This is the end, beautiful friends.

Well. Well. Well...

Short and boring post this time. After some wondering and then careful deliberation, we have decided to return back to Australia in January 2013. Instead of flying the bikes to Amsterdam we shall now fly them and us back home, to Sydney.

Both Clarissa and I have had our full of travelling for the moment. Its certainly painful to say as we have promised many people that we would visit them in many different countries around the globe. For the last couple of months now, we both knew that there was too many important things that had to still be attacked back home as soon as possible. When I say important, there's little doubt in our minds that it overrides our will to continue our travels at this time. There's absolutely no reason why we won't continue our journey later on. Yet for the moment, we need a firm base to continue both our professional lives and our personal lives.

The head monk agreed we need to return home.

Its with great regret that I post this, yet don't fret. Both of us are VERY excited at the thought of returning home to continue our other journey, life. Its unfortunate that our travels couldn't override our desires but to continue on now would be lying to ourselves, and to others.

Bookmark the blog as when we finally do take up the travels again it will be motorcycle (the only way) and it will be documented here.

I would also like to thank everyone who's bent over backwards to help us out both on the trip and also before. For all those who came to the farewell party in Sydney you all have to come to the 'welcome home' party, non-negotiable. Hehehehehe. Jumping castle again for sure.

A big special thank you to Mr. Paul Rooney for crafting two fine machines that have performed without hesitation and carried us over the many definitions of 'roads'. Thanks Paul and we shall be coming up to say it in person on the bikes when we get back. 

There's many people to thank but I shall be coming around to do in person when we return.

Thanks Singapore for great noodles and making it bloody expensive to ride there.

Thanks Malaysia for being our favourite country. Your food, nature and hospitality is genuinely unappreciated by the mass of tourists heading further north instead. Setu Malaysia!

Thank Thailand for allowing us too relax and dive in magical locations and awesome motorcycle riding.

Thanks Cambodia for the plethora of temples and winners of the amazing smiles and waving competition.

Thanks Laos for not being anything like the other places we have been. Keep it real and don't sell out too soon! Leave the Ho Chi Minh trail alone so we can come back and ride it one day.

Most of all - Cheers everyone for reading. We're sorry to disappoint that we shall not be saying hello in the near future. We can't lie though - the decision was tough but it has put our hearts and minds at ease.

Love you long time!

Breath taking Laos...

Neil and I were on our way out of the loop, enjoying the dirt to good tar and amazing limestone mountains surrounding us. Laos is truly the most beautiful country in that respect, maybe I am just a bit bias, but it is truly one of my favourite countries for its natural beauty.

Not a bad view

Neil radioed ahead that there was a view point and we have to stop. Little did we know what would come next. Urals, a gaggle of them, with New Zealand flags waving behind each bike. To me I thought cylinder heads out the side of the engine equals BMW but Neil quickly corrected me. It was a group of males and females travelling through Vietnam and Laos on hired bikes. We were invited to ride down the road 40kms to stay and eat with them. It was mentioned that there was going to be a pig on the spit. Hell yes! Also apple sauce brought from New Zealand. Done and done. So we went back down the mountain to follow the gaggle to their night stop. This is where I experienced my first official water crossing. Most of you are probably thinking “so what?" Well let me tell you, big deal. I was second in line and did not have trusty Neil to back he up as he usually does. I radioed after I had done it ...eep. Scary, but if in doubt gas it out. I basically just gassed it the whole way. World travel, BMWs, other motorcycles etc was the topic for the rest of the day and night.

What a sweet ride!!

Mr Pig joined us for a Beer Lao

After a day of long riding

The following day the group had planned to visit the Konglor Cave via boat. There was no more room so we decided to ride three kilometres down the road to the entrance of the cave. We needed to move on and get to Vientiane which was some 300 kilometres or so away. We couldn't do the full one and half hours cave tour. Neil managed to find someone who spoke enough English to tell the ticket man we only wanted to go part way into the cave. So with that sorted, we descended to the boat and our two guides. The cave runs 7 kilometres in length. It connects through to the Natane village at the other end and is the only way to access it. The river has formed a natural tunnel 30 metres wide and between 20-100 metres high. Within the main chamber is a large collection of stalagmites and stalactites. Just a little more information on the geology. The Karst of Khammouane area, is a belt of Karst limestone 270 km long and 40 km wide. It was laid down in seas over 300 million years ago and then forced to the surface by tectonic plate movements. It lies between the Mekong River in Laos and the Vietnamese border. Over all it was a truly breath taking sight. I only wish now we had more time to explore the rest of the cave, but there was the rest of Laos to explore.

Boat ride into cave of wonders

Neil believes this is a perfect place to make spells

Our guide snapped this photo of us.

Toot Toot, next stop Vientiane. A very tiring 300 km later we hit the capital. Here we needed to obtain our Thai visa and some much deserved R & R from riding. Neil managed to find us a wonderful Vietnamese Guesthouse to stay in. I think we were to only “phalang” (foreigner) to stay there. The first night, the humble and generous owner, Tuan, asked his daughter, Tuey to prepare us a traditional Vietnamese dinner. Which was different from other flavours we have encountered in SE Asia. We descended on the very busy Thai Consulate the next morning after a long earned rest. One day and 1000 baht each poorer and we are laughing.

Selfie

Neil enjoying his coconut

Neil had managed to find some very large markets and took me for a look... Holy Moly. You name it they had it, but was available at 10 other shops as well. Which meant for serious bargain shopping. Being sincere to the budget I resisted purchasing. Zeus help me if I ever return! Considering we only have limited time in Laos, we had to get moving. Vang Vieng next stop. Neil had visited with a best mate four years ago and had a ball. Unfortunately the Vang Vieng he knew had been torn down August this year. Just our luck. I kept hearing these fantastic stories but this is the way things are. There is still tubing though.

Neil stayed here four years ago, its tripled its rooms now though.

So we navigate through Vang Vieng and end up at the same guest house where he had stayed years before, unpacked, and went off to explore. Food was great and fresh I ended up living on a bacon, chicken and cheese baguettes for like 3 days straight. I believe I could have kept going, heheh. The people were lovely too. Explaining where they could what had happened in the community since the government had removed the river bars and dangerous flying foxes and trapezes. Apparently tax evasion was a major cause to the grand end, let alone the regular deaths on the river.

On the road again

Neil decided to take me tubing so I can say at least I did that. Good fun and nice and relaxing. Although Neil and I kept getting free back massages from rocks under the surface. Tomorrow we move onto Luang Prabang.

Better run through the Jungle

Riding took up the next day and we arrived late at Luang Prabang some 270 kilometres. Big rides considering prior in Laos we had only done about 130 kilometres in a day and were completely exhausted. But these rides included dirt and hair pin corners, an off road riders dream. I have never seen so many twisties in my life!!! By the end I was saying no more, but the experience meter sky rocketed I think. Pretty good trade off. Two German blokes on Honda Baja motorbikes had passed us on the road up the mountain and we stopped for a quick yarn at the look out. Amazing!!

Nice headlights

Breath taking

Accommodation was found and we went to explore the night market of Luang Prabang. Again I had to fight the urges to buy and if only I just came here, I would need at least one extra bag to bring home all the goodies. Only one night here then in the morning north to the Chinese border. I am not sure why exactly but apparently there is an abandoned casino or town.

Flat as

My friend Mr Dirt came for a visit again, along with those twisties. Although there was beautiful scenery and a chance for a quick glimpse into the life of rural Laos people. Most smiled and waved but some looked too consumed by their back breaking labour. That is something I noticed, they are all really hard workers! We stopped for a break and began winning the local children with a packet of chips with bonus Angry Birds cards. A bicycle rider passed by, we found out that he was from China riding to Australia!!! Broken English, but top bloke. Then one big new BMW pulled up. Then around 3 more joined, always a welcomed sight. The air filled with laughter, ooooos and arghhhhs. I just had to stand there and laugh. We found out through broken English they were from China riding back home. They invited us to join them to the border. Well where we could. With the exchange of details, one man said 'call me' when you get to China. We tried to explain we weren’t going into China, only the border, but thought we would leave it at that.

This is how you dry chillies

Our little friend and his Angry Birds, and angry shoes!

Our mate Yang Wei from China

                                     

Our new Chinese friends

 It was decided to stay overnight at Udomxai or Muang Xai. Where we explored the local markets again and Neil invested in some fireworks. This then filled our night, to awake the next morning with chickens trying to eat the spent firework packets. I had the best baguette of my life here.

Admiring the magnificent Laos country side

Heading to the Chinese border, the roads were flat and beautiful. Minus the occasional crazy bus, mini van or truck. We then started for our last port of call, Huay Sai. The twisties came to Neil’s joy while I plodded along, but wow, some of those hills were freaking steep!! We did however manage to see the recent remains of an overturned truck full of grapes. Maybe we should have picked some too as the whole village was out in force scavenging.

Zoom

At the Chinese border

We are now resting up awaiting for the 1^st of November so we can head across the Mekong for the last time on the trip. While I sit writing weeks of blog, Neil is be-friending a local to modify the bikes even more. I am so excited as soon I will have to opportunity to meet up with my bestie in Chiang Mai! Till our next adventure.......

Till next time....

Moving on and up....

Seeya later Cambodia, well not quite yet. Although it is the currently leader in 'wave's returned while riding' and the most smiley-est people seen so far! This doesn't even take into account the unrelenting barrage of amazing temples that you have to enjoy while rolling around the place.

Omg next time I will travel Asia on one of these

We enjoyed some time in Kapong Cham at the Mekong Crossing. The crew made us feel like crusty expats with their wonderful food and friendship. Thanks to a fit/strong Mr. Chai for his brilliant effort in translating for my wild goose chase for motorcycle parts. All the best guys and girls, keep up the great work on keeping us falang fed!

Some of the Mekong Crossing crew

We encountered our first breakdown here too so to speak. Only of course after Neil had boasted a day prior on how reliable to bikes have been. Which to their testament, have been amazing. Apart from the cats+alarm = flat battery in Thailand. Just as we were to leave, Neil tried to start his bike but to no avail then he realised, hydraulic lock in the left cylinder. Which would be a fatal blow for the engine. Meanwhile I stood back to watch, which resulted in being shot with a jet of petrol from the sparkplug hole. Luckily, it didn't have the battery power to bend anything and after swapping out engine oil (which had been diluted by petrol) and swapping some leaking fuel taps we were off again. Even though the fuel taps were off, this one had me a bit worried that big Zeus may need a heart transplant MUCH earlier than expected. A thorough test ride proved no perceivable harm done and that we could try again to leave the next day.

Working it out baby

 Impressive off road skills with pannier dogs.

Next we road off north towards Laos. We decided to stop off at Kratie to see the endangered river dolphins. At first I thought this would be like one of the many whale watching and dolphin tours I have been on. You know, there is no guarantee etc. Well blow me down, a few minutes and they were there. It was really hard to grab a good photo of them, as they were so quick and we were not sure where they would surface. So we opted for video mode. Apparently there is only around 90 or so left. A saddening concept that in the near future there may be none. Randomly we met up again with our Kiwi mate, John, that we had met the town previous, Kampong Cham. John was a gem for another perspective on Cambodia, its history and the 'general' history we've heard mentioned before. He's done his research and even after 5 years is still getting the hang of the place. This has been mirrored by many that we've met that Cambodia. It has a messy past but from a couple of Aussies visiting on motorcycles – they are doing a bloody great job moving forward by the looks of it. Its a hard and long road. Thanks for the great company John and all the best mate!

Our chariot awaits

Life is tough chasing dolphins 

Stung Treng was our next stop after experiencing some “bumpy” roads. This is where it would be perfect tar, but every 200 metres pot holes the size I can not even describe but would result in a massive decrease in speed. Although the Rooney Specials could take on anything thrown at them. This continued to the Laos border crossing. A very large and quite impressive building was being constructed while we settled for the row of little shacks for our customs and immigration. Simple and hassle free. We paid our $1 bribe and went onto the Laos side. Where again sweet and simple with the addition of another massive $2 bribe.

Chris and Inna's conquering machine

Sabidee Laos! So we tried to go and see the four thousand islands first up. I'm not sure if there's actually that many islands but we shall never know. We didn't have time to count. Its on the Mekong though – not the ocean. Alas we had yet to come across a Laos ATM for some local currency. So our path was guided further north. This was as we we're short $1US so couldn't afford the ferry. As it turns out it was a blessing in disguise. As if we had spent time on the islands we would have missed running into Chris and Ina in Pakse. A Kiwi and German couple riding a Triumph Tiger from Germany to NZ! We had a great number of days enjoying their excellent company. Gave us some great perspective on our own trip and was great to hear alternate ideas and thoughts for our planing. I harassed Inna for the best trip around Europe considering our time, money and weather constraints. It was great to be able to talk about things that only an overland traveller would experience. We ate loads of food up on the Bolaven Plateau and enjoyed another ride on the wondrous elephants together. Mama's Guesthouse is currently the cheapest rate a night we have encountered. About $2 US for the both of us in a queen bed (dorm style). It was so much cooler as well so no fan no problem. Another plus was the beautiful waterfalls located just a short walk away. We all jumped in a few times but it was sooo cold. Another amazing positive from Mama's Guesthouse was the cheapness of the food and the portions. Geez one plate could easily have fed all of us. One funny thing I noticed was I think Mama uses the same straws. I saw mine was dirty on the inside and just did not use it. But when I ordered another the same dirty straw came out hehehehe.

Enjoying another elephant ride

See the excitement 

Chris and Inna enjoying their first elephant ride

Bath time

Thanks to Inna and Chris for the excellent time, your wealth of knowledge and overall awesomeness. Neil and I sincerely hope to see you on our travels or make a trip to NZ especially.

Smile...some kids we meet at a Coffee Plantation

After we reluctantly parted ways from our Triumph friends it was time to see if Mr. Bigfella needed a hand with his beaten KTM. Whilst we had been sipping coffee on an exotic plateau, Ian had been doing single handed combat with the bloody Ho Chi Mihn Trail in the wet season. Which to anyone and a feet within itself a truly remarkable achievement. The man is 900 foot tall and makes all our big bikes look like scooters. An exemplary domination of the HCMT by Ian had him slipping and sliding all the way to the end with his epic ride. His boots had fallen apart, his battery gone dead, got stuck in almost thigh deep mud, had to eat rat, just to mention a few trials. We talked about this over a number of cold beverages, both of the carbonated and fermented families. Neil an I continued enjoying another great friends company. While getting productive work done on Ian's monster of a KTM 525 and discussing how we can run into each other again. Thank Zeus for his love of massage. Everyday at least once we went in search for a massage. I enjoyed two of the best massages of my life and wanted to take him on the back of my bike with me. A handy accessary I reckon. If you're riding around South East Asia and have the pleasure of running into the 'Bigfella' – be prepared for his excellent companionship and giant heart of gold.

Some dirt practice

First ferry crossing

A reluctant goodbyes were said, we needed to head north. Our visas only lasted 28 days and we needed to see all there was. Alas our next mission was to see this surface to air missile that Ian had mentioned. Luckily we both use Midnight mappers excellent GPS map of Laos and finding it was simple. You can see that they keep an allied cow attached by special unobtainable tether. We can only assume the rocket would take flight towards the 'western devils' if they cow was somehow freed of its eternal task. Brutal but this is the reality of the sirloin curtain.

CBMS - Communist bovine missile security

Woohoooo

Breath taking Laos

While out this way it was obvious we should continue on 'the loop' we had read about in a few places. Backpackers have for sometime been hiring scooters and riding this loop. And well done to them. Its a bloody rough rode in some places and for many it will be a great trial by fire for their first scooter adventure. Otherwise I had some confidence inspiring riding of a hundred kilometres of dirt or so. Nothing outrageous but certainly good for skills for later riding adventures. We stayed at the near one of the two dams, not to sure on the name though. Nice and cool again in the middle of no where. The next morning we awoke ready and eager for a ride. It was decided we find some nice noodle soup on the road. Not some 15 kilometres from where we were staying that we pulled up at a cute little guesthouse and restaurant run but a lovely Laos lady. Who we later found out was around 6 months pregnant. Ten minutes is all it took before Neil suggested lets stay here tonight. Done and done, didn't take long to convince me. Time to chill and the provided hammock and watch the world go by......

Magnificent view from our Guesthouse

The next day we headed off for some good dirty fun!

Templefy!

Was this our fate?

I guess we were a little stung by the temple bug after having a good look at Angkor Wat and its surrounds but if there was going to be something to really grab us it was still to come.

After Angkor we had a rest in Siem Reap, good food and researching the way forward on our adventure. We made a visit to the Landmine museum and Butterfly farm though. These two places are a good attempt at balancing out the good and bad we found. Its safe to say that landmines/UXO's (un-exploded ordinance) are a horrible scar on the face of the earth. Looking at Cambodia during our fleeting visit, its easy too see them paving the way forward these days. Alas with the after effects of landmines/UXO's they're constantly being reminded of their shattered past. 

The Butterflys helped smooth the sharp edge of these thoughts but it really dose make you shed a tear for the real victims of mines, not the soldiers of the conflict but the villagers and children of the later years.

We headed north on route 67 from Siem Reap, the same road the Landmine museum and Butterfly farm are on. Reading a few older blogs had me a little worried about its condition but we're happy to report it was a good sealed road. 

A few showers along the way are welcomed and kept us cool. Stopping for icy cold drinks gives me some relief with my sore neck (pinched nerve?). 

Waaaaateeerrrrrr.....

We arrived at Anlong Veng, home of Ta Mok's house and Pol Pots grave, around 2 in the afternoon. Checked in to the New Lucky Star Guest house, with fifteen gold coins securing Clarissa her air-conditioning. We noted the few Cambodian dirt bike tour stickers above the entrance. Making us feel like kings that we had found a biker orientated place. Its always a concern if parking isn't up to scratch and has us both waking in the middle of the night to check the bikes. Alas, New Lucky Star had a big car park but the front gate looked like it was 'out of order'. 

Yep, restaurant too!

Neils attempt at getting a whole fish seem to be in vain... Its never a whole fish!

Amok Chicken, good stuff. Traditional style is with Fish but we got this specially for Clarissa.

As Clarissa had no real desire to see the local 'attractions' I had headed off by myself to see ta mok's digs and pol pots grave (no capitals for these scumbags).

At $2 to see either attraction I walked away feeling a little had. The murals in the house where a little creepy rather than beautiful and with minimal english signage I was left to wander and wonder how the world let the khmer rouge (scumbags, no capitals) run around for so long.

Jerk bus.

Creepy paintings. 

 World police should have annihilated these buggers long before the damage was done. Scumbags grave that I found was remarkably different to the pictures I had seen and guessed it was a tourist trap that I fell into. The kids got me but were good value, after we established that I don't play the begging game. After they laughed at me, and I took photos of them, they were promptly paid in Milo.

Behind is pol pots grave, the kids on the bike are much more exciting.

MILO!

Early the next morning it was interesting to see that about 10 cars had checked in later on that night after we had headed to bed. Alas we got up earlier than usual to press on. As Pusat Preah Vihear temple was our goal to visit. Heading East we had some more rain. Where is rain spelt in Monsoon season? Ha ha. Sometimes it would be extremely heavy stuff for all of 2kms then just stop. Other times it would be annoying rain of the light variety, the stuff that really mists up glasses or visor. Either way we cruise now closer to 80km/h so its no problem. Actually enjoyable, as it really dose cool the body down significantly. We have submitted to the fact that any main dirt roads could become instantly hellish and should be avoided this time of year. We make note to come back and visit in the dry season in the distant future and enjoy the trails.

After paying nothing for temple fee, as it was free (yay!), we chatted about our route to some local guides. They were excellent value and most spoke a solid little english. I'm expecting a slap in the face soon, for the fact that we only know Hello, thankyou and 'a little bit' in Khmer. I had warned Clarissa that the road up may be a doozy but she didn't have time to think before it was all over and we parked our bikes. At one point I seriously thought my bike was going to flip going up the crazy gradient. As usual, scooters with one or two people on them powered up the hill with grace. 4WD's were left to carry the loads up this hill.

The ride up from the bottom.

The ride up from the top. Gnarly dudes.

Was the crazy ride up the top worth it? Hell yes. This temple in my own humble opinion really wiped the floor with Ankor. Any one can build a wicked temple on the flat lowlands but building this beastie on top of a mountain with solid views of Thailand and Cambodia is special. The multi-tier temple leaves one breathless as you ascend. Constantly thinking, 'what? there's still more?'

It was still hot up the Dangrek Range.

The guy on the left declined to comment on the weather.

Obviously people hit their heads here, look at the damage to the doorway!

Don't build em like they used too...

The view was magical.

Rain. How you cool us down and make things green.

The walk ways can be slippery. 'Be careful!' Mr. Chief said!

The crew supporting drink sales. 

Temple + Crazy goose guard = exciting times.

This chap was brave enough to sit on Clarissa's bike, which then bestowed on him the great task of being our guide. He didn't know any english but he dutifully pointed out the vantage points in the tourist brochure for me to get the same pictures. Reading the brochure later on explained the history and like most Khmer temple talk left me a little confused and in wonder, maybe the desired effect?

Imagine what it was like back in the day? Much better than Sydney I can tell you.

Ye chief.

Need to cut the grass.

The acted quickly for the foreign visitors.

Its big!

Modern bunker. Vietnamese potentially then used by the Cambodians against the Thais.

There was crops planted around the UXO/Mines here.

Quiet popular with local tourists.

Amongst the amazing Temples and ruins we noted a few police/army posts still in operation from the border dispute. You can easily see the Thai flag flying a distance away. Without reading transcripts from the international court of justice, its pretty easy too see that the temple is Khmer and the Thai's had no right to go in there. We met Eric, a Cambodian doing photography of Cambodian temples too sponsor disadvantaged kids. Top bloke. Bugger his battery died before he made it too the top of the Preah Vihear temple system!

Our guide, I called him Chief.

We left the mountain to avoid the ride down in the dark. Clarissa was dreading it, but after some coaching she dominated it. I threw a salute to the police with the AK47's but didn't stop for a picture as it was way too steep. It would be easy to spend a couple of days enjoying the temple system. At a minimum I think half a day is required for a whirlwind tour. A sunrise or sunset would be killer also.

Yay, I made it down death hill!

The plan was to head further south but we found a guesthouse on dusk back in the closest town. We had some solidly powerful ginger chicken and rice from a local restaurant for dinner. The chicken part was mainly knuckles and liver. So it was ginger and rice for us. I tried some liver but it wasn't the most appealing stuff. Luckily to recover, the next morning I got up early to find a few baguettes and sweet bread for breakfast. Coupled with the French Raspberry jam I had found in Seam Riep, it was good to go.

Fuelled by Jam and dark and stormy Cambodian petrol we rocketed (at a cruisey 80km/h) down south towards our next Temple stop. Koh Ker was our goal and with it came many smaller temples along the good dirt road that led out to it. We thought we had another freebie here too as the entrance was empty and the whole place deserted. Alas we met Mick Shippen, master of South East Asia, who mentioned it was $10 per person finally when you reached the main temple. We had had our temple fill with the few mini sites we visited and decided to give the final temple a miss. Instead focusing on another temple complex along the way, Sambor Prei Kuk.

Its great to visit these places in the low season. The peaceful ambience is beautiful.

Big Zeus is such a poser.

The road was not Clarissa friendly, so she stayed at home for this one. I rode her bike out to the temple as the big Zeus gets the most kilometers usually when we both run around town on it for ease. A big reminder that the soft luggage and weight of the 650cc bike are a killer combo. Really should have the smaller engine in my bike too. Choosing to not let air from the tires probably didn't help but Yeeeee Haaaa she was a slippery ride. The ride out was good fun but the little sun shower while exploring the temple was actually a giant thunderstorm back in town (and over the dirt road for return). Riding back at one point whilst trying to wave at some super friendly locals, standing up and drifting front and back wheels sideways I almost thought my ego was about to be covered in mud. 

When in doubt, gas it out, fixed numerous problems but the slipping and sliding was making it looking like I would end up in a rice paddy many a time on the way back. Thankfully no get offs today. Although coming to a sliding halt did occur a few times.

Without raving on too much about Sambor Prei Kuk, it was certainly worth a visit. There as a few girl there trying to sell me scarfs but they ended up following my guide (Mr. Vuthear Nuan, 089749915) and I around while we explored the place. Posing extremely well for many a photo. They went about gathering some local bush tucker for me and I payed them all plenty of candy money at the end (which caused a shit fight with the other girls, woops). 

The quality is beyond fantastic. So many years and it still looks this good.  I was told that the holes are for flowers to be attached too. The temple covered in flowers would have been one trendy looking thing.

Local bush tucker.

Good stuff.

Which brings me to wonder about giving money at all. The average tourist will find it hard to direct the money to the correct place here. This time I seen the money divided up and handed out equally... Didn't help with the sour looks from those who didn't get any though. The painful part was when Mr. Vuthear mentioned it takes 4 days for a woman to weave a rattan hat, they sell for $4. I was the only tourist that day to the temple, and I didn't buy a hat. The photos show it better than my explanations anyway. 

My guide and crew.

Cutie 1

Cutie 2

Cutie 3, I do regret not remembering the names!

Only one temple still had a enclosed roof.

Great nick considering B52's dropped plenty of bombs around the joint.

Two of the six orignal Lion statues still remained. The rest are in someones garden or a museum.

Get to the temple! (it started raining).

Beautiful.

Trees have taken over.

And again...

Always look up.

This bad boy was apparently well sort after for use in an Omelet. The girl that found it replanted it later for me to find, cutie.

This fungus apparently is a bit of a tasty option also!

One, two, three is the magic words to get a peace sign.

The guide got some good ones of me holding the temples up.

Not sure what this was but the tree owns it now.

There was always one natural swingset near a temple.

Looking up was always good fun. Makes you wonder what a bugger it would have been building them.

They knew how to strike a pose this crew.

I've also managed to invite my wormy friend back for another go at my leg. Although he has moved up to my left quad from my calf. Although, maybe its his brother? This time we have picked up more medicine (Albendazole, for those who are lucky) for the three week post dose. It cost $2 for 6 tablets as apposed to $30 for 3 tablets in Thailand. Hooray for Cambodian tablety goodness! 

We have paid for another night here in Stung Sen.

Our hotel in Kampong Thom. And the top of Clarissa's head.

 Not because of the wealth of things to see but because we are no good at riding every day in SEA. Tomorrow we shall ride south a little before latching on to the Mekong river. To follow it north, to the top of Laos. Although we plan on spending another week or so here in Cambodia. I cannot stress enough how wonderfully friendly the people are here. Get yourself outside of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh and experience the smiles and hospitality. Let alone the other amazing temples and culture.

If you do pass through Stung Sen, make sure to drop into Stung Sen Bridge Restaurant. Great western and Khmer food and a fantastic view of the river whilst sinking some cold beers. We've ended up here every day for the relaxed and tasty atmosphere.

This whole post was typed whilst drinking cold beer and eating good food here in Stung Sen Restaurant.

The Library next door is quiet small though!