Siem Reap

Our guide, Chen, took us to visit a poor area of Siem Reap where the charity New Hope Cambodia has opened a new school for 800 students and a health centre serving approx. 400 villagers.  It was a shock seeing how the villagers live and it soon dawned on me that I had no real concept of poverty until seeing these people - but they have such a wonderful spirit!

Our guide - Chen:

The poor district - the welcoming party!

New Hope Cambodia's previous school has been turned into a safe house for 5 famillies who have had to be separated from their husbands / fathers.  The children were laughing and smiling all the time!

Some of the women at the safe house: 

Saying goodbye:

Children from the new school:

My group at the new school:

Eating crickets at the school restuarant - a way of bringing money into the charity to keep the school and health centre running.  FYI - crickets are LUSH! 

..and so is duck egg: a duck featus still in the shell, boiled, and then eaten with garlic and lime juice - LUSH!

A short trip to the night market.  Only a few kilometres from the poor area and a complete contrast:

Thailand to Cambodia

Leaving Thailand:

Entering Cambodia:

A novel way to shift our luggage from one bus to another!

Cambodia by bus - en route to our hotel:

The Caldwell Massive

Many thanks to my friends, the Caldwells, for an amazing first (and only) day in Bangkok!  It was a whirlwind sight seeing day packed with so many sights, sounds and smells.

First stop was Jim Thompson's house - an American who brought back the Thai silk industry in the mid-20th century but whom vanished one day in 1967 and was never seen again. 

Thai man heating up water to soak the silk worm:

Silk worms:

Random guy playing the drums!

Random Harry playing the drums!

After lunch - China Town:

Random building with cool fascia:



A Gentleman Arrives

Travelling for 26 hours was worth it - I'm in Bangkok!  I feel (and look) like I've been partying for far to long but a new day beckons ripe for exploration.  The Caldwells have sent communication and they'll be picking me up in 30 mins (10:00 LST, 04:00 GMT) - let the adventure begin!

My hotel - Bangkok Centre Hotel:

View from my room:

My room:

The en suit with its very own phone!

Pre Adventure part #2

Opening day of the Olympics in London with Lydia.


The Olympics rings on the River Thames:

Tower Bridge:

I pledge my allegiance to the crown:

The royal barge:

Me at the Olympic Park:

Lydia and I at Hyde Park for the gig:

Red Arrows fly by - AWESOME!

Duran Duran - AWESOME!  (And I really want Simon's jacket).

Sterophonics - AWESOME!

Snow Patrol - AWESOME!