After yet another bumpy, fear inspiring (from our driver and other motorists) bus journey we entered Battambang, our final stop in our travels through Cambodia. Like Kampot, Battambang has a French Colonial feel and sits nicely beside a meandering river. Although bigger than Kampot, the feel of the town is really relaxed with families and children chilling by the water selling food from small carts and barbeques.
We spent a morning on a bike tour with 'Soksabike' which supports local businesses further out in the villages. We were humbled to see people eeking out a living making rice paper (for sping rolls), drying bananas, selling fruits and rice wine. Most of the poorer village locals work very long days, 7 days a week whilst also caring for children, just to survive. Apparently rice wine is used to get drunk by labourers who work so hard they need something to soothe the pain at the end of the day in order to sleep. Visiting all the locals involved in these ventures was a real priveledge and they were all so accomodating, friendly and still faced the day with a smile. Knowing the money we spent went to helping them in some way was of comfort as some organisations (including government ones) are known for corruption.
We arrived in Cambodia fearful from the border crossing and extremely doubtful as to whether we would enjoy the place at all, but are leaving with a very different impression and actually feeling sorry to leave so soon. The people have been truly inspiring, warm and accomodating and many have a wicked sense of humour. On top of this the countryside, mountains, rivers, temples, beaches and islands are stunningly beautiful. Oh and dont let me let Russ get started on the food or this post will never end.
We leave from the border early in the morning where we plan a mamoth day of travel: two mini buses out and up to Bangkok (8 hours) followed by the overnight sleeper train to Chumphon and then a ferry onto Koh Samui. By which point we may just collapse on the beach!
Cambodia has been emotional but incredible- we will be back!
