We set off this morning from Kompong Cham just as the sun was rising and after a bit of a restless night, the cool morning air was really refreshing. Our 110km journey to Kompong Thom was largely flat and with the exception of some road works in the final 30km, the conditions were good.
(Sun rise over the Mekong and the fishermen already at work)
On the road today, we met another couple who have been cycling a similar route to us through South East Asia. They are from Switzerland and we had a brief chat with them, expecting to see them again in Kompong Thom where we hoped to talk more.
We saw a lot of children today who appeared to be working with their parents, rather than attending school. At dinner this evening, we were talking with the manager of the restaurant who explained to us that in the more rural areas where families can include up to five or six children, many parents are unable to afford to send their children to school or prefer to have the children helping to provide an income for the family. It's sad to think that education is out of reach for any child in today's world.
(A man straddles a cart load of hay pulled by his oxen)
(We saw a working elephant today, or an elephant at work I mean)
(The elephant handler is called a mahout)
(A town where many of the houses had a colourful scarecrow at their front gate)
(Just how did they manage this??)
(A rubber tree plantation)
(Not sure what this magnificent tree is called
but its bright orange flowers added an explosion of colour to the landscape)
After our final 30km of dusty road, we arrived into Kompong Thom looking just a little bit filthier than usual. Thankfully we found a guesthouse that would accept us in our dirty state. Paul was still not feeling 100% so after lunch we had a quiet, air-conditioned afternoon. At dinner this evening, the restaurant manager was very helpful, providing us with some details on the road ahead and where we could expect to find accommodation. We haven't yet seen the couple we met on the road today but perhaps tomorrow.
(Mucky and muckier)
Our plan tomorrow is to cycle 30km north to an ancient city dating back to the 7th century where Sambor Prei Kuk is located. We'll spend a few hours exploring and then return to Kompong Thom for one more night before heading further west.
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