Saturday 16th

Last day in Cambodia so we packed or bags and headed up the street for a pedicure for me and a fish massage for the kids.  A bit of shopping at the old markets and then back to the motel for a swim.

Peter and Shane went for a shave and rear clean.  Only a short flight to Danang Vietnam. 

FRIDAY 15th

It was such a great tour on Monday,  today Peter,  Nick and Jordyn are going on the tour with Bees unlimited. Addison and I spent some of the morning in the pool and then headed off to the Angkor museum.  It was lovely to see all the exhibits and to learn more about the Khmer history.  A bit of fish massage for Addison and some high tea at a local hotel.

When everyone got back Nick,  Julie and i went into the night Markets. A lot of them were closed because of the new year holiday.  We had to be careful as to celebrate the new year the local people throw talcum powder and spray you with water. a very exciting time on the streets which were packed with people. 

Thursday 14th

Today we have hired a tour bus to take us to see the temples.  First we have to purchase or tickets.  Unfortunately it is Cambodian new year and most of Siem reap are on the roads or at the temples.  The President of Cambodia is coming today so we are unable to see Angkor Thom. We chose to visit Ta Prohm and then Angkor Wat.  The weather is very hot today as well so we were happy to finish at lunch time.  the kids got to see some long tailed macque near the temples so they were happy.

After a refreshing swim we prepared for a short trip to Tonle sap lake.  On the way we stopped at a water lily farm.  When we got to the lake we could see that the water level was very low.  On the way the boat got stuck a few times on the bottom and at one stage the driver had to get out to push it free.  Unfortunately the cloud cover meant we couldn't see any sunset. The kids were happy to see the crocodile held on the boat.  All a bit of a tourist trap.

A rest day

Today was a planned trip to Beng Malea for the group but it didn't happen for Addison who started vomiting as soon as she sat in the van.  Addison had a day at the hotel with her mum while the others went touring.  A very sick girl.

Peter stayed at home with Addison while the rest of us went to see Apsara dance with Cambodian dinner.  Such talented and beautiful performers. 

Tuesday 12th

If Addison and I didn't do it today  it probably wasn't worth doing.  We arranged a tour on short notice with Bees unlimited in Siem Reap. My daughter and I joined a tour with Four other lovely people.  We went to the wet market,  and although Addi didn't like the smells (she needed a perfumed hankie) she enjoyed the food we ate and seeing how Cambodian people shop.  It was really busy for the new year and hectic.  Dani took us to places and explained what we were seeing,  and what we were eating.  On our trip into the countryside we did so much. Lots of stops for water,  and for food tasting.  We saw insence being rolled  rice noodles being made, cane sugar and lime drink tasting, rattan basket weaving,  rice being puried into paste for the noodles,  tamarind and rice pancakes,  a Buddhist water ceremony,  cashew nut fruit tasting,  cane sugar cooking and tasting ,  palm fruit tasting , cupping ( does not hurt) , local scarves, feeding the macque monkey (tugga is so placid and sits on your shoulder). If it was happening on the side of the road,  Dani made sure we got to experience it.  So many things and great value for money.  Dani helped us change currency, found an atm, paid for many treats,  and was the most helpful guide. After a very hot day of 39oC we headed back to our motel accommodation mango rain boutique hotel for a swim.  The peace was broken when all the family arrived from their vietnam flight.

Monday

Addison and I are waiting at Ho Chi Minh airport for our connecting flight.  We have a three hour wait but I don't mind as I have a cold aussie white wine to keep me content.  Addi has to make do with a nice and colouring book.

Tomorrow it is our turn.........

It is Sunday night, the bags are packed and Addison is sleeping off her weekend playing 7 games of softball in 30oC heat. Having said that - I've just checked the weather forecast for Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos. The weather for the next 10 days is between 35-40oC! I know it is their dry season and the humidity is about 50% - but definitely having a re-think of the places that only have fans and not air conditioning.

Sounds like the rest of the family is having a great time in Ho Chi Minh city. Today they were going to Chu Chi Tunnels and doing the XO Foodie tour. They are so lucky!

The holiday begins

Today Peter,  Nick and Jordyn are catching a flight to Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam.  Addison and I will be leaving on Monday as Addison is playing for the under 11 Penrith tball team at the state carnival.  A very important occasion not to be missed.  A big weekend followed by an exciting trip.