Thursday 28 November 2013

Job Done We Did it and a Heartfelt Thank You




Greetings form Siem Reap and of course Angkor Wat, we have had a memorable journey, seen some incredible things and experience a rich tapestry of life.

Our aim to write a daily blog was restricted by the limited/slow internet connectivity and team commitments so I hope you will accept this final update with our sincerest appreciation for your kindness which spurred us on to the end…..the following should be a snapshot of our trail



We are delighted to report back, “job done” – on  Saturday morning we both completed our 350km cycle challenge in Vietnam and Cambodia  riding the final 20km on the unpaved tracks surrounding Siem Reap as villagers commenced their day taking pigs and chickens to market.  

It was a magical ending and a contrast to the 2 previous days which had seen the team clock up fairly backbreaking 100km and 90km rides on busy national roads after we left the tranquility of the Mekong Delta where we pedaled the first kilometers in the early part of the week.  

The combination of 33 degree temperatures and only cold showers available in several overnight stays has ensured that a real challenge of endurance and determination worthy of the wonderful support you gave us was achieved.


A huge thank you!    You played a part in helping us raise £11,626.23 so far, which with gift aid comes to £13,333.79  and our team appears to be on track to exceed £25k – this is a much appreciated contribution to the Kids Company Christmas Day appeal.


 


So many of you were keen to see us actually dressed for the occasion and we did not disappoint on the first day;we were there and ready with our fellow team members. The Lycra all in place and ready for action. In the 85% humidity and 34 degree C heat we had a challenge on
We had a charming first morning, riding through the Mekong Delta

Our first night was in a home stay, quite basic , cold showers and we even cooked our own food

 We are now experts in making Spring Rolls and Vietnamese Omlettes.


Never will it be said that we overload our scooters, and this was by no means the most overloaded.










Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city of Cambodia, on the banks of the Mekong River, beautiful Pagoda's and a real colonial atmosphere, but fast moving to 21st Century. We had a very refreshing drink at Raffles Hotel.
Just outside the Capital City was teh most harrowing part of our journey, a visit to The Killing Fields where The Khmer Rouge regime arrested and eventually executed almost everyone suspected of connections with the former government or with foreign governments, as well as professionals and intellectuals. Cracks in the skulls can be clearly seen.
 A well earned rest and lunch in the Paddy Fields


4 Up on the scooters, the most we saw was 6
 






 This little lad was very keen to get a closer view



 The Street Markets were full of fresh foods from the countryside, and some real local delicasies








The Petrol Station was particularly interesting, did you want your fuel from  Johnie Walker Bottle or an Absolut Vodka Bottle



And finally Angkor Wat which was first a Hindu, then subsequently, a Buddhist temple complex, we actually cycled around the complex twice it was 20 kms around




We managed to get an extended weekend in Siem Reep and had the pleasure of sating at Amansara, who do a fine job, and its a must place to stay. Superb Food, wonderful accommodation and Sally Baughen and her team gave us a stay to remember. On the Saturday night we were keen to watch the Rugby England against The All Blacks, the Tuk Tuk took us to town and we watched on a 10 foot screen and the driver was there to take us back to the hotel, great service.

We then flew back to Hong Kong and came back on the A380, very quiet but work in progress for British Airways.

1 comment:

  1. Excellent blog at long last! We had been waiting with baited breath. Love the pictures - personal favourite the piggy (presumably going to market).

    The cycle was a fantastic feat - well done to both of you! We are very impressed and even more so by the amazing sum of money raised for the Kids Company.

    3 cheers!

    the vMs x

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