We left UK on Wed 10th Sept after imposing on relatives for sixteen days. Returning back from Newark to Lichfield we re-sorted essentials and packed for our departure.
Jo kindly ferried us to BHX airport with as much as we could cram into our 22Kg allowance (although we also had two crash helmets, two computers wearing two coats with pockets full of a plethora of electronic bits and pieces).
Amazingly we checked in unscathed and without an excess baggage levied.
Three flights and 14hrs later we disembark in Phnom Penh (PP from now on) to be met by a VSO official who sorted out visas and eventually set off by (small) bus to the city. Jan and I (with a few others) were billeted at the VSO office whilst others were in hotels (the back packers sort).
Over the next few days we had a range of talks, meetings and orientation exercises. On the Saturday 13th Sept we were shown around the city using a fleet of cyclo-rickshaws (as per photo). These are basically tricycles with a seat at the front. This proved to be fun, although somewhat disturbing at times, as the traffic seems to be lawless all for a basic rule of driving on the right (sometimes). Drivers seem to consist of any age and gender. Traffic (cars, buses, lorries, carts, cyclos, bicycles, motor bikes, tuk-tuks etc, etc) all vie for road space and only seem to stop (some) at, the few, traffic lights. Turning across another road seems to entail ‘keep going’ ! I have to say no matter how chaotic it seems it does work to a greater or lesser extent but riding a bike is most interesting!!!!
Soon we move approx 200km to Kompong Cham for Khmer language training which we are really looking forward to (not).
Jo kindly ferried us to BHX airport with as much as we could cram into our 22Kg allowance (although we also had two crash helmets, two computers wearing two coats with pockets full of a plethora of electronic bits and pieces).
Amazingly we checked in unscathed and without an excess baggage levied.
Three flights and 14hrs later we disembark in Phnom Penh (PP from now on) to be met by a VSO official who sorted out visas and eventually set off by (small) bus to the city. Jan and I (with a few others) were billeted at the VSO office whilst others were in hotels (the back packers sort).
Over the next few days we had a range of talks, meetings and orientation exercises. On the Saturday 13th Sept we were shown around the city using a fleet of cyclo-rickshaws (as per photo). These are basically tricycles with a seat at the front. This proved to be fun, although somewhat disturbing at times, as the traffic seems to be lawless all for a basic rule of driving on the right (sometimes). Drivers seem to consist of any age and gender. Traffic (cars, buses, lorries, carts, cyclos, bicycles, motor bikes, tuk-tuks etc, etc) all vie for road space and only seem to stop (some) at, the few, traffic lights. Turning across another road seems to entail ‘keep going’ ! I have to say no matter how chaotic it seems it does work to a greater or lesser extent but riding a bike is most interesting!!!!
Soon we move approx 200km to Kompong Cham for Khmer language training which we are really looking forward to (not).
2 comments:
U must be tired.
Hi JNK, so glad to hear you are there and 'settled'. Keep blogging so we know what is going on. Already started looking at holidays for next summer! And you'll be pleased to know that it has been sunny in the UK since you left! Caroline and Andy
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