Friday 3rd November - Siem Reap to Battambang

Up nice and early. Managed a quick coffee before we got picked up by taxi to take us to the harbour. We had priced a taxi to take us to Battambang but then last minute decided we would go by boat. That was an experience and a half. It was a smallish boat with an upstairs deck you could lie out on which we did. Maybe try and catch up on some sleep!!! Although that didnt happen as too hot and had to keep going for cover. The boat can take anywhere from 5hrs to 10hrs. It took us 8 hrs and time depends on depth on some parts of river. It got stuck at one point and the men operating it had to get large oars out to dig us out. We were in the middle of nowhere sailing through areas too narrow for the boat so it was banging off trees and branches. At one point we were ducking and diving trying to avoid being hit by large branches. It was like being on a fairground ride. We stopped for lunch at a cafe in the middle of nowhere and in the middle of the water. Again a very poor area. We passed these "houses" where we even saw one with a dog?! So it too has to pee and shit in the house. It has nowhere to go as its surrounded by water in an area about 5 metres sq. Apparently human waste and dog waste is thrown into the water. The same water we watched these Cambodians washing in etc... We arrived at Battambang around 6pm and caught a tuk tuk to our hostel. Had dinner, a walk around the town and back to chill. This is when we met DJ. He worked at hostel and is Cambodian. He had a tuk tuk and we booked him for a tour the following day which again meant getting up reasonably early and going to see places of interest. What an interesting guy. He is 36yrs and born in a refugee camp in Thailand. His parents were the lucky ones who escaped when the Khmer rouge captured and tortured Cambodians during 1975 and 1979. His stories to tell were so interesting but very sad. So off to bed, alarm set and all ready for our day of sight seeing which we were so excited about.