now Bangkok Airways had gone from Primark airline to M&S because of the exec lounge bit and how quick they boarded us.  But now ....... So we all got up and waited.  The steps come, they opened the door to let us out then the captain said oh it's ok now we have fixed it lol.  The crew did not have a clue what was going on.  Babgkok Airways the boutique airline, more like carboot airline.  That plane stunk of aviation fuel too when we had landed.

So here are some more photos now I have wi fi again.  A couple of Daniel then some of the Peace Cafe which I MUST find similar in London.

Oh no one has asked me to buy anything or do I want a tuk tuk lol.

 

Day Eleven - Mrs Anna

Some of you may be looking at the title of today's blog and thinking ...... What?

As a child and as an adult I have always loved the film the King and I and I was fortunate enough to see Url Brymer play the King on stage in London.  For those of you not familiar with the film, a teacher Mrs Anna goes to Thailand to teach the Kings numerous chikdren.  He promises her in return, her own house not in the palace.  But when she gets there he wants her to continue to live in the Royal Palace. She argues and says she is going to leave.  Then she sees the children, the beautiful children and her heart melts.  I am Mrs Anna.  I see the children and my heart melts.  Today I am going to school with Daniel.  Just for the afternoon, three classes. I am so excited I can't tell you. So I'm going to get a tuk tuk to the Mall which I have avoided until now and in going to buy the children something, probably sweets something I never do at home, buy sweets for children.  But this is different.  I. So excited.  

Well what an incredible day.  Firstly, when Daniel told me the name of the school he is teaching in I said to him that I had seen it.  But we decided that I must have though I had as there are so many similar sounding schools in town,  so I shower and put long trousers on and head off for school.  Daniel had told them that I am his auntie. His mother is white british and his father is I Indian.  So thicko here says lets get the story straight am I your mums sister or you dads lol.  I know, I know but you wouldn't have me any other way.

So in the morning I decided I would get the children something, so I head to the mall.  Now this mall is so tiny and obviously only catering for the westerners.    But nestling on he top floor I find a stationery shop, can you believe it. I go in and find to my delight ......... Stickers.  Every child loves a sticker.  Then I go to the supermarket and get some lollipops.  On the way to the mall, I was walking, I see a school and the children are out playing and I'm looking and I'm looking.  I get back to my room and text Daniel and it is his school.  Of course it is.  Out of all the hotels I could have chosen and all the schools Daniel could be working in, he only started last week, I am literally only two minutes walk away.  Am I surprised ...... Not at all.  Like we said, the universe keeps bringing us together.

We met at the mall and had a drink then off to school.  I was so excited, I cannot  you.  Daniel introduced me to the manager of the school as his Aunty and they were so pleased to have me there.  Then off to school.

The first class were so lovely.  When a teacher walks in the room all the children stand up put their hands together and say good afternoon teacher then words to the effect we hope you are well and we are pleased to see you.  Then when teacher says, they sit down.  I mean really, can you imagine that in the UK?  The chikdren raised their hands to speak then stand up to ask or answer the question then sit down.  The first three classes we taught were or various sizes and ability.  The girls wanted to learn, and on the whole took it all seriously. The boys, well they were just boys.  

The first three classes had a lesson that lasted 50 minutes each class.  The chikdren have been studying the ten ASEAN countries.  Can you name them?

Brunei, Philippines, Loas, Myanmar, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Maylasia.

The children have learnt the capital cities of each country and now to say hello and today we were looking at Asean foods.i was introduced as Aunty Karen but a lot of children asked Daniel if I was his wife, lol which we thought was hysterical. So Aunty Karen stood at the front of class while the children asked me questions.

What is your name? Where do you come from? Where do you live?  Now old are you? I loved that one lol I told them I was 21 by using my fingers and they laughed, I don't know why lol. One said I was 41 another 31 lol that will do for me thank you.  I told them I was 29 in my head and every birthday I'm still 29, they laughed and laughed. Then I wrote my real age on the board but told them shhhhhhh their little faces. It was such a magical moment.

They asked me if I had any children. So I told them I have one girl aged 21 who is at university studying to be a scientist - Meg if you ever read this I hope you are as proud of me as I am of you.  

Then they asked me how did I make money lol. I to,d them I worked with very bad boys aged 15/18 that the police had taken away ....... And I tried to help them have a good heart. They understood.

Then the class started.  Daniel is a great teacher, so much energy.  He has taught them the months of the year by dancing to the Macarena lol. I'm never going to be able to forget that.  Then we were dancing to the okie cookie but the chikdren were learning.  Education is expensive here in relation to income.  These children in the first three classes are not from rich families at all.  Daniel said the parents work by having their own businesses, but even then they are not wealthy.

I went around the class asking children questions, reading their work and giving them a sticker lol.

Then when class was over I gave them all a lollipop lol they went mad hugging and squeezing me.  It is because I'm big they wanted to feel me lol.

After the three classes we went into a room to do some photocopying and was talking to an Australian teacher who thought I was a new member of staff then basically offered me a job.  I explained that I have commitments in London but he was doing the hard sell.  I asked him to leave the offer on the table for 12 months which he said he would do.  I seriously think I could do this.

We went for a drink and Mrs Anna was giving out lollipops to the children I was like the child catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang lol. Nthen back for 5:30 class which is for the really poor children.  You will see I the photos that they have no uniform.  There was so many of them and I felt bad as there was not enough stickers or lollipops.  This was a very quiet class but some of the children had excellent English.  A great deal of the Cambodian population are not educated, they are a very poor country so for these children to be in a class room is a huge thing.  All the children's manners were impeccable they were very polite. When Daniel was saying about my age he was saying that as I was so old - I did tell him to watch it lol - we can learn from me and this is part of their culture. Older people are seen as knowledgeable.

I cannot tell you how much joyntodaybhas given me, I ready cannot.  We have a gift the the rest of the world want ........ english.  The children want to learn and that alone is priceless.

Daniel and I walked back to my hotel, two minutes, and ate at the restaurant opposite, really good food.  Then it was time to go.  We both don't do good byes why should we, we both know that if it is meant to be the universe will bring us back together again.  So until next time Daniel my dear sweet friend x

Oh I forgot to mention as I walked into the hotel one of GG hench men lol says to me you know him? Meaning Daniel. I replied pardon he says again you know him? My respose .......... No!

.

Day Ten - Temples, Tomb Raider and just call me Angelina!

So last night I put the tv on and got some Australian channel and you won't believe it, they were showing a drama programme set in the 1950s about a family doctor who is a detective lol.  This is going somewhere I promise.  So it was playing in the background and I'm thinking, this is sounding familiar then I come in I saw it on TV when I was in Australia lol.  Can you believe if? I worked out who done it before they done it lol.  I have to ask is there just one TV programme continually being played on TV in Australia lol.  Jackie, please do some research as you are nearest lol.

So I have just had breakfast and sifting I the lobby come breakfast area come every bloody thing.  GG is on the peripheral keeping a watch.  He has A bloodshot eyes for the women that one and has just been put right in his place by an assertive Australian woman who was not having any of his charm lol.

So it's Sunday, I had to check to be honest so Sunday's when I'm away normally mean a great day.  Let's see shall we?

Well I wasn't disappointed.  Tuk tuk driver, whose name was Vandy turned up and kept calling me Kevin, I mean lol Kevin and Mandy and a tuk tuk lol.  But he was pleasant enough.  First temple up to the magnificent Ankor Wat again,  just as we get there the tuk tuk cuts out! What is it with me.  Ankor Wat is truly magical, apart from us tourists.  But I found a little nook and cranny that was peaceful and I sat there just soaking up the atmosphere.  I decided that I would meditate and so I did.  However, I don't know 15 minutes in to it I hear a shrill of ma'am are you ok, are you are ok ma'am, ma'am. Obviously, being mindful and quiet is not allowed.  I opened my eyes to be greeted by a very stern looking woman (American). I explained to her that I was fine, thank you.  It was a shame as it was such a peaceful moment, but I guess she thought I was dead.

Back to Mandy with the tuk tuk working, it had run out of petrol.  This is such a poor country and everything is buy it when you need it. Then we went round all of the temples.  I cannot tell you how many but each had a beauty in its own right.  I can't imagine how they built these wonderful pieces of art.  The carvings alone on them are breathtaking.

I can't wait to play Tomb Raider on Andy's Xbox when I get to London lol.  I even saw the baboons lol. Ankor is an amazing place where you step back in time.  But again the poverty is there.  Everywhere, and I mean everywhere you go chikdren approaching you asking you to buy.  I swear the first words they learn is $1! It's terribly sad but you just have to deal with it as difficulty as it is.  But I think I'm ready to visit India now.  We really do live in a mixed up crazy world where some have so much and others have hardly thing.  I don't know what the answer is, I just know it is it right.  

Met. Daniel at the Peace Cafe again, oh how I love that place.  I could just go and live there.  So peaceful, my sort of people.  Sheer bliss.

I need to find something like this in London.  So by eight pm I was almost falling a sleep.  My Fitbit said I had walked 7.5 miles yesterday so I said night to Daniel and got a tuk tuk who tried to rio me off for $3 he got $2 lol.  I was sound asleep by 9:00 but it has been a lovely day.

Day Nine - Siem Reap

Up at eight yay! No hangover double yay! Quick shower with Hetty towel lol and downstairs for breakfast.  GG comes over .... What you want for breakfast. Oh says I what is there lol. To be honest I fancied Wheatabix lol so had omelette the coffee was disgusting.  Went for a walk out.  The good thing about exploring is you always find something. Had a lovely cup of coffee then got a tuk tuk to the Old Market.  Lol I just tell them now $2! Busy market and I avoided the meat and fish bit. But they are very persistent it drives me mad.  Madam you buy, madam you look, madam you want. Aghhhhhh. I found a stall that did not look like the others and the woman was so lovely. I bought (yes I know another one) a lovely silk bag and a scarf.  Then went for some lunch.  I'm out at 4:30 to see the subset at Ankor Wat so had some humous, bread olives and feta cheese.  I was really good.  The bread is good here I guess it's the french influence. Then back around the market.  I can't tell you, every and I mean every five seconds madam tuk tuk I DON'T WANT A BLOODY TUK TUK!!!!! Lol. Then I stumbled on this lovely pagoda (not temples in Cambodia) it was so quiet and peaceful.  But even there again, they are after your money.  I made it clear that I will make a donation when I pray to Bhudda that shut them up especially when they saw my Bhudda necklace.  But that aside, it was so peaceful there.  Back out in the madness of madam tuk tuk when I come across a lovely place called Blossom Cafe and Training Centre. I will Google it when or if I get wi fi. But the young girls make the cakes there.  So here we have it Afternoon Tea Earl Grey of course.  I guess it's The Shard Cambodian style.  I'm all for social enterprise and once again the girls were so lovely.

Yes madam would like a tuk tuk lol and back to Hotel California lol. Made GG day as asked him for tuk tuk tonight to get pass for Ankor Wat then to see the sunset - pass is government price $20 tuk tuk $8. Then tuk tuk to take me to all the temples tomorrow $15 can you see a difference from PP. So I better leave you now to get ready. I have lovely really clean clothes to wear too.  

Picture of afternoon tea Cambodian style. The girls were so lovely and the cake was delicious.

So tuk tuk drive arrived and off we set.  We had to stop at a designated place to get my ticket. You should have seen it, it was full of coaches, cars, pedal bikes, tuk tuks, mopeds the lot.  I did well for once as I actually got in a queue that moved really quick.  So back to tuk tuk and it was then like a scene from Wackey Races - I loved that programme.  The pedal bikes were overtook by the tuk tuks that were overtook by the mopeds that were overtook by the cars that all moved out of the way when a coach come along,  it was so funny, this mad dash up this road. But when I arrived. Well I have never seen anything as beautiful.  Ankor Wat is so spiritual it feels alive.

As the sun started to set you could feel the hairs on your arms rise.  Truly a magical place. Then i saw something that proves to me that the majority of people are kind.  Sitting on some steps were two small Cambodian girls and a woman sitting next to them.  The woman was combing the children's hair why the guy took their picture.  In the children's hands was a toothbrush and some toothpaste.  The children clutched them for grim death.  The lovely couple, who did tell me their names but sorry guys I cannot remember, were travelling from northern Spain, not the hot part as they described it.  They said that the hotel leaves toothbrushes and combs and they did not need them, so they take them with them and pass them on. How simple is that?  I thanked them for sharing such a wonderful idea and one that I will now copy.  Those girls sat there for ages just combing their hair and holding on to the toothbrushes.  It was so humbling.  I explained to the couple that I write a blog and were they happy for me to take their photo. I also gave them this blog address so I hope they see such a beautiful photo of human kindness. Thank you guys, have a good life.

I like the feel of SR it's totally different from PP.  I found the tuk tuk driver, I don't know how and I went back to my hotel.  GG was throwing a BBQ for a bunch of women. I'm not saying a word.  So later on I went a wandering again and found a lovely restsurant and had a set meal of tofu curry etc, really tasty. Now ket me tell you a bit of the utter madness ofCambodia.

1.  It's not for the faint hearted.  Daniel was telling me and I get what he is saying, people are very harsh.  But I guess they have every right to be.  The country has had a horrid past and that is going to take time to put right. You see things that make you feel 'uncomfortable'. I won't lie to you I have found myself in tears because of the inequality of it all. Those children today and the combs and toothbrushes was so moving.  Also, some of the toilets are, challenging.

2.  The roads.  OK the place is mad.  They drive on the right unless something is coming then they move over - I'm being serious.  They weave in and out if each other.  But I have not seen one accident, not one screech of brakes, no broken glass, nothing.  You see the Cambodians are so tolerant of each other.  There is no swearing or shouting they just rub along and it works.  It shouldn't.  If we did it at home it would be carnage but it works here.  Now for crossing the road.  Trust me, it can be terrifying however I have it sussed.  The golden rule is you just walk. Head up keep going. Don't stop. Don't hesitate, just keep walking.  What happens is they just weave round you.  Now that is a bit hair raising, but along as you act determined, it's not an issue.

3.  Tuk tuk.  I have never been hassled so much for a tuk tuk, it is relentless and gets a bit annoying. Ałso, in the market today madam you want something, madam I get you something.  Yeah ok 6'4" dark, broad and a beard ta to go.  The sad thing is Daniel said he could get me that if I wanted.    That takes us back to number one, somethings are not for the faint hearted.

4.  Money.  Unlike Thailand, in my opinion, the Cambodians are always after your money. Today in the temple, please make a donation to Bhudda then the guy was telling me about a school they have for the poor children in the countryside.  I just explained to him I have a friend who teaches and I'm going there.  There are a lot of NGOs (non government organisations ) here and I knew this already, but Daniel confirmed it last night when he said that not all of them are legit. But then when do you know if anything is I guess.  Life is very hard for Cambodians in the city; I cannot imagine how it must be out in the countryside.

But, apart from this I do like the country. PP is not for me but SR has a comfortable feel about it, it looks and feels different.  But I still prefer Bangkok lol. I don't know why because that is a crazy place and Daniel prefers SR, Thailand has stolen my heart, well the Far East has its an amazing place. But I'm so pleased I'm a vegetarian well I fact here I'm almost vegan lol.

Day Eight - Coach Journey to Siem Reap

I didn't sleep well, I think the past few days events were playing on my mind to be honest.  Also, something in the room was using me as an all you can eat buffet - regardless of my Boots triopical strength killer mmmmmm not impressed.  Went down to breakfast and today we had a Pastor! I do not need saving thank you.  Wanda arrived and I was gone like the wind and yes, he only got $5! Then it happened again, let me explain to you.  Bhuddist monks are fed and provided for by the community.  In Thailand, at dawn, you will see them walking the streets collecting offerings of food.  Some of you may recall last year when I was on Ko Mak I took fruit every day to the monks at the temple.  So here I am, still feeling a bit hacked off when along comes a Bhuddist monk and a Cambodian guy who stands in front of me first, that bloody sign over my head, the guy pulls out a bundle of my and indicates that I should give some to him for the monk.  To be honest, they picked the wrong day to piss me off. I said NO, There were Cambodians waiting for the coach but he made a beeline first of all to the ATM westerners.  I really wished I knew how to say why money and not food offerings?

 Coach is quite spacious.  I have no one sitting next to me thank goodness as the great southern barrier is still up.  However, I nearly invited a Dutch woman to come and sit with me; she is sitting in front of me next to a Cambodian who proves the fact that there are total knobs in any nationality lol.  He was trying to be flash with his english, I mean, to the Dutch who speak better english than some english people I know.  I could tell she had enough.  I'm wondering if it's a cultural thing.  The cutch woman is travelling alone and is older than me - yay go girl. I hear him say oh f you want a boat trip you tell me I will sort it out for you. Then she went to put her bag on the shelf above.  Oh no madam he dies it may fall ok. She ignored him and shoved it up there anyway and no, it has not fallen off.  We stopped for the loo and I was going to ask her if she wanted to come and sit with me with the promise that I won't interrogate her lol.  But he must have got the hint and went to sit with the driver.

I will never complain about the M6 or M25 again.  The road from PP to SR. Is a dusty dirt track full of trucks, mopeds, horse and cow drawn carts - I guess just like our motorways then.  We just stopped for lunch and I had to say it was enjoyable,  I had Cambodian food,  granted there was not much choice but I had some tasty fried rice with tofu and a diet coke for wait for it $4.25 it was really nice and the women who served me were so lovely. I gave them $5 it was well worth it.  Unlike the loo lol. When travelling take plenty and I mean plenty of tissues and hand sanitiser.  The loo was .....l. Challenging. To flush it I had to put my hand I the top and lift the ball cock lol.  The joys of Cambodia.  So back on the coach and we have just had to stop as there are cows on the road.  Oh I forgot to mention the guy who was taking over the Dutch woman's life lol was making a beeline for me at lunch. Trust me when I say body language and one of my infamous dirty looks changed his mind for him lol lol I think we shall leave it there for now lol.

Surprisingly, the time went really quick.  I had a bit of a nap then woke up to find I had been a smorgasbord for insects!!!!!!! Obviously. 

Mosquitos think I'm sweet meet.  I had been using Boots tropical extra strong kill the beggars stuff which obviously is not working,  I have a painful bite on the inner right arm and one that is thankfully not as bad by my left eye of all places.  Knob boy lol asked Dutch woman for her number in case she wanted a boat or taxi and the Dutch woman said, no you are not having it lol - game over.

So the bus rolls into SR and first impressions were that it looked really ok.  Tuk tuk driver and case oh and $3 to the hotel.  I have to share with you my friends that sometime during that coach journey I had a word with myself so a focussed and determined Karen  had arrived.  Get to the hotel.  Now when I booked this the name did make me chuckle and I thought only in the Far East it is called Hotel Side Walk Never Dies.  I had clocked a laundry place and chemist on the journey and automatically felt back in control.  Get to the reception and I know I should not joke by the manager looks like a Cambodian Gary Glitter and we all know what he got up too in Cambodia.  Straight away the big I am the man routine,  well not today sunshine. Oh I don't have your booking says he. Oh don't you says I as I pull out email after email.  That was that sorted.  You want tuk tuk to Ankor or into town you come and see me I arrange. To which I replied nah thank you I have other plans. Well that was it where you go what you do he goes on and on and I said its my business but thanks for the offer lol. Got to my room anf there are three blokes opposite who had checked in an hour before me; two from London one from Liverpool. The scouser had a chat, they seem ok.

Now for the room lol.  How can I put it. I suspect Gary Glitter or GG from now on thinks he is running a five star hotel with his women doing all the bloody work. I have washed my dear sweet Hetty in better towels than I have here lol. Some of you would die than stay here but it's four nights of my life. Quick shower change of clothes and I go out. Where you go you want tuk tuk says GG no thank you says I.  First stop laundry.  2kg $2 ready tomorrow.  Then to chemist.  Got some extra kill spray and some hydrocortisone cream for the bites.  Two lovely women served me with the most adorable week old baby boy. Made a fuss of the baby and did what my dad always used to do, have him a dollar for his money box.  The girls were no no and I explained (in hindsight they probably thought I wanted to buy him lol) they were so thankful.  Quick coffee and messaged Daniel then back to hotel.  OMG GG doesn't give up lol you see temple tonight? No thanks I'm meeting a friend who works here. You should have seen the look on his face.  

So tuk tuk to the Peace Cafe. I said to the tuk tuk driver do you know where this is, of course he did .............. Not! Round and round we went.  In the end I noticed it.  I had seen pictures of this place and it is so me.  All vegetarian and vegan food, meditation classes, yoga classes ...... Bliss.  I was there first.  For those of you who do not know, I met Daniel last year in Bangkok.  I was looking at the menu for Jenny's and a voice said the food is good here it is made with love and that was it.  We have kept in touch and last year we promised we would meet this year in SR and here we are. Daniel arrived and we were so pleased to see each other and had so much to talk about.  The universe certainly bought us together.  The food was amazing, so fresh.  The best food I have had since I kept Jenny's.

We then walked to a bar lol. How ace was this place.  Happy hour for five hours lol huge gin and I mean huge gin and little tonic $1 ha ha. We were trying to dance with the locals ha ha it was so funny. I went to the loo OMG if I hadnr been a bit mmmmm tipsy I would gave took a photo lol.  Still I knew my yoga would come in handy on day as I lowered my self over the toilet whilst doing the chair pose.  

I did think what if I miss the loo and I wee on the floor, then I looked and thought it ain't going to matter lol. Another gin with little tonic and some passive cannabis smoking, the boys at work would be so impressed with Miss lol lol then we were off to meet Dara Daniel's boyfriend. What a scream. I'm the only woman in a gay bar, the other side of the world, slightly mmmmm pissed by now saying it's not fair I want to be a ladyboy they are so thin and beautiful, do you think they will do my make up lol like in Drag Race.  Daniel was screaming and crying with laughter and poor old Dara thought what the hell is this lol. It was ace.  The ladyboys were brilliant and so was the company.

Ha ha if anyone had told me five years ago this is what I would be doing I'd never would have believed them.  Oh Meg lol what would you make of your mother.  Anyway, I'm slightly mmmmmm pissed by now so I say night night to Daniel and get a tuk tuk back to the hotel.  Oh I forgot to say I keep singing welcome to the hotel California lol I don't know why.  I think it might be the the line ..... You can check out any time you want but you can never leave. The scouse bloke was on the stairs trying to get a wi fi signal as the wi fi is crap at the hotel California run by GG lol. He was as pissed as me lol lol and we chatted.  He said he thought I was ace travelling on my own.  Yeah I think I'm a do too lol.

Made it to my room and collapsed.  I done think I moved all night.  Brilliant evening - thank you Daniel 

Day Seven - Phnom Pehn

This morning I went downstairs for breakfast to a gaggle of regions Americans! What is it with me? It turns out that where I am staying is used frequently by religious groups, mainly evangelical Americans! You would have all been proud of me, I turned very british lol and the great southern sound barrier went up and I played scrabble on my iPad.  In fact, the great southern barrier has been up a great deal today ....... More later.

The guy who runs the hotel is very polite and has good english but does come across as quite intrusive, I don't think means to, it's just the way it is.  But you know me, I do not have to answer to anyone so when this morning I decided to go for a walk I sneaked out without the Interrogation lol.

I walked a few blocks up the road and found a local market.  The noise, mopeds, people and some of the food, please note some, was amazing.

I wish that I was just able to buy some of the vegetables and cook them.  Most of the food is still meat and I am having to have to used American or very western places to eat, like the coffee bar I am in now.  You know me, I do like to be local.  I was walking through the meat part of the market, don't ask me why, trying not to look, but really is there any part of the animal they don't eat!  Then through to the fish market. I looked down and a fish had jumped out of the tub and was wriggling to my ankles! I screamed lol lol that woke them all up.  Me and things of the sea and my ankles equals nightmare situation, the guy just picked it up and put it back - I wanted to release it.  I really do think no more fish now after this experience 😟

Went for coffee and then back to hotel and Wanda was waiting and we went to the school to collect Rotha.

I decided last night that I was going to take control of today. Please do not get me wrong but I like to travel independently and Rotha is a lovely lad, but I can happily manage my own.  So I drew up a list of where we were going today lol.  Today we play by Karen's rules. Well at least try to.

So first stop was the bus ticket office to buy a coach seat to Seam Reap.  I was going by boat, then saw the size of the boat and though $30 (£24) for eight hours!!!! And please remember I have been wobberly so checked out the coaches and found a good company and that is where I wanted to go first. I had researched a charity that is a social enterprise for young women who are at risk or who have been sexually exploited or trafficked.  So coach first, then charity. First hurdle, Rotha said we go to food first then coach.  I made it perfectly clear, my rules, my way. Coach ticket first.  I then said how much for his dad to take me to coach station tomorrow he relied $12/15!!!!! I replied, I don't think so.  To be honest, I was beginning to feel like a cash cow. Please do not get me wrong, I am a charitable person but I also know when someone is starting to take the piss!

So Karen's rules we get to the coach station. Rotha starts talking so I ask the girl do you speak English, the rest of the conversation was in English.  I have been to many countries where communication can be challengingm but I mean manage .  Coach ticket purchases for tomorrow. Leaving at 8:45 for $15 for an eight hour journey ......... Can you see what I am saying now?

Next stop Daughters of Cambodia social enterprise centre. I had said to Rotha we will have a drink and a cake here, nothing else as I do not like to eat much when it is hot and also, and I am going to be totally frank and honest now, this holiday is for me, paid by me and I have not been expecting to be having to subsidise another with entrance fees (which in all fairness have been minimal as locals get in free or for a few cents) and meals out!  I'm sure you will all have comments, I would love to hear them.

Oh I forgot to mention lol after buying coach ticket Rotha said do you want my dad to take you tomorrow to the coach and I said no thank you it was too expensive and I was not going to pay that much! Good for you I can hopefully hear you cry lol.  Amazingly the price dropped to $5 mmmmm I know when I'm being fleeced and they knew I knew I was being fleeced,  Rotha then got a lesson in economics.  I said I think PP is very expensive and people see westerners and then see dollar signs. People will not come. He understood alright. I explained that. It everyone in the UK have big houses, or huge cars etc.  he understood alright lol. I said that I live on my own and have no one, no family to support me and things in he UK are very expensive.  Capitalism has a lot to answer for.

Purchased some lovely earrings and something for my new room in London that the women make, some really lovely stuff. Rotha did not have a clue about what the place was, to be honest, I didn't care anyone of you who know me, know this is the sort of thing I do.  We go up to the cafe where the woman run it and work there.  Cakes were on display and i knew straight away where it was going to go, so I got in first oh look says i chocolate brownies shall we have those ($2 each) yes he says, then we sit down they bring the menu and he's looking at meals from $4-8. I said quite firmly NO! Chocolate brownie and drink that is it.  Mmmm so here is Rotha with said bloody brownie.  It's an extra $4 I had to find to pay for his, I was not impressed.  I know it is not much but it's the principle, I come travelling to live my experiences - I guess it's difficult for me to explain but those of you who really know me will understand.

I bet you are all thinking tight bitch. But I'm being honest.  I like to travel alone and I don't like being taken for a ride.

Next stop National Museum. I was really impressed with this.  It was a pagoda style building (still had to pay to get in lol) but some of the artefacts were stunning. It was a good place to visit and I'm glad that I went.

 Next stop was the Royal Palace.  So off we trot it was near so we walked.  Get to the Palace and that is when I almost lost it lol lol. Obviously, you are foreign so you have to pay, there's a surprise but because I had short sleeves on I had to cover my arms.  That is ok, I totally get that, so I pull out my shawl that I use in all the Bhuddist temples in Thailand. A very officious bloke says NO, Need a t shirt.  T shirt here for sale $3!  That was bloody it.  I said no, shove it.  I then said the Bhuddist monks that are going in wear a shawl not a t shirt. In all honestly the t shirt was small as the Cambodians are typically small. So $3 for a t shirt that is going to make my, how can I put this tactfully, high enough tits look even bigger so I don't offend the King.  Not today, King, not to day!!!!! lol lol lol it didn't help when Rotha pointed out that it was only, yes only $3! I said NO NO NO. Then I saw a tour going in and women had no sleeve, not stroppy, but the same as mine.  Mmmm one rule for one.  I then heard lol and saw an english guy who was having the same hissy fit as me lol lol. We started ćhatting for half an hour lol lol.  His name is Tom and he lives in Clapham round the corner from where I will be living in London lol.  He was a right laugh and we chatted and moaned.  He summed up PP as 'a shit hole' lol lol got to love us southerners.  Say it how it is.  I explained the Rotha situation to him quietly and he laughed,  he said he could not imagine being here on his own and thought I was mad.  I explained to him that I am spirited, adventurous and slightly bonkers and oh only 29 lol.  He said that I will be going off to Ibiza next clubbing and I said that I would love to do that so find me when I get to london and we will both go, we did laugh, he was a sweet guy.

And it was good to have a laugh and chat with someone who understood where I was coming from.  He too thought PP was expensive for tourists and that we were being ripped off. He was good to chat to someone to be honest.  This time it's been rather quiet.  Anyway, here's Tom who has promised to keep an eye open for me on the New Kent Road - probably to avoid me.

I was a bit fed up by now and thought sod it, let's just go back to the hotel.  Rotha kept dropping hints about the bloody skateboard shop. Where no dobt I will be expected to buy him a skateboard lol.  FFS do I look like the sort of person who wants to look around a Cambodian skateboard shop. I got a big bottle of water for my long journey tomorrow and Wanda appeared and I was taken back to my hotel. We said our goodbyes and I don't know how I felt to be honest. I felt mean as I have so much more; but I felt hacked off as I was expected to give. It left me feeling a bit flat. A mood which has stayed with me.

Went to my room and got my iPad and walked two blocks to the lovely coffee shop and spent an hour in there, just reflecting. Went back and packed my case and showered and went to the American place for dinner.  Very tasty; eat far too much - the Imodium has worked a bit too well lol - now back in my room.  I wonder how many hours over the past few years I have just spent in a room! And then there will be more when I get to london.

So tomorrow I leave PP. In hindsight, which lets face it, is always right, two nights would have been enough.  It's a noisy, dirty, crazy city and I am so pleased I have seen the killing fields and museum but I have no desire to see PP again. The city has an edge to it.  Properties have razor wire around them and crime is high.  I work in a prison so I have my wits about me and I feel that you need to have here. Don't get me wrong, I did not feel unsafe, that would be unfair to say, I just did not feel as comfortable as I do in Bangkok.  In PP and you are a foreigner you are seen as having money whereas in Bangkok I don't feel any different. The women and children here are adorable and chatty and friendly; the men however hassle you.  If I hear 'hello Madam tuk tuk' or 'hello madam bike' once more I will scream.  Now don't get me wrong, in Bangkok the tuk tuk drivers shout but not every 10-15 seconds!  Trust me, there is some Khmer I wish I did know.

So early night, up at 6:30, breakfast at 7:00, tuk tuk at 8:00 coach at 8:45 for eight hours.  It's going to be a long, long day.