Day 130 - Halloween happiness in Luang Prabang

Quite a nice place, this Luang Prabang

Day 130 - 31st October

So it's Halloween. What should be a scary affair from ghosts or ghouls is instead taking the form of my Laos mini van driver. This guy turned up an hour late for my 8:30 am pick up and drove like he was trying to hit 88mph and go into time travel. We were all bouncing around on the rocky road in the mountains towards Luang Prabang and he didn't seem to care.

Four hours later and more shaken and stirred than Bond's vodka martini, I arrived at Luang's bus station. I shared a Tuk Tuk with three Chinese people and ended up in the heat in the middle of my new city.

Hostel or prison?

I eventually found The Central Backpackers Hostel after a good wander and a lunch stop and settled in. It's a nice place.

Love those fruit shakes and sandwiches!

I met up with Matthius again and we strolled around the night market, down by the Mekong and had sandwiches and fruit shakes for dinner. Afterwards we headed to an Australian sports bar for Chelsea v.s. Liverpool then United v.s. Palace. Not a bad start to Luang Prabang. 

Day 129 - Blue Lagoon is a good way to say goodbye

Look at that water. The fish swam away!

Day 129 - 30th October

Well, I was up early again, 7:30 am this time. It's so quiet in the morning.

We all arranged to meet at 10am for breakfast before going trekking for the day. A full English was the order with a lemon shake. Quite a nice combo with a free coffee thrown in. Tom and Jade joined us after Matt and I had finished and then the Dutch lads turned up later in casual fashion.

We reeled off topics of conversation including immigration, racism, politics and history.

We decided to scrap trekking and go to the Blue Lagoon. I'm glad we did. It was stunning. You immerse yourself in the heart of the mountains, dip in the pools and swim with the fish there. What else could you want?

We were jumping off tree branches and rope swings and just enjoy our last few hours together.

We headed to an Australian place for dinner. Everyone seemed disappointed with their choices of burgers, pasta and a salad but my falafel and Maurice's chicken pitta were really good!

We bid farewell to Matthius but I'd planned to meet up with him in Luang Prabang so it was only goodbye from me.

No less than twenty four hours later and we were back in the Sakura bar having beers. The topics of conversation reopened with some interesting choice points: toilet antics and travelling.

The night ended well with dances with Korean women and happy goodbyes to the rest of the gang. It had been an awesome 48 hours in Vang Vieng and what had started as a quiet place which was looking like a let down had finished as an awesome stop in Laos.

Day 128 - Seriously, it's so quiet here. Is this really Vang Vieng?

This is what I've floated down but with a much faster current!

Day 128 - 29th October

So I woke up and went downstairs just after eight. No one around, it's so quiet here I thought maybe 28 Days Later had come true.

I headed out for breakfast and had an American breakfast with juice and did a little research for things to do. I'm decided on some relaxation here and a little trekking. The tubing doesn't really appeal to me anymore now I'm here.

I met a German chap and we discussed his caving plans for the day over breakfast before he headed off at eleven.

And then my brain kicked in. My friend, Jenny said to me before I went travelling 'Experience it to the full. You might never be there again.'

So I ran back to my room, put on my swim shorts and headed barefoot across town to the tubing rental service. Big mistake as it's all stones and cobbles but I made it. There I signed my life away, literally, and grabbed a tube before loading up in the mini bus to go a few km down the river to the starting point.

I spoke to an Austrian couple who had met before travelling and we're now together. A real life love story!

As we reached the water's edge, I spoke with Tom and Jade, an English couple from Worcester who shared my apprehension at the speed of the current. Two guys, Maurice and Tim laughed and said it would be fun!

So we jumped on our rubber rings and floated down stream. It was barely 200 yards before we reached bar one on the river. Tim and Maurice from The Netherlands took us on as the England team at beer pong and we lost heavily.

The rest of the afternoon was spent acquainting with each other, finding out more about each other's lives and enjoying each other's company.

Finally around 5:45pm we reached the end and reported back to drop off our tubes. 

I had a quick dinner at the Champalao Villa, a delicious pork fried rice filling me up. The German guy reappeared and it seemed my afternoon was more eventful than his caving. So we both headed out to meet my new contingents at Sakura Bar around 8:30pm.

Beyond that the night was consumed with lady boys chasing me and Matt down the street, a prostitute dancing with me, Tom 'nudging' a girl down some club steps and Jade and I putting our stances down about North v.s. South! I'd call it a tie. Top that off with me and Matt having awesome sandwiches at 2am and my day was complete.

Turns out this sleepy place does have more to offer than I first thought!

Day 127 - Off to Vang Vieng

My street in Vientiane

Day 127 - 28th October

So I set out early morning after coffee and fried eggs to find batteries for my Barclays card reader. Without this I can't access my bank account to get my money. Not to panic though, something will come up good to help me, right?

So I jumped on the bus and seated myself next to a woman. The bus was crowded as they often are but we bumped along the road, stopping once as per usual for food and toilet breaks, before reaching Vang Vieng at 2pm.

We were all bundled out at the Riverside Hotel. It was a flashy looking place at the south of the town. A short mini bus ride took us to another hostel and from there I walked ten minutes to my hostel, Easy Go Backpackers. On the way, I picked up my coach seat buddy who was a Belgian.

Once we'd checked in, they put us in the same dorm and I had a feeling she felt I was orchestrating this (I genuinely wasn't).

Absolutely devine

Just keeps getting better!

Then I started exploring, walking around the town, taking in the beautiful mountainous views and trying not to get sunburned. My search of eight places to find 1.4V batteries (four of the buggies) for my card reader but no one here has ever seen them, let alone stocked them.

I checked out the tubing scene. It looks pretty similar to the tubing I did in America so I'm undecided whether to do this for 100,000 kip. I have a few days to decide so I'll think about it. I'm more interested in trekking or kayaking through cave here. Again, cost permitting due to having no access to money, I'll make my decision in the next few days.

I went back to take a shower before having dinner at the Green Restaurant in town. I noticed that Friends is on loop here in bars so that could be a possibility for dinner tomorrow. I've had Friends withdrawals whilst travelling!

I sat for a while on the decking overlooking the mountains from my hostel and just watched the stars. It's so peaceful and quiet outside the partying perimeter that you can only hear the wildlife noises. I even swear to seeing shooting stars.

A great first day in Vang Vieng but I need to move about a bit tomorrow to find something to do! Apart from boozing, tubing and caving, this place isn't as busy as I thought it'd be (that's low season for you!)

Day 126 - Vientiane, you little beauty

Patuxai, the Lao version of the Arc de Triomphe.

Day 126 - 27th October

So all night my Chinese roommate was on the phone to her boyfriend talking, and I mean ALL NIGHT. When I woke up she was sparko. I thought about banging around but thought pettiness was not the answer. At one point the kisses and love comments were getting so frequent, I was going to tell her to get a room but then I realised she already had - mine!

Can't resist a Museum. I would've taken photos inside but they wanted another 10,000 kip for that privilege.

So instead, I got up and had toast, jam and coffee before heading out to the Laos National Museum for a wander through history. There was some interesting stuff in there dating back to the cretaceous period as well as the usual pottery and clothing.

Not a bad imitation of the ol' Arc.

After an hour or so stint in there I headed towards Patuxai, an Arc de Triomphe replica set in the heart of the city. It was created in 1969 from a mass of concrete that the U.S. had donated for a new airport. Those crafty Laoians. The views were amazing but I did feel a bit dizzy from the heights so had to move on quickly after taking some photos.

Higher than it looks, believe me!

Proud of this one. I had to resist trying to get inside to see if Buddha's breastbone was inside!

I took a good 2km walk to Pha That Luang, a giant golden monument that is an icon of Buddhism. I read that a part of Buddha's breastbone was placed in the centre when it was originally built by the Indians. How true this is I don't know but it was still pretty cool to imagine.

Vientiane's Music Hall.

Another legend comes with That Dam. Apparently, Laoians believe there is a seven headed Naga inside that protected them from the Siamese Army in 1827. Chamber of Secrets before its time?

I weaved in and out of the streets on the way back, dehydrated and hungry. But I still had a mission to complete. I was on my postcard hunt for Nanna and magnet search for Mum. I found the post office after twenty minutes or so. Result.

Ah the bliss after a long hot walk around Vientiane. Not the food, the ice cold water.

Heading back, I stopped in a small cafe for a Laos Chicken and Sausage Roll and water. God, the water has never tasted so good!

What a relaxing combo.

When I reached my street, I found a nice little place to enjoy a beer no a book. Papillon has had me gripped and I was only a couple hundred pages from the finish. So I relaxed and made my way gradually through the book until I'd sunk a couple of big BeerLaos.

Back in my room, I finally managed to speak to the black haired, Russian girl with the tattoos called Stacie. Turns out she was actually Canadian (from Vancouver). We passed an hour or two just talking about travelling, my writing, Shantaram (the second time someone has mentioned this book to me in two days), the volume from our Chinese roommate and our weirdest dreams (I'm surprised she didn't recoil in horror when I told her about my creepy little girl singing slowly in her room with China dolls or my dream of being Peter Pan!)

Another Chinese girl came into our dorm but was really shy so we only gave her a quick hello.

I went back to the place for dinner and had some fantastic stir fried vegetables. Shortly after, I returned to my room and slept, ready for my morning bus to Vang Vieng.

Cambodia Recap

Well this is a different kind of recap. It's the longest place I've been, coming in at just over 9 weeks. And truly what an adventure it has been.

So what can I say about it?

The people were incredible, the volunteering was eye opening and life changing and the experience was indescribable (you really have to live it yourself before you can understand what I'm often rambling on about in the last nine weeks).

That time in Cambodia already seems like a distant memory and I'm only sitting in Pakse, a mere 179 miles away.

So the top five things:

Siem Reap (24th August - 26th October)

1. Globalteer Sports Volunteering, without a shadow of doubt. Teaching under privileged children will always stay with me.

2. The Noodle Queen outside Bou Savy. This woman constantly supplied me with great quality noodles and fried egg at just a $1 a pop. Quite simply a legend!

3. Angkor Wat.The pictures are all you need to see why.

4. The Khmer people - DK, Moeuth, Vith, Mr Barang, Vibol, Lin, Bolin, Un, Sophy, Huok to name a few. All friendly, welcoming and kind people. I'll miss them so much.

5. Big Willy F.C. - The lads and I churned out a few great results to reach the final and we were only narrowly beaten by those Kiradon boys. Still, it was a pleasure playing with you.

Phnom Penh (5th - 6th September / 16th October)

1. The Killing Fields. Not so much an enjoyable experience in the sense of happy but enjoyable in the sense of the level of respect given to the victims of the Khmer Rouge. It will always stick with me but the more awareness the better.

2. 11 Happy Backpackers Hostels. This place was a little haven in the busy city and DK taught us his own version of pool.

3. The chest X-Ray. I was in and out within half an hour or so. What a way to do a medical.

4. The Snickers pancake. Sounds as good as it tasted believe me.

5. The bus trip with DK, teaching him English all the way back to Siem Reap.

Thank you Cambodia for an incredible nine weeks. I'll never forget it!

Day 125 - Farewell Siem Reap and Cambodia. Time to go to Laos!

This is how I feel today about leaving Cambodia!

Day 125 - 26th October

Well, the day has arrived. 9 weeks gone in the blink of an eye. I've had so many great memories - Bou Savy, Globalteer, the kids and sports, Phnom Penh trips, Big Willy F.C. and so many more!

I delivered my loaned bike and effects back to Globalteer, gave my favourite noodle lady a present and waited for Mr Barang to pick me up for the airport.

The Bou Savy staff bid me a warm farewell, I'll miss them all and the banter I had with them about charging other rooms for my $106.30 bill. Thanks to David who kept me organised and all the staff. Hopefully our paths with cross again in the future!

I waited patiently for my flight and then off I went.

I reached Pakse around 4:30pm and had my grilling from the Laos border officials. $35 lighter and I was sitting in a waiting room ready to fly out to Vientiane. I was so excited. Laos was not on my original plan but now I was here, I couldn't wait to start exploring.

I was sitting on the plane beside Jo and Georgia, two women from Australia, but I only found this out when we were through the baggage hall in Vientiane and they were trying to close up at 8:30pm! After quick introductions we agreed to split 70,000 Kip for the cab into Vientiane city centre.

The cab driver said we'd paid only 57,000 Kip for one drop off point when we knew we'd paid for two drop offs at 70,000 Kip. I knew what he was going to pull so I told him to take the girls to their hostel first.

The girls gave him 10,000 Kip as their half of the 20,000 outstanding.

We dropped them off and then headed to my hostel. He demanded 20,000. I told him he'd already made an extra 10,000 Kip out of us and was now taking the mickey. He kept his hand on my backpack and demanded 20,000 Kip. Nearby, a group of eight to ten security guards were standing by to maintain order at the street carnival down my street. That meant punching him was out the question - I'm joking (or am I).

I gave him 10,000 Kip and snatched my backpack up. He yelled something in Laoian and I told him he was taking the piss before walking off. I don't mind paying up if I owe but don't try and rob me!

I eventually made it to the Funky Monkey hostel and checked in. I was sharing with a Chinese woman and a dark haired, Russian looking woman. She had tattoos all over her.

I bought my bus ticket and then retired to bed ready for a long day ahead. 24 hours to really see Vientiane - I wasn't going to waste it!

Day 124 - Goodbye to Di

This woman is quite simply a legend!

Day 124 - 25th October

So I was up early, packing up my stuff and wondering how the hell I was going to get around Laos and Thailand with all my luggage. I should have got Sébastien to ship it from The Netherlands for me 9 weeks ago. What a balls up! The next four weeks will be interesting but hey, that's travelling!

I also realised after breaking Di's tablet with a Google Play update bug that I've been making a right plonker of myself when making Diana Ross jokes towards her. I wondered why she never laughed or seemed to get it. Her surname is Moss! Now you probably understand why I wanted to use An Idiot Abroad as my blog title.

We started off with a cup of tea before heading to Sister Srey cafe. I had a great chicken sandwich with house aioli and salad with a caramel shake. Di's Thai sweet chilli noodles looked good, even though they were gluten free.

We ended up having lunch with Jeff and Dot from Dubai, originally from Cheshire on the table next to us. He was a City fan and we both talked about the football whilst Di and Dot discussed the culture of Cambodia and their lives in New Zealand and Dubai respectively. It turned out be a great lunch.

On the way back, Di picked up more repellant whilst I picked up more trouble with my bank cards. Bloody things wouldn't withdraw now. Barclays and Halifax better watch out!

But before I knew it, it was 3:30pm. It was time to bid farewell to Di, whose been brilliant company in the last couple of weeks and kept me out of trouble, and out of Angkor Wat? Bar. I always seem to be the last one left behind waving everyone else goodbye! But better them than me.

My evening consisted of a BBQ bacon burger, pushing ATMs in submission until they produced my money and missing the Manchester derby because coverage of Bournemouth and Spurs was on instead! Turns out it was a better game so I retired to bed happy.

My last day tomorrow in Cambodia! Christ, where has the time gone?

Special note:

Di - thanks very much for listening to me ramble on about my book ideas, my life and just my general rants and moans. I hope your ears have stopped bleeding. I won't forget the 60th Birthday party, Angkor Wat, Charlie's bar or all the laminating! I'll see you in New Zealand soon!

Day 123 - Khmer haircuts, gate crashing 60th birthday parties and All Blacks at their best!

I have no idea who this guy is yet I'm drinking his free beer and eating the free buffet.

Day 123 - 24th October

So I was feeling much better after a fairly good sleep but still not 100%. I still felt really clammy and was trying to rehydrate myself with countless bottles of water. 

I had plenty to do for the day to keep me occupied and I was sad to have to let Mr Moeuth down on visiting his living quarters but I just couldn't bet on whether I would be feeling better or not.

The day began downstairs in Bou Savy, with me plotting out my next novel. This one has potential but needs a lot of research and structuring. I've had the idea since 2009 but it has been a stop, start, stop, start type of novel so I decided to wait, work on other projects before coming back to it.

Di and Ian visited me and I took Di down to the pharmacy on Sivutha whilst I went bag searching for my suits. I found a decent sized red bag that can do the trick so bargained my way to an $11 purchase. Now I've just got to carry it for the next four weeks until my sister takes them back home for me.

Di was then treated to lunch by Ian whilst I headed out to get my haircut, the second one of the trip. This was a totally different experience to the one in Vietnam. This time, I was told $3 would be the rate. I was plonked down in a barber's chair and a bib put around me before a cloak to catch the hair (yeah, so far it seems about right, right?). 

So all of a sudden he brings out a powder puff and douses my face, including my beard in this white powder. At this stage I look like a cross between a cocaine addict and an old man. He whipped up
his clippers and started forcing the blades through my hair until I'd been sheared like a sheep around the back and sides. He tidied up the back and then ask if it was OK. Put it this way, my back and sides were a number 3, my hair on top was still full length. I looked like something out of Backstreet Boys!

After the initial terror of what was happening to me, it all turned out OK!

After overcoming the language barrier, I managed to get him to trim the top off and twenty minutes later, it was a decent outcome. He provided me with a cup of water and wet towel to wipe the powder off. I worked out the powder was just to make me smell nice.

When I arrived back at Bou Savy, I'd received an email that stated my credit card had failed to secure my place on Monday's flight to Vientiane. I tried to book again with two other cards but still was thwarted. So good ol' Mum and Dad came to the rescue and booked it for me from the UK (love ya Kimbo and Michaelob).

By 4:30pm, Di, Ian and I were on route to Sonolong Hotel where I'd been unofficially invited to one of my project's celebration party. When we arrived, we found it was this stunning, top class hotel and that it was actually a 60th Birthday party for a donor of the project. As we circulated, it became apparent that we were outcasts. What were we to do?

The violinist they'd hired was good.

Well, I'll tell you what we did do. We drank the free beers, we ate the free food, we sang Happy Birthday like Brian was an old friend and we took part in the post cake-candle blow out party games. I even held down a 30 minute conversation with Brian's wife until it was clear I had no idea who he was.

In the end, it worked out OK and said Brian was actually a really interesting chap. He'd travelled all over the world, had some great stories and gave me free champagne. Win, win, win!

Afterwards, Di and I laughed about the incident over dinner before heading to Charlie's bar to watch the Rugby World Cup semi final - South Africa v.s. New Zealand.

There was quite a following for South Africa so Di and I were drowned out in our calls throughout the game. It didn't matter in the end. The All Blacks won (oops, spoiler alert!).

Well what a day. Di's leaving on Sunday afternoon. It's going to be sad. I'll miss the conversation and the tea we shared!

Day 122 - Another national holiday but feeling very ill

This is becoming a habit!

Day 122 - 23rd October

So I wouldn't be going to Project D again which was saddening but the memories of the place will always be with me.

I was sort of glad we had the day off because I was really clammy, had a fever and was aching. I was downing water to help counteract the dehydration but it wasn't working.

I spent most of the day in bed and trying to pack up my stuff ready for my departure Monday. I really didn't feel well though and was struggling to move around.

By 6pm, I was cycling to the Siem Reap hostel on a promise to attend my last Yoga session. Despite my first thoughts, I'm coming around to the idea of it. It's not that bad, even though I have appalling flexibility.

I was sweating buckets whilst doing my final lesson with Lisa and another attendee but I got through it (just about). It wasn't easy and the incense didn't help matter either making me feel more nauseous.

On the way back to get dinner, I stopped at Sport 7 Club in the Wat Bo district to say goodbye to Un Soky who has been a great help at Project D.

A quick dinner followed and then I was in bed (probably the worst day I've had here!)

Day 121 - It's a big day for many reasons!

Going to miss donning that number 11 shirt. Up the Big Willy!

Day 121 - 22nd October 

It's final day. Big Willy F.C v.s. Kiradon, the odds are against us but we're going to give it a bloody good go!

The day was consumed undertaking an assessment with St Giles college at Highgate, London as part of my CELTA eligiblity requirements. Did you know there are now past perfect, present simple and future continuous tenses? No? Me either. When I was at school it was either past, present or future tense you were talking in. What's going on with the world?

Anyway, after sounding put my vowels like Rain Man 'O, O, O, O,' and explaining why a teacher was still good at their job even if they didn't know the answer to every single question a student could ask in a lesson (who writes these bloody questions) I had my exit interview with Charlie to sign off with Globalteer. As expected, it went very well and he seemed pleased with the feedback.

Afterwards, we went through my sitcom and I was really pleased with the comments and feedback. Definitely something positive to work on in the coming months.

This boy is a crazy one but an awesome coach and student! Good luck buddy!

It was then time to bid farewell to my awesome Coach DK. I'm going to miss teaching him English and us going out to the schools and NGO's to teach sports. We managed to get a selfie in anyway!

Don't scrub up too bad! Thanks Mr Xè!

Then it was the first trial of the day - an informal interview with ACE (The Australian Centre of Education). Now this place is like the Oxford of Siem Reap. The place is sleek and the classrooms look like something out of the future. Suited and booted in Mr Xè's finest, I met with the campus manager and Will to discuss my background, the qualifications expectations and so on. I was even offered coffee and cake which is always a bonus.

Will showed me around and I knew it was a great place to work, however our thoughts were more occupied on the final later that evening.

Whether it was the nerves or just me running around so much I felt a little clammy. A beer at the Hard Rock with the lads as a pre-game psych up session was probably not the greatest idea but we weren't there to get hammered, just team bond. We all spoke about what it would be like to win the final and the different scenarios surrounding it.

So back at Bou Savy I did my best to emulate the All Black's Haka Dance in my own way to psych myself up. With Swedish House Mafia and Aviici playing loudly in my ears, I was ready.

Over at Samakee it was like Fight Club. Countless numbers of Khmers had shown up to cheer on Kiradon. It wasn't just 6 vs 6. It was 6 vs 100 now. 

The first 10-15 minutes we contained them well. They had a lot of possession but were resorting to long range shots that were either blocked by us or saved by Boreth. A few minutes later they scored and a roar of cheers went up from all around us. Then a little while later they scored again. Same noise levels erupted and I felt a sinking feeling.

The half time team talk was still positive, it was a final and anything could happen. 

The second half brought hard tackles and fouls from both sides, the referee definitely playing up to the screaming supporters around us. They cruised into a four-nil lead before a keep ball session ensued from them. One of our players was sent off for two bookables which got a reaction from Kiradon but Alex had scored twice in that time to alleviate some of the damage and make it a respectable 4-2. 

I slipped over much to the jeers of the crowd and slid in on the keeper to stop him time wasting.

When the final whistle went it was disheartening after all the hard work from the season but we made it to the final which was something. A few more beers eased the pain before we moved to Charlie's and I started my goodbyes to the lads.

I started to feel hot and clammy again so headed back to Bou Savy to sleep.

Special note: 

To the Big Willy boys - Will, Charlie, Alex, Yanni, Colin, Nico, Dave, Simen and Boreth:

Boys, it's been epic. What a season! Thanks for all the great games and for the beers over the last nine weeks. Hope to see you all again soon! Oh, and good luck next season as Foregone Conclusion!

Day 120 - The grand finale!

Going to miss this old place.

Day 120 - 21st October

My last day of actually coaching and four months since I left home! I had to make it one to remember.

Project C has many great memories for me, with it being my first ever project I attended and the way the kids warmed to me and made me feel welcome.

The day started with high bursts of energy from DK, the kids and I. Starting as we meant to go on. The sun was roasting again but I ignored it and did my warm up drills with the eight students in the first session. They were great.

The second session followed suit with the first and the time flew by to lunchtime where I had my normal noodles and DK had his scheduled nap. I wish I could do the same but I just can't nap. I get grumpy and do not want to get up afterwards. No way, Jose!

The afternoon brought the most fun, the kids going wild for DK's warm up and games. They really respect him and why wouldn't they? In the second session, I took the games with the kids needing to dress up in bibs and cones before exercising. Again the kids giggled and yelled encouragement to their teammates, desperately wanting to finish first. 

What a way to sign off!

The evening was spent packing up my stuff in preparation for my departure on Monday. Normally I leave it until a few hours before I'm due to check out but this time I need to be on the ball ready for my big journey to Laos (I'm still undecided on whether to fly or not).

I realised from a cardboard tag that I've been wearing women's football socks this whole time. Who'd have thought, huh? Well at least I'm in touch with my feminine side. 

Di and I exchanged stories over dinner before heading back to Bou Savy.

Thanks once again to Project C for all your help in making this an awesome experience. I shall never forget it.

Find out more about Globalteer Sports Project on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlobalteerSportsProject

Day 119 - Project B, it's time to say goodbye

How could you not love working with these kids? What an experience.

Day 119 - 20th October

Another day of saying goodbye. It's not as easy as I thought, some of these kids are so much fun and their personalities I will miss the most. You get the dominant ones, the timid ones, the giggly ones, the grumpy ones and the carefree ones. All together they give you a great mix as a volunteer and you really don't know what personalities you're going to draw on a week to week basis. It's like a milder form of Russian Roulette.

DK was absent on a personal matter for the morning so Srey Mom and I headed out to Project B to take the lessons. I almost injured myself after the first lesson, squatting down to fast and feeling a pull in the back of my hamstring. Straight away I panicked, knowing our final is coming up on Thursday so I let Mom take the second lesson whilst I lightly assisted.

By the afternoon, DK was back in business and we had one lesson instead of two as we've seemed to have had in the last three weeks. The kids were great again and come the end of the lesson, I was swarmed with hugs and high fives. This is why you volunteer, for moments like this.

It was sad walking away and Sophy, one of the teachers, bid me farewell and good luck. Later on I discovered the Project had posted a thank you to me on their Facebook page. A nice and welcome surprise.

I had a quick dinner before headed out to football. We picked up another 13-6 victory, I scored two, took a goalkeepers studs to my knee and gained two blisters from the boots I am borrowing from Yanni and Pommers. Thicker socks are required for Thursday!

Another day gone and now I know I've only got one full day left which is tomorrow at Project C. Another holiday on Friday for French Peace Day means I won't be going to Project D again to teach. It's sad but I will be going to see them for a flying visit on Thursday so that's something.

Find out more about Globalteer Sports Project on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlobalteerSportsProject

Day 118 - Final week, it's going to be sad!

I look about ready to fall!

Day 118 - 19th October

It's a weird feeling thinking I only have one more week here. I can remember talking to people back home about my travelling and I always spoke so much of the nine weeks I'd be spending in Cambodia, sports volunteering with kids. It seemed like a distant project on the horizon and as I travelled around in the two months prior to it, it was always more than a few weeks away.

Here I am now, eight full weeks down and one to go. This has been one of the more awesome and more importantly educational experiences of the whole trip. Seeing and experiencing Khmer life for longer than a few days in one place has really shown me the kind and generous nature of the Khmers who have so little they can afford but so much that they can give. They always want to learn English and I always love to talk so we've gone hand in hand. So much so I'm now poised to pick up a job here next March. I can't wait.

As per our usual Monday's we had the morning off so I had breakfast and looked at some places in Laos I'd like to visit. Aside from the capital city, I aim to visit Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang in addition to Paske, if I fly. It looks like a hell of a country so I can't wait to visit before my move to Chiang Mai just under two weeks later.

At 11am, I met with Charlie and DK for our weekly sports meeting and we discussed the topic of the environment as our talking point this week using Rugby as the sport. It's going to be a busy last week and I'm going all out for the finish.

DK had his vocabulary tt with me and gain 10/15 so I was really proud of him. Our lessons will continue in the form of email as I carry on travelling and he's started university now for two years to achieve his English teaching dream. He's going to make it, I sure of that!

In the afternoon, we went to Project A and tested out new games. Similar to the big drop game that we'd created a few weeks earlier, this time the kids had to balance the rugby balls on the cones whilst an attacker knocked them off. The message was that no matter how much they cleaned up, others who didn't care would always come along and make more mess. Only together can they keep the environment clean.

I was pleased this was the teaching for the week given this was the biggest issue I had with Cambodia when I first arrived. The amount of rubbish here is unbelievable and if they want the countrysides and cities to continue attracting people they need to clean up and stop littering.

In the even, I went out to suss out more bus tickets to see if I could get a lower cost and I had dinner in  my usual place.

One day down, four to go! Crap!

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Day 117 - Angkor Wat is stunning

Just beautiful at sunrise.

Day 117 - 18th October

Although it was an early start, I knew it was the right decision to get up and go to Angkor Wat again. Last time had been great with Abigail and Dan but some of my photos didn't come out as well as I'd expected. This second opportunity (third if you count Mount Bakeng as my second) would grant me the chance to get some better photos. 

Trying to be artistic again.

And I wasn't disappointed.

The sunrise this time was much better, the cloud cover wasn't as prominent so we could see a clearer sun in the sky and were provided with better images to photograph.

The architecture is truly stunning.

As we went around I felt like a tour guide, giving Di the information I had gained on my first visit. She seemed impressed and I waited until the end to tell her that I'd found all this out on my previous visit. She just laughed.

We also saw monkeys which I didn't see last time, I had my photo taken with the smiling face carvings at Angkor Thom and I didn't die of heat exhaustion which i nearly did the first time around. Therefore I'd mark this one down as a success.

A monkey mumma with her baby underneath.

Face to face at Bayon Temple.

When we made it back around twelve I begun my application for my CELTA to assist me in gaining my teaching job here in Siem Reap. The process was a little long winded and I had to remember all my GCSE and A Level results but after forty minutes or so, I was done. Now I just have to wait for a confirmation and phone interview.

So basically this means Australia is off the table for a while (not completely, just while I make some more money so I can travel it properly). I'll get there eventually and as some of my teammates here have told me, 'Australia will always be there, this opportunity may not.'

So the rest of the day was seen out with a little bit of writing and more planning of my route to Laos. I can either take three mini vans to Vientiane over a seventeen hour period or I can fly for an hour to Pakse. The only thing really to weight up is money as time is no issue for me. The road transport is $45 compared to $88 for a flight. One more to stew on for a few days I think.

I love travelling!

Day 116 - Still Struggling Saturday

Crazy bugger . . . and the Joker!

Day 116 - 17th October

Well it was like a hangover waking up on Saturday. I was so tired from the hectic travelling in such a short space of time that I couldn't be bothered to get up and move around.

Instead, I had a chilled out day, working out my next movements to Laos, doing a little writing and watching a few movies on Netflix. It's been a long time since I've sat down and watched a movie without writing at the same time or having another distraction.

I completed Batman (1989), Saw I, II and III. All in all, it was the laziest day I think I've had but my friend told me I'd have day like this because travelling can be tiring. Boy was she right.

I Skyped home as per usual on the weekends to find everyone well. We went through details of my plans in the next few weeks, I complained about Barclays refusing to top up my money travel card because the website was screwed and I spoke to my sister about Thailand.

Later Di managed to find me holed up in my lounger chair upstairs in Bou Savy and told me of her plans to go to Angkor Wat on the Sunday. I told her the best time to go would be 5am to catch the sunrise just gone six. I agreed to join her, knowing my chance to see it again would be pretty slim.

So we had a little dinner at the Khmer Cafe and then retired to bed early ready for a 4am wake up to meet Mr Barang for our pick up at five.

Day 115 - Jack Bauer eat your heart out - Getting in and out of Phnom Penh in about 21 hours!

Early morning Phnom Penh

Day 115 - 16th October

I woke up abruptly when we rolled into Phnom Penh at 5:30am. My bunk buddy and I had a conversation and I found out she was heading to Vietnam. When she asked me what I was doing I told her I was in Phnom Penh for an hour or so for a chest X-Ray and then I was heading back to Siem Reap. She thought I was joking!

I headed back to 11 Backpackers Hostel where I stayed before to grab some breakfast. After poached eggs and bread accompanied by a banana shake, I headed over to the International Immigration Health Clinic about 5km outside of the city centre.

It was a flashy place, with a 5* hotel looking lobby. When I reached the fourth floor,I found about 50 Khmers staring at me as I stood out like a sore thumb. They checked my passport, I paid the $35 fee for the X-ray and waited. As much as I appreciate the NHS, they could sure take a leaf out of the Khmer's book. From the time it took me to leave the reception desk and walk ten feet across to a seat, they had called my name (I once had to wait six hours for a broken foot to be X-rayed with no painkillers in England!)

The doctor told me to take off my shirt and brace myself against the machine. Within ten seconds it was over and I was walking out into the waiting room again. Then I remembered I was shirtless and was scrambling to put it on in front of this bunch of old Khmer women (what a wally!)

Before I knew it, I was back at the hostel and waiting half an hour for my collection to transfer to the bus station.

It was a scorcher of a day and when I boarded the bus I knew even with air con it was going to be a long seven hours back to Siem Reap. I nodded in and out of a bumpy sleep, indulging in Oreos and crackers each time. I lost my 1500ml water under the seat in front of me which I regretted, and after three stops at various rest stations, I arrived back in Siem Reap at 6pm.

I had a quick dinner at my favourite cafe before I headed back to Bou Savy. By 9pm, I was out like a light. It had been a busy couple of days and I wanted to catch up on some decent sleep.

Now that's how you get to Phnom Penh, navigate, complete your mission and get back in just over 21 hours.

Day 114 - Final changes, Semi Finals and night buses to Phomn Penh

Still suffering. 

Day 114 - 15th October

So an omelette started my day before I headed to the office to borrow a computer so I could adjust the indentation on my novel. Yes, Word for iPad does not have this feature unless you want to upgrade for a crazy fee. Nice one Apple and Microsoft!

Instead of spending an hour as I originally planned, I sat at a desk for six hours, undoing all the formatting the Word app chose to do for me. SIX HOURS.

The only saving grace was having a few conversations with Vith. He was asking me if my book could be as successful as Harry Potter. I tried not to laugh too much and politely explained that by 2008, JK Rowling had sold 400 million copies of books from the Harry Potter series (I had to Google this).

We then had a discussion about how I come up with my ideas which is always fun to talk about. I like Vith, he doesn't shy away from asking anything on his mind and always has a chirpy laugh when I give him obscure answers.

So feeling dehydrated, hungry and whatever other feelings you feel when you've done nothing but sat at a computer for six hours straight, I left to go back to Bou Savy and pack for Phnom Pehn. I've got my chest X-Ray for my Australian visa due and that is the closest place with a medical centre approved by the Australian immigration.

Then it was semi final time! Two giants going head to head for that prestigious first place in the final next week. Big Willy F.C in Argentina stripes v.s. Team Deejay in sky blue. Already I wanted to beat them because of the City similarity.

The rain was lashing down and water logging the pitch but we knew what we had to do. No messing around, if in doubt, kick it out and any sight on goal, shoot.

By half time we were 3-0 up. Pommers had bagged the opener with a cool side foot in the corner quickly followed by Yanni's long range drive and then Simen's delightful run across the back post flick into the roof of the net. We were in dreamland!

Straight after the break, Alex made it 4-0 before they clawed a goal back. It was nerve racking for a few minutes with some iffy tackles going in from their side and even a blatant handball that should have seen a straight red card. 

They've last me eight weeks. Farewell old boys! 7 games, 6 goals and one own goal isn't a bad return!

Pommers popped up with a second to secure a 5-1 victory and a place in next week's final. My notable contribution was my trainer sole falling off mid game from the wet. Safe to say, I was running around with a shell around my foot with no bottom. Will lent me his boots, top lad, and I continued my defensive duties at right and left back.

I didn't get the two goals I promised but I'm getting geared up for the final. My last week in Siem Reap. Hopefully I go out on a high!

I headed back to Bou Savy, grabbed my stuff and jumped on the night bus to Phnom Penh. Can honestly say I do not miss these, plus I'm not travelling with my Vietnam gang so double blow.

An Italian woman spoke with me on the transport to the main bus, telling me how much she disliked Siem Reap. She said she couldn't wait to get out of there. It takes all kinds I suppose.

I was sharing a bunk with an Eastern European girl who liked to take up the space but she was kinda cute so I let her off. When someone falls asleep on your arm, do you push their head away or just let it go. You all know what I did.

The bus bounced along in true form and in a few hours, I'd be back in Phnom Penh.

Day 113 - Recovery is a painful business

All self inflicted.

Day 113 - 14th October

I've been out in China, Vietnam and Cambodia and I can safely say, I have never felt as bad in any of those other ten experiences or so COMBINED than I did today.

My carcass could not be lifted until gone 2pm and I spent the rest of the day wallowing in self pity at not being able to move. I'm grateful their was no sick after everything I ate and drank the day before but I telling you honestly, I wasn't far off.

Basically, the whole day was spent watching Netflix, eating noodles and drinking water until my arms felt like they could move no more.

I managed to send one email to my volunteers to get them to agree not to share my book but even that was painful.

By 8pm, I was back in bed, trying to rest up for our big game tomorrow night.

Well done Cambodia, you broke me! 

Day 112 - Day out to Tonle Sap, a hilltop temple and beers with the Big Willy lads.

The old ruins of the temple

Day 112 - 13th October

So I found out this day started off on a high, healthy note but quickly descended into an all nighter with serious consequences... Let me begin.

At six thirty, I sat down for breakfast with Di and we ate quickly ready for our 8 am departure time. I had a quick shower in between and realised all my clothes were being laundered bar a beige pair of shorts and a long sleeve, maroon undershirt. Needs must I suppose.

The rice fields flooded

So we headed out to Tonle Sap, along the bumpy roads only to be told we'd have to pay to get anywhere near it. Realising it was a body of water we'd already seen at different points, we turned around and headed for a temple on the top of Phnom Krom mountain.

Beginning of Tonle Sap

It was pretty active for 9:30 am with people praying to the monks and the monks giving their sermons. The old temple ruins around it was fantastic and offered some fantastic views as my pictures show. An hour or so here before returning to Siem Reap showed mea different, more tranquil blessing away from the background city noise and the hustle and bustle. Quite an enlightening experience, I must say.

It's like a little tea factory in here.

Di invited me to have a cup of tea with her before I headed out to meet my teammates. When I first arrived, it was like a drugs sting, with two bags - one full of breakfast tea leaves, the other powdered milk - and Di holding them up in evidence like, plastic bags. I told her she was lucky customs didn't stop her for marijuana and cocaine suspicions. All the same, it was nice to have something near to as real as a cup of tea back home. Ah, I do miss a brew!

So I headed out to the Hard Rock Cafe to meet Charlie, Will, Yanni and Steven. We enjoyed a few beers whilst they did their Premier League two weekly draft. There were some stellar signings, the most notable was Charlie snapping up Diego Costa who had been overlooked by everyone else.

Look at that monster.

Then the fun really began. There was mention of a 1.2 kg burger. A challenge was thrown down which Charlie and I took on. We had to eat the whole thing within an hour. If I remember correctly, this was six patties, cheese, bacon, onions, lettuce and burger sauce, stacked between two buns.

Finished!

Gluttony is not something I'm a fan of but on this occasion I was out to prove a point to my team mates and put on a performance that Adam Richmond a.k.a Man v.s. Food would have been proud of. I smashed it in just over half an hour and received a phone call from owner Mike in Phnom Penh and a free t-shirt. Mum and Dad - I'm sure you're proud!

Crazy place so we went to KTV.

Will, Charlie and I then headed to a karaoke place and well, sang. After insulting Will's Elton John impression without backing music (sorry mate), I failed miserably to sing MIB by Will Smith forgetting it's a quick rap in between the chorus. Shambolic! I think I recovered well on my Beegees rendition with Will. It all came out as quite a costly experience but luckily the lads knew Khmer so could negotiate a few dollars off.

By this point, filled with 1.2 kg of burger, about eight - ten beers, I was feeling it.

When we arrive in Pub Street, I remember drinking shots (bloody B-52s) and more beers flowed but after that it's hazy. I remember some yelling. I knew trouble was coming. 

So according to Charlie and Will, the following happened: I have no idea how much is true...

Well her name wasn't trouble but she certainly thought I was. With the guys trying to push me to go for it with firstly a German girl and then someone else (apparently the German was keen), I had no motivation or a voice. I could barely drink the next mouthful of beers let alone hold a conversation, which Will enjoyed letting me know about. But ever the idiot trying to keep up, I kept going, and going, and going.

We jumped to a few more bars, Picasso's I've been informed and played Jenga, talked about our team, about who my ultimate buy would be for United without a transfer limit - I've been told I opted to replace Chris Smallimg rather than picking Ronaldo or Messi - I must've been gone. I can remember looking at a clock and it being 3 am and the walk back to Bou Savy.

That ten minute walk back to Bou Savy felt like an eternity but I made it.

It had been a day of ups and downs but all in all, what a way to spend Pchum Ben in Siem Reap

Day 111 - Lucky 11 strikes again, with an extra one added for good measure

It could be writing imitation or Tommy Cooper's 'Just like that.'

Day 111 - 12th October

And it's finished! Yep, the novel is completely edited and ready to go to my fourteen (it was once ten) volunteers to read and comment for me. Guys, be gentle!

My lucky 11 saw me through again and it was nice to have achieved my goal before the chilled out week ahead.

Lisa from Globalteer stopped by over breakfast and was filling me in on her latest - a virus had corrupted her laptop, which I did not manage to fix, her parent's were flying in to visit her and she was feeling blue about having to go back to the UK in a little over a fortnight. The only thing I could offer was lame jokes and my future travel plans - sorry matey!

A little later, Becca from Globalteer dropped in with the newest volunteer from New Zealand. I had to really hold back singing 'Chain Reaction' when they told me her name was Di Ross. Apparently first impressions are key. God, why do you put me in these situations! You know I'm going to balls up.

Anyway, we exchanged stories and I learned a few things:

- New Zealand are better than England at Rugby (I already knew but as soon a rugby was mentioned, I knew the tension in my back was notifying me of what was coming)

- Di has a gluten intolerance (No soy sauce, no bread, no way!)

- She is a 68 year old grandmother who loves travelling (what a legend!)

I went to the offices to use a computer and had to save resident kitty, Pablo from six stray dogs trying to maul him. I think Pablo could have kicked their asses but it wasn't worth the 6-1 odds.

We had dinner in Bou Savy, the opportunity to run out to get dinner in the rain with the high chance that nothing was open, just to turn around and come back and have dinner was something I didn't fancy.

It turned out to be a great experience, learning about the places Di had visited and she gave me some ideas for kids books, drawing on the experiences with her grandchildren.

I bid Di goodnight and headed to bed. We were heading out with Becca and Jen in the morning to go to Tonle Sap Lake and a hill top temple. It beats kicking around the pool all day!

Day 110 - Battambang or writing? No contest!

This is the hot seat... I've been sitting here for hours that's why.

Day 110 - 11th October

So it was a toss up between going to Battambang or staying to finish what I'd started. Seeing as I'm considering working here in a few months for an extended period, I think I might save the other province trips for when I come back.

The words flowed and I ended up six pages from the end. So it was roughly 44 pages today which took me a good six hours to plough through. It's just the re-reading that gets you. If you add one bit too much in the wrong place, the story is buggered.

Anyway, my day was spent doing this and reading up about Pchum Ben. This festival had been underway for ten days or so already but it becomes more prominent in the last three or four days. It is a celebration of offerings to the monks who bless the offering for the souls of dead ancestors. The Buddhist Khmers believe that by having gifts to give to the monks, it will help bring them good luck to both themselves and their passed relatives. Some educational stuff to say the least.

I wandered around to a nearby pagoda, observing from a distance to see how it was done. Monks were chanting, the locals were kneeling and praying, some providing their offerings. As the only Westerner nearby, I stood out like a ghost which was kinda relative to the festival.

I booked my bus ticket to Phomn Penh for Thursday night and did my laundry, it was about time my room stopped smelling like a student's.

I chilled out with my favourite quick stop noodles and a film on Netflix. All in all, not a bad Sunday!