Sihanoukville, Cambodia

Hello everyone - we have survived the challenges of Vietnam and have resurfaced on a beach in Cambodia.

The rest of our time in Vietnam was definitely rushed, but we think enough (some
say too much). In short, here is our story...
Hoi An - tailor made clothing was a hit. Spent a small fortune, but the kidney transplant was successful and Andrea is doing ok.
Dalat - a day spent on the back of a motor bike taxi riding around the mountainous countryside and seeing all the sights. A quirky place combining French architecture, with the plain weird like big concrete bee statues and an 'Alice in Wonderland' house! A fun place.
Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon - In itself, a city like all other cities. Like the locals say 'Same same but different', with interesting museums and people to talk to. We were invited by a local ex soldier to drink with him and his friends. Intriguing to hear a diferent side of the story of the war and the current political state, as our education has been mainly from a Western perspective. The War Remnants Museum (formerly known as the American War Crimes Museum - that impressed the crowd) was definitely one sided, but a definite learning experience. Emotionally exhausting. The political history in Asia is long and complex, and 'some people' have a lot to answer for.

We are now in Cambodia. We visited the capital Phnom Penh. After much discussion, we decided to see the Killing Fields and S21 prison. These are central to the genocidal civil war conducted by Pol Pot in the 1970's. Absolutely chilling. There are no words to describe what these people have suffered.

Despite their tragic past, the people so far have been very warm and friendly.

We are currently in Sihanoukville, a beach area in the South of Cambodia. A beautiful spot to relax. Our next destination is the ancient city of Angkor, with the largest temple of worship in the world (Angkor Wat). Apparently it's famous. We'll have a look-see.

Happy and healthy at our end. Sorry to hear about the deaths of pets, but we hope that our families and friends are in good health.