'We travelled to Battambang from Phnom Penh by coach - one that is similar to the National Express but without the same level of efficiency. According to the locals, the bus would take 5hours to arrive at out destination if all goes well. 
We left Phnom Penh at about 11am.
about one and a half hours later, the bus broke down in the middle of the highway.


so our driver had to double up as a mechanic to fix the coach. he did so in about 15 minutes, and we were amazed that his job scope includes fixing the bus.

About 6 hours later (i think), we finally arrived at Battambang. 
due to problems with conversing, the bus people dropped us off in the middle of nowhere. we later found out that that wasn't the central bus station, which was where we were supposed to alight. 
since there wasn't a taxi or tuk tuk in sight, we decided to walk to the guesthouse which we were supposed to stay in. if we didn't have the extra baggages with us, it would have been fine for Battambang is a relatively small town.
but alas.
by the time we arrived at the guesthouse, Bert was exhausted beyond words. She literally collapsed on a chair that was available. It was quite a sight and I had to keep a straight face and sort out the administrative details. The thought of it still tickles me.

As for Battambang, Bert updated about the bamboo train a few entries back and i'll just post a few pictures to wrap it up.

French Colonial Architecture


Battambang is one of the few cities where a number of french colonial architecture remains. 


i guess it's rather similar to what the British left behind in Malaya with subtle differences. (i shall refer to Malaysia and Singapore collectively as Malaya when refering to historical issues) 







The Bamboo Train (known as the Norry to locals)


the moto which can be detached. the train reminded me of Lego


the people operating the train / a farmer wanting to transport his goods 


10km later; the amused albertina looked on as they turned the train 180 degrees so that we could return 
by the way, it took only about 10mins to travel 10km


those who wanted a lift would stand by the edge of the tracks and hailed for the operator to stop


it really felt as though we had gone back in time as the train rumbled along the countryside. 
we would pass by people who would stare at us out of curiosity 


the ride was fun and we loved it. 

The City Centre







The Day Trip

We went to 2 temples that are near to Battambang. 
One of them was used, again, by the Khmer Rouge. The people now call it the Killing Caves
The other was a pre-Angkor temple.


more human remains


the victims were thrown in from this opening. if they didn't die immediately, the would either be shot or stabbed to death; so said our guide


now a buddhist temple




the stilts were constructed so that the people could carve a buddhist statue on the hill


view from the top


the other temple





others



to wrap things up, we like this quaint little city.
that aside, we couldn't help wondering what the locals do to keep themselves entertained
Next, Siem Reap.

miss elga oh