Phnom Penh

We have joined another Tour Group. We departed Siem Reap yesterday after a warm welcome from staff. Interestingly, all those who had left money in the hotel safe noticed upon collection that small amounts were missing. $20 here for example, or $5 there. There was a small uprising among the guests and the missing money quickly reappeared.
Note: it is estimated that one third of Cambodians earn less than $1 (US) per day.

This morning we visited Choeung Ek (the Killing Fields) of the Pol Pot regime 1975-79. We weren't spared any facts. I could stomach what I saw - just - until I started to imagine things like that happening to my brothers and sister. Then I had to leave. This is a very sad city.

Hello tuk-tuk

I feel woozy and depressed. I think it's the Malarone. We're in Cambodia now. We crossed the border at 'Poipet.' I liked it when the Cambodian man took my temperature.
Here, as with most countries in the S.E. Asia region, you're advised to cover your body a bit. I'm all for it, but I won't be embracing the 'cool' look. Oh, let's all start wearing weird headscarfs and baggy trousers, because we're travelling. Anyway, we heard that the 'Angkor Wat' is the place to be seen, so we headed there for sunrise.
Angkor Wat was built in the 1100s in honour of the Hindu god Vishnu. It is the world's largest religious building. There, I had that feeling you get when you're around worn stone - like you could just disappear into it. Also today, I went to see Doctor Fish at Siem Reap Night Market. Goldfish shoals, nibbling at my toes...

Singha

Today we proceed to Thailand's capital, population 6 million (or 13 depending on source). It's known to outsiders as 'Bangkok' but out of respect I've decided to refer to it always by its traditional Thai name. For example: 'Excuse me, taxi, is this the way to "The City of Celestial Beings, the Residence of the Emerald Buddha, The Impregnable City of Indra, The Grand Capital of the World Endowed with Nine Precious Gems, the Happy City Abounding in Enormous Royal Palaces that Resemble the Heavenly Abode where the Reincarnated Gods Reside, a City Given by Indra and Built by Vishnukarm?" '
As well as having a catchy title Bangkok is known for its terrifying traffic jams and for its world-class Red Light Area, the 'Pat Pong,' where we are heading directly.

Chang

Thailand is a beautiful place, where you can get chillis. But it's not without its problems.
There seems to be an awful lot of rubbish here, just lying around. I wonder if the expatriates have noticed? Obviously there's a section in Buddha's teachings on rubbish disposal but people just haven't got to it yet.
In today's picture we are in the Phi Phi islands. Several years ago they starred in 'The Beach' with Leonardo Di Caprio, so that was the end of them. You don't mind me going off in water with Thai hunk though, do you Richard? Because boat is boat. Love is love.

Annoying Expatriates

I've been trying to enjoy my holidays all day but I keep getting embroiled with annoying expatriates: the ones who, within minutes of meeting you, assume you're dying to escape your home country but can't. You only have to mention you had your holidays in '- - -' and liked it there, and suddenly you're under pressure - real pressure - as to why you haven't moved there.
'Oh but it'd be easy, love,' they say. And you say, 'but I-'
'Don't worry about your family,' they say. 'You can always go back and visit!' And you say 'well, actually I-'
'What's stopping you? Y' can find work out here easy enough! Home from home, love'
Oh to give them my real answer: 'Go away, idiot. I like England and I'm s-t-a-y-i-n-g there.' Surely travelling around and seeing places for a while is enough? And isn't that, after a while, all just a bit ... silly? Come on, someone has to say it. You get to see good things but the grass isn't greener, just because you're travelling. Or moving to some tropical island, damn it.
Today's mood: #41 - Rock the Boat.

Langkawi

Today we spent some time thinking about life and pondering our existence. We sat on a long white beach for 3 hours as well. We might hire a little scooter and go scooting around!
Langkawi is popular because there is no tax on beer or cigarettes. It is an archipelago comprising 99 islands. 'Archipelago' is stupid because it doesn't do its job properly i.e. make saying 'island group' any easier. I've not heard any two people say it the same way. I think you say 'archipelago' when you want to look successful, along with 'non-prescriptive' and other bizarre long words / phrases
And now for some of that tax-free beer!

Cultural differences #1

We are now in the Cameron Highlands. They are known as a 'cool, lofty place' where you can go for Nostalgia and Romance. I've heard you can even Find your Inner Self. This morning I was thrilled when I found some Nostalgia near a coffee table on a balcony. I think it's OK to feel this way, as long as you don't try saying it out loud.
We have to stay on our toes, even here, because robbers are everywhere just like in Britain. I understand their preferred method is to charm you or drug you first unlike at home where it's done through violence, or through the banks.

Kuala Lumpur

The large buildings featured today are called the Petronas Towers. They were put there put there so that Malaysia could out-tower its neighbours. At 452.02m they did a sterling job. They were crushed in 2004 by the Taipei 101 in Taiwan, which in turn will be whopped by Dubai's 818m Burj this September.
I was at a bus station on route here and my legs were aching a bit, so I decided to sit down cross-legged for a while. The lady in front of me, I noticed, began staring, and then she said to her husband 'I wish I could sit like that.' Looking closer I could see that one of her legs was slightly skewed. I thought, all this time we spend worrying about things when we're already on a high.
We're going to have some iced-tea adventures now.