Last stop, Phnom Penh

And from Siem Reap I move onwards to Phnom Penh, Cambodia's concrete jungle capital by the river. It's a pretty awesome place, lots of bars and French influenced bakeries and patisseries dotted along the riverside and a massive central market flogging all the 'same same but different' tat. There are also some beautiful monuments and yet more temples and also the Kings palace - beautiful grounds but couldn't actually get in for some reason. But of course you don't come here without seeing the dark side of Cambodia's past, the killing fields.

After being hounded by a tuk tuk driver all morning we finally agreed to let him take us to the site. We braced ourselves for a very depressing day. And indeed it was. It was very eye opening to see such brutality and the shear disregard for human life. Though all spots were jaw-dropping, the particular bit that stood out had to be the killing tree where the Khmer Rouge swung babies by their feet into the tree until they died, then tossed them into the pit below. Couldn't believe it. Jolly right? 2 hours later we left the fields only to find our tuk tuk driver pissed off that we had taken too long and that now he would not take us back to the hostel. Naturally I chose to speak my mind to him. Not only had he never actually done the tour but he didn't care about the site. I told him what I thought of him without hesitation or reservation and not much else was said following those moments of tension ha. One day ill learn to keep a lid on it. One day. Maybe.

Had the most awkward moment of my trip so far that evening. Before we boarded the bus to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Mother Nature called and so I found the nearest bush to wee in, conveniently behind a billboard. Though it was actually not that convenient....mid wee I noticed a guy some 20 meters away and didn't think much of it but then he began to approach me. As he got more uncomfortable close he began to stare (it was an eyes up here sort of moment) and I asked if he was ok and then he made a sound and gesture universally recognised. I then realised his intentions. I frantically ran to the bus, desperate to share this traumatising anecdote to my companions. Jesus. What a night.

Thank you Cambodia! It was short and sweet but it's time to go our separate ways. Vietnam awaits a mere 8 hours ahead!