We set off fairly early on our adventure. We wanted to visit a temple on a hill and some 'killing caves' where the Khmer Rouge were active.
The road was in good condition and on the way we saw various temples and the French built governor's house which was all very 'splendid'. We reached the bottom of the hill and were then presented with choices! 1) Attempt to cycle up the hill with no gears - virtually impossible as it was steep! 2) Park the bikes up and walk to the top which would take a further hour in the heat and it was almost midday! 3) Pay the friendly man on his motorbike $1 each to take us to the top.
Easy choice, we went by motorbike! We arrived at the top in record time fully rested to explore. A small boy aged about 7 gave us a tour of the cave explaining the macabre details. After the cave we were chauffeur driven (on the motorbike) to a temple, which we enjoyed looking around. Following this we said goodbye to Mr Motorbike and headed down via a set of very steep steps.
On reaching the bottom we really needed a drink! A shop keeper sold us a fresh coconut. The milk inside was so good and he cracked it in half for us to finish the white flesh.
Once refreshed we headed back to town and tried to find the famous Battambang bamboo train. We asked for directions at a roadside shop but ended up being invited inside to sit in the shade and enjoy some ice cold drinks. The lady was so nice, we ended up spending, spending, spending and eating half of her stock!
After a few wrong turns we found the bamboo trains and a member of the tourist police told us all about them. Basically, they are a small flat area of bamboo where around 4 people can sit. They are powered by a tiny little 'lawnmower' engine! If another bamboo train is heading towards you, you jump off and the whole thing is lifted off the tracks, to let him passed. Unfortunately, the bamboo trains may soon disappear as the train track is to be opened to big, fast (ish) trains again.
We cycled on and Darryl spotted a lady with a basket on her bike, from which she was selling something. We had to find out what! And, we did... wonderful little cakes. We couldn't resist so bought a few of each kind. They were so good so, we bought some more!
Finally we arrived home, took the bikes back and stopped at the street seller noodle man.... again! They are so good, we can't say no! Eating rest failed ...
The road was in good condition and on the way we saw various temples and the French built governor's house which was all very 'splendid'. We reached the bottom of the hill and were then presented with choices! 1) Attempt to cycle up the hill with no gears - virtually impossible as it was steep! 2) Park the bikes up and walk to the top which would take a further hour in the heat and it was almost midday! 3) Pay the friendly man on his motorbike $1 each to take us to the top.
Easy choice, we went by motorbike! We arrived at the top in record time fully rested to explore. A small boy aged about 7 gave us a tour of the cave explaining the macabre details. After the cave we were chauffeur driven (on the motorbike) to a temple, which we enjoyed looking around. Following this we said goodbye to Mr Motorbike and headed down via a set of very steep steps.
On reaching the bottom we really needed a drink! A shop keeper sold us a fresh coconut. The milk inside was so good and he cracked it in half for us to finish the white flesh.
Once refreshed we headed back to town and tried to find the famous Battambang bamboo train. We asked for directions at a roadside shop but ended up being invited inside to sit in the shade and enjoy some ice cold drinks. The lady was so nice, we ended up spending, spending, spending and eating half of her stock!
After a few wrong turns we found the bamboo trains and a member of the tourist police told us all about them. Basically, they are a small flat area of bamboo where around 4 people can sit. They are powered by a tiny little 'lawnmower' engine! If another bamboo train is heading towards you, you jump off and the whole thing is lifted off the tracks, to let him passed. Unfortunately, the bamboo trains may soon disappear as the train track is to be opened to big, fast (ish) trains again.
We cycled on and Darryl spotted a lady with a basket on her bike, from which she was selling something. We had to find out what! And, we did... wonderful little cakes. We couldn't resist so bought a few of each kind. They were so good so, we bought some more!
Finally we arrived home, took the bikes back and stopped at the street seller noodle man.... again! They are so good, we can't say no! Eating rest failed ...
