(written by Dave) I mentioned yesterday that we went shopping at the Russian market in the afternoon, after the killing fields.  The Russian market was named during the cold war, when the Soviet Union provided lots of aid to Cambodia, not just money, but also Russian products.  Over time, excess inventory found its way to … Continue reading The humble Krama – Central market and Wat Phnom

(written by Dave) Today we visited the killing fields memorial, then the infamous prison S-21. In visiting these places, we witnessed just about the worst that mankind has to offer. I took many photos but at time had a slight tinge of guilt to be doing so. These places held so much suffering that it … Continue reading Somber day at the Killing Fields

(written by Dave) Just a quick post from Phnom Penh.  Gretchen arrived late last night after 30-something hours of travel.  Still this morning, everyone was up early for a big day of playing tourists.  We started with the National Museum, had a break for lunch at another “street kids” cafe called Friends and then hit the … Continue reading Mostly photos from Phnom Penh

(written by Dave) With a trip as long as ours is turning out to be, you have to set small goals or milestones, at least that's what two somewhat obsessive, compulsive former corporate types do.  Our previous milestone day was entering Laos in Vientiane.  It was there that we agreed to meet Nancy's sister Gretchen … Continue reading Milestone day to Phnom Penh (125/11528 ks)

(written by Nancy) We spent our last day in Kampong Cham really relaxing – it is a good town for just hanging out.  We had a leisurely breakfast at the Mekong Crossing restaurant and just sat for a bit soaking up the locals wandering around on a Saturday morning.  We ran into Mr. Bao again this … Continue reading Final rest day in Kampong Cham

(written by Dave) We were up early at the guesthouse.  I think we woke the staff up to get some brekkie fixed.  Another batch of banana pancakes fuelled us up a long day.  We stopped at the market on the way out of town for fresh baguettes and a bamboo rice tube.  The ride was generally flat all … Continue reading Rolling along the Mekong to Kampong Cham (130/11403 ks)

(written by Dave) First, the bikes are cleaned.  I know that many readers had concerns as to whether we would accomplish this task today.  Well, we did.  And good thing.  Nancy's rear tire had a nearly blown sidewall and mine had worn through the rubber to the puncture resistant part.  Neither would have failed imminently but … Continue reading Discovering Cambodia in Kratie

(written by Dave) Today was a long day on the bicycle, at least for us.  We followed Cambodia national highway 7 almost the full day.  For the first 5 hours of riding, or about 115k's, the road was smooth and pretty straightforward.  From that point onwards, we had nice road intermixed by giant potholes and … Continue reading Tapioca dreaming – Stung Treng to Kratie (139/11.273 ks)

(written by Nancy) We had a great breakfast at the hotel today – baguettes, fried eggs, fruit and nice strong Laos coffee, at a table shared with Henry and Sandra.  It was hard to get moving – sitting on the deck overlooking the Mekong River can be a bit addictive.  Finally, after packing up and … Continue reading Into Cambodia – Khone Phapheng Laos to Stung Treng, Cambodia (77/11,135k)