War museum

War... What is it good for? Absolutely nothing... It was most interesting exploring the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese perspective at their museum that has a very strong message for peace.

Cu Chi tunnels

We got to experience the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese perspective in the tunnels they used to hide from the American invasion and the bombing whilst fighting a guerrilla war.

Crazy traffic

There are so many motor scooters in Ho Chi Minh City and many drivers seem to make up their own rules.  Crossing the road is like risking your life, but it is getting a bit easier after successfully doing it a few times now (with a couple of close misses)

Tranquility

Today we enjoyed the tranquility of the Mekong Delta about 1.5 hours from the insanity of Ho Chi Minh City with crazy drivers and hordes of motor scooters. It was a welcome relief. We tasted fresh fruit, a delicious lunch and coconut water.

Sales training

Last night we met Vanny who is a great sales person and wants to be a lawyer when she grows up (she's currently 8).  She came into our restaurant and sold her scarves and purses to help fund her education.

She was smart, funny & confident.

Sobering...

Today we travelled to the killing fields and the genocide museum.  It was very moving and educational.

We paid our respects at the monument as we remembered the millions that perished.

Phnom Penh

We arrived in Cambodia's capital city and got settled in our hotel for the next 2 days.

We headed out to see the town, although we had to wait until the torrential rain died down.  We also ventured into a real local food market where we tried some delicious fruit.

Local kids

The children at the local school were lovely. They had a thirst for knowledge and the school was like the local drop-in centre.  

The children were well behaved and very polite.

The classroom couldn't have been more basic and the teacher was self-taught.

They had a white board and a few books but not much else, including no regular internet except via cellphone.

Local tours

We explored the local area which had some very old temples dating back farther than the temples in Angkor Wat by 300-400 years.  It was very interesting and looked spectacular as the conservation work was only just starting. My tour guide who was self-taught English and the local farmer was very proud of the area and the historical significance.

Later in the day we took an ox cart tour of the paddy fields and learnt about growing rice and seeing local village life.  The money we paid for the tour went directly to the farmers.

Home stay

We arrived at our home stay, not really sure what to expect... It was a local farmer's house that was also a school.

We took our bags to our room where we slept marae style under mosquito nets.

We played soccer which was interesting in the heat and humidity.  We were soaking wet in sweat in no time.

We had bought some school books and helped the children with their English lessons.

The home stay was comfortable and memorable.

Sticky rice

On the way to our next stop we stopped to try some sticky rice smoked in hollowed bamboo.  It tasted delicious.

River cruising

This afternoon we cruised through a floating village and met the locals.

It was great weather even though it's the wet season.  I love Siem Reap - the people are lovely and everything is so cheap. Meals are generally US $4-$5 each. Beer is US $1

No sunrise...

Up at 4:15am to capture the moment the sun rises... Quite cloudy but we enjoyed the experience... Then off to the tomb raider temple... We're not the oldest on the tour either :)

Temples

It stayed dry all day which was great as this is the wet season.

We toured a number of temples - a photographers paradise!

It was very hot but we remained hydrated and had a fantastic local lunch.

Angkor Wat

It was a beautiful day to visit the amazing temples today with our friendly tour guide.

Border crossing

It took us 10 hours to travel from Bangkok to Siem Reap in Cambodia with a few stops along the way, including an extended stay at the Thailand border as they had no record that we had entered Thailand (on the Eastern and Oriental Express from Malaysia).  We have certainly stepped back in time... But it's all an interesting experience.

Last night in Bangkok

We met our fellow travellers then walked to a nearby restaurant to enjoy some delicious (albeit hot) curry and traditional Thai entertainment for our last night in Bangkok.

No stinky fruit

Apparently we can't smoke, cook or eat Durian in our room. According to sources it smells like turpentine & onions stewed in a used gym sock... I don't think I will try it...

One (more) night in Bangkok

We thought we were heading off on our tour tomorrow but in actual fact Day 1 is here in Bangkok... So we moved hotels as planned... Very comfortable... With a view of the hotel used in the filming of Hangover 2

Bangkok

We arrived safely in Bangkok and have amazing views of the city from our 24th floor.

Last night we went to the local markets for dinner.

Bridge on the River Kwai

Today we paid respects to the soldiers and workers who died while building the railway we have travelled on, including a New Zealander.

All aboard!

We were transported to a new level of luxury today as we boarded the Eastern & Oriental Express. 

Feeling like royalty

Luxurious opulence greeted us when we entered out our room at Raffles.  It was well designed and a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city.

Singapore Flyer

Similar to the London Eye, the Singapore Flyer is a oversized Ferris wheel that has 28 capsules that can hold up to 28 people each.

Walk around Singapore

Today we ventured out into the hot, humid, haze of Singapore.

We eventually found the Merlion Park and took the obligatory tourist photos, then went shopping.  The best thing about shopping is we were in airconditioned malls.

Raffles Hotel

Leaving Wellington

It was a wet & windy day in Wellington when we left.  We enjoyed a lovely breakfast with tea & coffee while waiting for our boarding call.