End of first language session




Janet cycling along the Mekong on the way to school

Well, two weeks of language training have come to an end and I have enjoyed it in a strange way. We have learnt over 200 words and can put them into basic sentences. I can order and buy items in shops and am surprised how much I have learnt!

This morning we woke to cloud and rain and although the temp was still in the 30s we decided to go for a bike ride to the local pagoda " Wat Nokor". Negotiating the traffic is still very hairy but am getting used to it - this morning we came across several motorbikes carrying loads of rattan furniture, 3 horse and carts in a row with bamboo stacked high and the usual bikes and cycles coming straight at you ready to turn at any minute. One of the women in our group has not been on a bike for 40 years and hates every minute.

Last night we all went out for a meal at a local restaurant which is run as a charity for children on the streets. It was quite expensive $10 for us both, but really good food. I had vegetarian Tom Yum Soup which comes with rice and fresh lime juice with soda to drink.

Tomorrow we are off on the mini bus on our long trek north to Rattanakiri 8-10 hours depending on the state of the road! Hope it hasn't rained too much up there. I have a time table for the week which includes several visits to schools which I am looking forward to. At least i can now introduce myself in Khmer. But best of all will be the house hunting as living out of a suitcase for the last month has not been easy. But most of all I would love a fridge as drinking water at 30C is not pleasant any more.



Party time





Wat Nokor







Dave taking a break from school





Cows with no one in charge going round the roundabout by school. An amusing distraction!