Disappointed

I thought it was pretty much an established fact that the size of a country's ants increases in direct correlation to that land's exoticism. I can reveal this to be a myth. Cambodia's ants (at least Phnom Penh's) are the tiddliest, palest little weaklings you can imagine. Were they to meet one of our Brit ants (or "British Bulldogs" as I will call them from now on) down a dark twig, they wouldn't stand a chance.

I feel a strange mix of great disappointment and extraordinary pride.

Traffic

The traffic in Phnom Penh is truly crazy. Most people travel by Moto (moped), as I previously mentioned. Motos are not limited to just their drivers. I have seen whole families of five, Buddhist monks, a fridge (+driver and passenger!), and a helmetless toddler slouched asleep across the handlebars as his father negotiates the traffic. The “back seat” of a moto can be hired for $1-2 per journey within town. I have quickly learned that tuk tuk (a small carriage pulled by a moto) is a safer and more comfortable way to travel, though slightly more expensive at $2-3 per journey. The rules of the road are very simple : there are no rules. Well, perhaps one. If I am bigger than you it’s my right of way. If you are bigger then me, it’s your right of way. I have only seen 2 or 3 sets of lights, otherwise there are no road markings and no “give way” signs or lines. It’s not uncommon to see cars and bikes traveling on the wrong side of the road. Remarkably (pretty much) everyone seems to avoid each other. As a pedestrian, negotiating these roads can be a hair-raising experience. With the crazy roads and the dirt and dust walking is not the most pleasant way to get around. Finding at tuk tuk is never a problem though, with drivers offering their services about every 15 seconds…

Moto madness!

It's 33 degrees today and I've just taken a helmet-less* (slow) ride on the back of a moto (moped) back from a local restaurant where I had frog with ginger! I think that's all I need to say for now ;-)

* Mum, Dad and anyone else who cares about my brain, my motorbike helmet arrives tomorrow!

Arrival!

So here I sit in the Phenom Penh office! I finally made it! Lot's to write about, but not much time now. Will update properly soon.

Jelly! In coffee!

“I usually get panic attacks on planes but I took two Temazapan before I got on so I'm alright. My ex wife suggested I take them. I've got three ex-wives. I'm going to Bangkok to meet up with a girl I've been chatting with online. All set up by an agency. She doesn't speak English, but they will send an interpreter.” My flight companion is not the only one. A guy, I'd guess German, about 20 just walked by with a woman basically dressed like a prostitute. I'm not in some seedy district of Bangkok, this is the airport!

I have been awake about 20 hours now and I'm pushing back zzzzzs with an iced coffee with loads of chunks of jelly in it. Jelly! In coffee! They finally did it! I think I'd better only put this post up once I've had a night's sleep. I suspect I'm slightly delirious.

Another eight hours until the flight leaves for Phenom Penh. My plan is to eat things.

A beautiful sight!

The passport is in my hands! The flights are confirmed! Yes!!!

Sorted

My new passport should arrive on Wednesday 11th Feb and my flights are rebooked for Sunday 15th Feb. Nothing can go wrong.