Reflections of Cambodia

• Architecture changes immediately as you cross the border with a proliferation of Buddhist temples lining the road
• The landscape is green and lush (just after the rainy season).  There's lots of stunning flora with a riot of different colours
• Whilst there are lots of bugs, we didn't get bitten too much; air conditioning certainly helps combat the blighters!
• The Mekong River is a massive source of food - starts in China and crosses through Laos and Thailand before reaching Cambodia
• Atrocities of Khmer Rouge are still evident - like Vietnam the people have moved on despite their recent suffering
• Angkor Wat has to be the highlight.  Whilst you come expecting to be amazed even we didn't realise how truly magical and impressive it is.  Up there with Petra and Taj Mahal in that respect
• Don't be put off by Phnom Penh's reputation as a sleazy joint; we were and regretted only staying one night (and therefore only had half a day there)
• The Royal Palace in PP is stunning especially in the late afternoon sunshine
• Battambang was a mix of a frontier town, old colonial town and strong Thai influence.  It is starting to undergo massive reinvestment and suspect, especially when the railway opens next year (to add to the newly opened airport) it may change quite a bit
• It was fascinating to see the different people living by the river from Battenbang to Siem Reap. Whilst some houses were little more than hovels others looked more habitable.  However couldn't help feeling a surge of high water would wash most of the stilt houses away
• The people were so friendly and helpful.  Whilst English was spoken by most of the hotel owners, tuk tuk drivers etc for those that didn't a smile goes a long way and was usually rewarded with a huge smile in return from them
• The children were very cute and the amount of laughter we heard when they were swimming, in the streets and going past schools was really evident.  They don't have a lot but that doesn't stop them enjoying themselves (maybe something kids in the western world have forgotten in these materialist times)
• Everywhere was really cheap (similar prices as Vietnam).  The only exception was Siem Reap but a good quality meal out for 2 was still only c£15 so still very reasonable
• The bus and boat journeys are slow and took us a day each for the three we did as we only averaged c40kph with many stops to deliver and pick up various goods.  However it is a great way to see the country and get a slight glimpse into the day to day lives of the Khmer people