March 22nd.  Arrived in Vietnam this morning…

Hi all,Sorry I missed a few days but that will happen. 

Riding so far has been flat and very hot. No respite. Stop peddling and you stop travelling. Not like after a climb in the Pyrenees where after the summit you have a few miles of full speed Freewheelin. This riding takes its toll and after a day like that I need to hydrate eat and sleep. (Drink beer and not worry about too much ????). 

18 March. 96 miles. Drafting a bit ????. 

100 mile reward:  

Slept well. Not having much trouble now jet lag has buggered off. Whilst packing in the morning I spotted the first aid kit. I’m ya man if you need some pills ????. 

  I know what each is needed for and which you can take simultaneously, home work pre trip. 

Just lots of riding today. One thing though is the people of Cambodia and Thailand for that matter is the people are so friendly. Before I came out people said the trucks don’t care. Be careful of your stuff and yes, you need to be sensible as with anywhere. The trucks toot you give you the thumbs up. If you signal last minute they stop. Literally almost stop. Hold traffic so you can turn. I have been slipstreaming Tuk Tuks, trucks lorries etc. People spot me doing it and offer me food, drink or as one guy did pulled over and offered me a lift. He thought I was nuts when I said I will just keep pedalling behind you. Not sure he got it until he pulled away and I jumped back on. Saw me in wing mirror and it was all thumbs out the window and tooting. 

   Child catcher. 

  Skipping girl. 

  Taking brother to school. 

 Everyone stops what they are doing and stares. Probably thinking ” look at the mad white boy in the mid day sun with the Beckham football shoes on. One guy asked me if they were football boots ????. As soon as I ring my bell (yes I have one. A golf one ????????) they light up. Kids, adults, construction workers even the police. Massive smiles and shouting “hello”. I have past schools where the whole playground (20-30 kids) stop what they are doing and run to the gates shouting. Their smiles beam. Keeps you going. 

  
Some useful info. Thailand change stirring. Cambodia only in banks. Some as Vietnam. Dollar is good. Just thought I would mention it. Thailand drive on the same side as us. Cambodia and Vietnam don’t. 

Shit loads of scooters everywhere but in Vietnam shit loads more than that!  

  
Today met these dudes. It was almost 5pm so can fully understand. Tried to get me to drink beer which for those of you that know me, tried is a little wired. I still had 20 miles to go so was on the water. Great bunch. 

  Oops wrong picture. 

  Their the boys !

Met these kids that were more than happy to motor ace me s mile. Gave them the equivalent of 50p and they were running round the moped.   

Hit a few dirt roads after 70 and 90 miles. Only 4 mile stretches but already dehydrated the dust didn’t help and my arse was not happy. 

Booked the smallest hotel room in the world in Phnom Penh.   

A busy place but nothing like Ho Chi Minh. 

Bed X