River Trip down the Tonle Sap, Cambodia.

We were collected by minibus to take us to the boat. To all the passengers amusement and dismay the guide tried to pack in 4 extra people on the bus without a seat amongst a mountain of baggage. The bus was so bumpy and packed one guy had to stop the bus as he got so claustrophobic and sick. We were mobbed on arrival by people selling food and drink at the port and our bags were ferried off the bus onto the boat by locals (without any choice in the matter) who proceeded to ask for a large tip for the job.

We took up what space was left with the other back packers on the open deck to catch the breeze and some photos.

The trip was a real highlight - we saw Khmer riverside life at its best: hordes of smiley Khmer kids sprinting to the banks of the river to wave with a chorus of "hello" at every wooden home we encountered. The boat steered around the little fishing boats we came across and the odd child floating around in a steel tub.

After 8 hours on deck we were sun-drenched to say the least, and were grateful that our guest house were lying in wait for our business as we disembarked!

The evening in Battambang wasn't much to write home about as there isn't much to see or do, but we did come across a rather bizarre Colgate/L'Oreal Convention (appalling Rock music included) in the street!

Ready to cash in on the extravaganza, all corners of the street were peppered with stalls selling deep-fried tarantulas, honey-coated locusts and the like. Now don't forget to floss, kids!

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