Believe it or not Crispin filmed this remarkable 180 degree footage while zipping along the dust road that followed the bank of the Mekong river.... and it's in HD too! Thankfully he didn't encounter a pot hole while spinning on his saddle.
click here to watch the clip...
Sunday, 26 February 2012
Saturday, 25 February 2012
Live action footage of us cycling in Cambodia...
Courtesy of Peter's iPhone, live action footage of us on one of the better roads in Cambodia! It's Colin directly in front, with Nikki overtaking....
The kids crying out 'Hello' as we cycled past was a sound that followed us everywhere, and is still ringing in my ears!
Sunday, 19 February 2012
That's a wrap....
Clive and I are now on the Railair coach for the final leg home to Reading. My wife and two boys await at the station and a texted promise of a cooked breakfast, prepared by my nine year old!
There will be ample time for reflective comments which I will endeavour to do soon.
But without doubt we all return home enriched by our experiences and by the close camaraderie of our merry band.
By the dedication and devotion to the children from the staff at the orphanage. And of course by Crispin: the inspiration behind the whole trip and the Hope Asia charity itself.
I hear we've had quite a following reading these posts - thanks for following our travels. I hope you've enjoyed my random jottings.
And the final thought for now must go to the beautiful children we had the privilege to meet and with whom we spent a precious afternoon. Thank you so much to all of you who sponsored us for this trip and helped to provide them with a real chance for their future after such traumatic and tragic pasts.
Your support has made a very tangible difference to some very deserving lives.
Chris
There will be ample time for reflective comments which I will endeavour to do soon.
But without doubt we all return home enriched by our experiences and by the close camaraderie of our merry band.
By the dedication and devotion to the children from the staff at the orphanage. And of course by Crispin: the inspiration behind the whole trip and the Hope Asia charity itself.
I hear we've had quite a following reading these posts - thanks for following our travels. I hope you've enjoyed my random jottings.
And the final thought for now must go to the beautiful children we had the privilege to meet and with whom we spent a precious afternoon. Thank you so much to all of you who sponsored us for this trip and helped to provide them with a real chance for their future after such traumatic and tragic pasts.
Your support has made a very tangible difference to some very deserving lives.
Chris
Update-Day Eight
We were good boys and girls last night, and only stayed out for a couple of drinks watching the sights of nighttime Siem Reap go on around us.
And this morning is, and in the tradition of all best package tours, to be spent at our leisure. A few meet in the lobby at 10am to say goodbye to Crispin, Peter - in fact, to be precise all the blokes and Jill. True to form all the other girls are prioritising shopping to farewells! We take a photo to make the point....
Check out at twelve, with bags and cases filled with dusty and sweaty cycling gear that is clear proof of our endeavours over the past eight days. And after a short rendezvous and lunch at the pool, massages for some, we board our support bus for the last time and head to Siem Reap airport.
Airline schedules dictate our 1645 departure heads north east to Danang in Northern Vietnam for a transit stop before returning south west to Singapore. I think it's what you call the scenic route.
And guess what we saw in Danang? Rain....
At Singapore we wave goodbye to one more of our ever diminishing bunch.-Sam, who has a night in Singapore before jetting off to Japan.
After a rejuvenating Starbucks we board the A380 and contemplate 14 hours wedged into row 61.....
Next stop loved ones and home...
And this morning is, and in the tradition of all best package tours, to be spent at our leisure. A few meet in the lobby at 10am to say goodbye to Crispin, Peter - in fact, to be precise all the blokes and Jill. True to form all the other girls are prioritising shopping to farewells! We take a photo to make the point....
Check out at twelve, with bags and cases filled with dusty and sweaty cycling gear that is clear proof of our endeavours over the past eight days. And after a short rendezvous and lunch at the pool, massages for some, we board our support bus for the last time and head to Siem Reap airport.
Airline schedules dictate our 1645 departure heads north east to Danang in Northern Vietnam for a transit stop before returning south west to Singapore. I think it's what you call the scenic route.
And guess what we saw in Danang? Rain....
At Singapore we wave goodbye to one more of our ever diminishing bunch.-Sam, who has a night in Singapore before jetting off to Japan.
After a rejuvenating Starbucks we board the A380 and contemplate 14 hours wedged into row 61.....
Next stop loved ones and home...
We're back on UK soil
That's it. It's all over.
After a very long and very very bumpy flight home we have just landed at Heathrow Terminal 3 on schedule at 0555.
2 degrees outside apparently- that'll take some getting used to!
Now for the farewells..
After a very long and very very bumpy flight home we have just landed at Heathrow Terminal 3 on schedule at 0555.
2 degrees outside apparently- that'll take some getting used to!
Now for the farewells..
Saturday, 18 February 2012
On our way home....
Waiting for Silk Air flight MI 633 at Siem Reap airport....(bit blurry 'cos my arm was jogged by a TUI Reisen uhrlauber just at the point of pressing the shutter)
OFFICIAL STATS: 341.48km/212.18 miles cycled
The Official Challenge Mileage Chart
Update-Day Seven
Hmmm ...I wish I could report on the quality of the breakfast, but sadly it didn't happen for me this morning ( see yesterday's update an draw your own conclusions why!)
However after the restorative powers of Boots re hydration salts and a packet of Nurofen express and I was ready with all my cycling buddies for the off.
We negotiated the streets of Siem Reap, a town like so many other south east Asian cities with 5 star hotels and little food shacks side by side, tour buses and thanks to its world heritage site up the road, a true confluence of the worlds nationalities.And continually growing - we must have passed four or five large hotel blocks under construction.
After seven miles we stopped for our first temple - the fusion of nature and 1200 AD temple brought to fame by the Tomb Raider films. Nak guided us round, but i think a theme for us all day was one of tiredness, in the heat. The fact that Angkor Wat was a bit of an 'added extra' to the main events of a trip meant that I for one perhaps didn't give it the full attention is really merits.
As we cycle from the first to the second temple we called a halt to mark a significant milestone - the 200 mile cycled marker. How convenient that 800 years ago they thought to build a small temple at that exact point! I definite photo opportunity:
Then on to the Bayonne temple with beautiful female heads and after lunch at the Angkor Wat Cafe (full marks to Peter for ordering a hair of the dog beer) and finally Angkor Wat itself! With tired legs and minds I'm not sure we could really take in this extraordinary place. And the only good thing about the hoards of incessant tourists was that there were so many of them they actually created a welcome breeze as they walked past when we had stopped to hear Nak's explanations
After good 2 hours of pure unadulterated sightseeing its back on Super Sat 2 for the last time and we cycle back to the hotel in town,where I feel a real pang of sadness as the saddle and bar ends come off the bike. Done. Finito. The challenge is over. Official stats to follow, but can't quite believe we've made the course of nearly 330km.
Dinner this evening at a tradition Khmer show of traditional dances. Good entertainment which only served to make us realise how much work the children in the orphanage had gone to to present the same dances to us. And if were Strictly come Dancing I think the pros would have scored SE-VEN, while the kids would have got a 9 at the very least.
On the bus Nak and Hai say their goodbyes as the party starts to peel off to go their separate ways: Peter to Bangkok, Crisipin to Burma, Nak to Phnom Phen and Hai back to Saigon.
Can it really all be coming to an end? We've only been here for a week, but have bonded so closely through our experiences in that time it feels so much longer.
As I write we're heading off for a drink, but I don't think/hope it'll quite as gargantuan an evening as last night. We have a long, long day of travel tomorrow.....
However after the restorative powers of Boots re hydration salts and a packet of Nurofen express and I was ready with all my cycling buddies for the off.
We negotiated the streets of Siem Reap, a town like so many other south east Asian cities with 5 star hotels and little food shacks side by side, tour buses and thanks to its world heritage site up the road, a true confluence of the worlds nationalities.And continually growing - we must have passed four or five large hotel blocks under construction.
After seven miles we stopped for our first temple - the fusion of nature and 1200 AD temple brought to fame by the Tomb Raider films. Nak guided us round, but i think a theme for us all day was one of tiredness, in the heat. The fact that Angkor Wat was a bit of an 'added extra' to the main events of a trip meant that I for one perhaps didn't give it the full attention is really merits.
As we cycle from the first to the second temple we called a halt to mark a significant milestone - the 200 mile cycled marker. How convenient that 800 years ago they thought to build a small temple at that exact point! I definite photo opportunity:
Dinner this evening at a tradition Khmer show of traditional dances. Good entertainment which only served to make us realise how much work the children in the orphanage had gone to to present the same dances to us. And if were Strictly come Dancing I think the pros would have scored SE-VEN, while the kids would have got a 9 at the very least.
On the bus Nak and Hai say their goodbyes as the party starts to peel off to go their separate ways: Peter to Bangkok, Crisipin to Burma, Nak to Phnom Phen and Hai back to Saigon.
Can it really all be coming to an end? We've only been here for a week, but have bonded so closely through our experiences in that time it feels so much longer.
As I write we're heading off for a drink, but I don't think/hope it'll quite as gargantuan an evening as last night. We have a long, long day of travel tomorrow.....
Friday, 17 February 2012
Update- Day Six
Day six started with the call of the rooster which by all accounts started at 0230. It's neck had been rung by 3.30. It had been shot by 5 and was on the breakfast table with noodles by 5.30. We wished. Not a popular cockerel in the Team Marmite camp!
We left by bus to pick up our bikes about 1 hour out of Kampong Thom for a day of cycling along straight tarmaced roads for the last full day of cycling that would see us arrive at our destination, all being well, by the afternoon.
We enjoyed the crys of 'hello' from the houses along the road, as ever, and watched some remarkable cargo whizz past us. Dead pigs, plastic tubing, mattresses, live pigs, children and entire families, the ironmonger's mobile workshop, hay......and all on the back of scooters.
JJ managed to lose a pedal at one point, ending up on Hai's bike.Hai is c. 5ft 4. Jonathan is 6ft 3. It wasn't the most comfortable rides he had and added to a few other technical failures like Clive's saddle snapping in two.
Then lunch at a posh restaurant, connected to some water aid charity apparently. It may have just been me but the bussed in tourists were a bit of a shock. For them this is perhaps an authentic Cambodian experience. For us it's nothing to what we have seen, smelt and heard as we cycled.
We then lay in a very welcome long house with hammocks for 30 mins before the final offence to the heart of the Khmer civilisation.
And boy, was it hot. Really hot. 38 degrees according to our cycle guide Nak who admitted later to going faster to keep cool in temperatures even he found unbearable. And tough going through sand and forest tracks.
And then, 65 km later we made it and cycled past Angkor Wat with its large moat filled with cool looking water.
A left turn into the car park, and there was the finishing line...and we were greeted with a cold beer, hugs all round and lots of photos.
Wow, what an achievement. A bit more pedalling tomorrow before we can tot up the final mileage, but we'd done it!!
And the sophistication of Siem Reap and our hotel complete with a cool and luxurious swimming pool were very welcome.
We met for dinner in the lobby and headed off by tuktuk to the Red Piano restaurant, reputedly frequented by Angelina Jolie while she was filming Tomb Raider up the road.
Crispin said a few words and Stef gave us our hard earned medals. What a proud and happy crowd we were as we spilled back onto the infamous Pub Street.
And then a few beers, a bit of dancing, more beers, more dancing, more dancing...... I was taken back 15 years to the hot sweaty nightclubs of Hong Kong. Remember Joe Bananas, any one?
And I'm sorry to report a few hard core team members only got back to the hotel at 3am. They shall remain nameless!
Let's see how we all cope with the cycle in....err.... 4 hours time?! Yoiks!
We left by bus to pick up our bikes about 1 hour out of Kampong Thom for a day of cycling along straight tarmaced roads for the last full day of cycling that would see us arrive at our destination, all being well, by the afternoon.
JJ managed to lose a pedal at one point, ending up on Hai's bike.Hai is c. 5ft 4. Jonathan is 6ft 3. It wasn't the most comfortable rides he had and added to a few other technical failures like Clive's saddle snapping in two.
Then lunch at a posh restaurant, connected to some water aid charity apparently. It may have just been me but the bussed in tourists were a bit of a shock. For them this is perhaps an authentic Cambodian experience. For us it's nothing to what we have seen, smelt and heard as we cycled.
We then lay in a very welcome long house with hammocks for 30 mins before the final offence to the heart of the Khmer civilisation.
And boy, was it hot. Really hot. 38 degrees according to our cycle guide Nak who admitted later to going faster to keep cool in temperatures even he found unbearable. And tough going through sand and forest tracks.
And then, 65 km later we made it and cycled past Angkor Wat with its large moat filled with cool looking water.
A left turn into the car park, and there was the finishing line...and we were greeted with a cold beer, hugs all round and lots of photos.
Wow, what an achievement. A bit more pedalling tomorrow before we can tot up the final mileage, but we'd done it!!
And the sophistication of Siem Reap and our hotel complete with a cool and luxurious swimming pool were very welcome.
We met for dinner in the lobby and headed off by tuktuk to the Red Piano restaurant, reputedly frequented by Angelina Jolie while she was filming Tomb Raider up the road.
Crispin said a few words and Stef gave us our hard earned medals. What a proud and happy crowd we were as we spilled back onto the infamous Pub Street.
And then a few beers, a bit of dancing, more beers, more dancing, more dancing...... I was taken back 15 years to the hot sweaty nightclubs of Hong Kong. Remember Joe Bananas, any one?
And I'm sorry to report a few hard core team members only got back to the hotel at 3am. They shall remain nameless!
Let's see how we all cope with the cycle in....err.... 4 hours time?! Yoiks!
Messages from Siem Reap
We're all sitting in the banana leaf bar in Siem Reap, so a perfect chance for a few messages from the team:
What a week- can't believe I can still sit down though
An amazing unique experience I will never forget - Dorothy
What a wonderful time I've had with
All these lovely people and a fabulous experience - Sharron
What can I say? It has been the best trip I have ever been on! Thanks to everyone for making it such a great experience - Donna
What a great team! So glad you all came, all raised money for some fantastic children and all survived. Join us again in 2014! - Crispin
No one can deny that this experience has changed their heart in some way, seeing the kids so cheerful and smiley with so little is truly touching-Sam
It has been a truly memorable experience that I wouldn't have missed! Wonderful children,guides, support and wow!what a great team!When can we do it again?-Nikki.
Brilliant, without doubt one of the most wonderful experiences of my life-Clive
I had no idea what Chris was getting me into when he suggested we do this last May. I'm so glad he did, though! A truly wonderful week-Jonathan.
More contributions to follow.....
What a week- can't believe I can still sit down though
An amazing unique experience I will never forget - Dorothy
What a wonderful time I've had with
All these lovely people and a fabulous experience - Sharron
What can I say? It has been the best trip I have ever been on! Thanks to everyone for making it such a great experience - Donna
What a great team! So glad you all came, all raised money for some fantastic children and all survived. Join us again in 2014! - Crispin
No one can deny that this experience has changed their heart in some way, seeing the kids so cheerful and smiley with so little is truly touching-Sam
It has been a truly memorable experience that I wouldn't have missed! Wonderful children,guides, support and wow!what a great team!When can we do it again?-Nikki.
Brilliant, without doubt one of the most wonderful experiences of my life-Clive
I had no idea what Chris was getting me into when he suggested we do this last May. I'm so glad he did, though! A truly wonderful week-Jonathan.
More contributions to follow.....
Thursday, 16 February 2012
Stop Press: WE HAVE ARRIVED AT ANGKOR WAT
We've just completed another 65km in searing heat of 38 degrees and we cycled though the Global Adventure Challenges finish line at about 3pm.
That means we've arrived at our final destination. More cycling tomorrow, though, to and around the temples
More pictures now at the picasa site: https://picasaweb.google.com/104663752596940790243/CambodiaCycle
...
That means we've arrived at our final destination. More cycling tomorrow, though, to and around the temples
More pictures now at the picasa site: https://picasaweb.google.com/104663752596940790243/CambodiaCycle
Wednesday, 15 February 2012
The night life of Kampong Cham
A treat this morning with the prospect of a slightly later start.
Just as well as a few of our number has ventured to the beer plaza to see a night of entertainment sponsored by Anchor beer.
It took a while to get served, but after we'd been presented almost every glass size ever invented, each one meticulously wiped out with a napkin by a vertically challenged young girl in high heel shoes that must have doubled her height we ordered beer by the pitcher, thereby entitling us to enter the free lottery to win a TV.
The MC was particularly excited to have us in the audience, a fact he marked by inviting 'Mr Sam' on to the stage to draw the lucky winner. I suspect the fact Sam was interviewed in English will have added to the confusion.
One point of particular note were the urinals, thoughtfully affixed a wall to the left of the stage and in full view of the entire audience.
The music wasn't much cop, bit it was the best entertainment I've had for 6$ for a long time. And that included the 3 jugs of beer.....
Bargain!
Just as well as a few of our number has ventured to the beer plaza to see a night of entertainment sponsored by Anchor beer.
It took a while to get served, but after we'd been presented almost every glass size ever invented, each one meticulously wiped out with a napkin by a vertically challenged young girl in high heel shoes that must have doubled her height we ordered beer by the pitcher, thereby entitling us to enter the free lottery to win a TV.
The MC was particularly excited to have us in the audience, a fact he marked by inviting 'Mr Sam' on to the stage to draw the lucky winner. I suspect the fact Sam was interviewed in English will have added to the confusion.
One point of particular note were the urinals, thoughtfully affixed a wall to the left of the stage and in full view of the entire audience.
The music wasn't much cop, bit it was the best entertainment I've had for 6$ for a long time. And that included the 3 jugs of beer.....
Bargain!
Update-Day Five
Breakfast be such a simple thing, but not at the hotel in Kampong Chon! And in spite of there being only omelettes and coffee on the menu it still took 30 minutes to get something vaguely eggy and a rather curious yellow baguette. Colin was not having the best of mornings and his luminous green fanta didn't help.
So we were 30 minutes late on the off and then headed off to start a day that would see some significant personal targets achieved with Jill cycling 50km and and the rest of us cycling 87km.
The going was tough and hot pretty much all day. The morning we followed the Mekong River out of Kampong Cham eventually heading up a hill to a fantastic vantage point overlooking the river. The spot was a Buddist temple site with large plaster fruit, vegetables and animals. Surreal, but the temple itself was spectacular and lunch a welcome relief from the hill.
Off again and a hard hot and hilly run to lunch. Hardly the most picturesque site in the world- a temple amongst the detritus of a recent festival. Still Stef treated us to cheese and ham baguettes and we soon forget the flies. (well, almost!)
On then for another slug - 23 miles in total to a tired but satisfied end.
If only we could have stayed for the party at the site of our penultimate stop. If the party is to be as good as the speakers were large it'd be one not to miss.
So we were 30 minutes late on the off and then headed off to start a day that would see some significant personal targets achieved with Jill cycling 50km and and the rest of us cycling 87km.
The going was tough and hot pretty much all day. The morning we followed the Mekong River out of Kampong Cham eventually heading up a hill to a fantastic vantage point overlooking the river. The spot was a Buddist temple site with large plaster fruit, vegetables and animals. Surreal, but the temple itself was spectacular and lunch a welcome relief from the hill.
Off again and a hard hot and hilly run to lunch. Hardly the most picturesque site in the world- a temple amongst the detritus of a recent festival. Still Stef treated us to cheese and ham baguettes and we soon forget the flies. (well, almost!)
On then for another slug - 23 miles in total to a tired but satisfied end.
If only we could have stayed for the party at the site of our penultimate stop. If the party is to be as good as the speakers were large it'd be one not to miss.
Tuesday, 14 February 2012
Hope, laughter, tears and admiration
There was a moment yesterday for me which is playing round and round in my head. A girl , perhaps 8, in her little Mickey Mouse t shirt she had just been given and a little shier than the others eventually said yes after I'd offered to give her a piggie back a few times.
To that point she had been more interested in my camera, which I'd shown her how to use.
She leapt on my back and between Peter Colin and I we had a great piggy back race and battle. As she jumped down she was beaming from ear to ear. A smile that stayed until the point we had to go, when her happy eyes filled with tears as she gave me a huge hug.
We will all come away with our special moments, the particular children who we made as close a bond only 5 hours will allow, but it was an afternoon of hope, laughter, tears and admiration for us all.
As we turned off the main road into the orphanage we had made sure we were in close formation, led by Jill. And there they all were, in beautiful costumes banging drums and waving us in, cheering and shouting us in. It was an emotional moment.
A short presentation from the Pastor and his wife about the school translated by her daughter in one of the rooms in the buildings was followed by a dancing show, where the children danced beautiful traditional routines, all perfectly rehearsed.
We were then treated to a lovely lunch and then the singing and dancing continued including an impromptu performance by the cycling possee. (Must remember to rehearse during the transfers next time!)
We then put our many gifts of footballs, cuddly toys, clothes and books on the stage, and the children chose things with the help of the orphanage staff. It was clear to see the delight on their faces with their new belongings, which they immediately took off to their dormitories and placed by their beds with all their other possessions.
The gifts were then put immediately put to good use, with impromptu games of badminton, football and volleyball broke out.
Except for those entranced by the apple iPad- incredible how these children, so disadvantaged managed trouble play
Like all good parties we then ended up in the kitchen - the old wooden building that our funds will replace. And then for an hour or so we just played, sang, joked, laughed with these very special children, so disadvantaged in so many ways.
Finally we gathered for a few photographs and then poignantly gathered in a circle while Pastor Rim and the children all chanted a prayer to wish us well on our travels. Their many voices chanted like 50 birds singing. And then we left.
It was truly a day I will never forget. I feel so proud to have done something for such a place whose objectives, both short and long term, are so amazing.
And I hope that for 'my' Mickey Mouse girl, for a couple of hours at least I could fill a tiny bit of the role her father will never be able to play.
To that point she had been more interested in my camera, which I'd shown her how to use.
She leapt on my back and between Peter Colin and I we had a great piggy back race and battle. As she jumped down she was beaming from ear to ear. A smile that stayed until the point we had to go, when her happy eyes filled with tears as she gave me a huge hug.
We will all come away with our special moments, the particular children who we made as close a bond only 5 hours will allow, but it was an afternoon of hope, laughter, tears and admiration for us all.
As we turned off the main road into the orphanage we had made sure we were in close formation, led by Jill. And there they all were, in beautiful costumes banging drums and waving us in, cheering and shouting us in. It was an emotional moment.
A short presentation from the Pastor and his wife about the school translated by her daughter in one of the rooms in the buildings was followed by a dancing show, where the children danced beautiful traditional routines, all perfectly rehearsed.
We were then treated to a lovely lunch and then the singing and dancing continued including an impromptu performance by the cycling possee. (Must remember to rehearse during the transfers next time!)
We then put our many gifts of footballs, cuddly toys, clothes and books on the stage, and the children chose things with the help of the orphanage staff. It was clear to see the delight on their faces with their new belongings, which they immediately took off to their dormitories and placed by their beds with all their other possessions.
The gifts were then put immediately put to good use, with impromptu games of badminton, football and volleyball broke out.
Except for those entranced by the apple iPad- incredible how these children, so disadvantaged managed trouble play
Like all good parties we then ended up in the kitchen - the old wooden building that our funds will replace. And then for an hour or so we just played, sang, joked, laughed with these very special children, so disadvantaged in so many ways.
Finally we gathered for a few photographs and then poignantly gathered in a circle while Pastor Rim and the children all chanted a prayer to wish us well on our travels. Their many voices chanted like 50 birds singing. And then we left.
It was truly a day I will never forget. I feel so proud to have done something for such a place whose objectives, both short and long term, are so amazing.
And I hope that for 'my' Mickey Mouse girl, for a couple of hours at least I could fill a tiny bit of the role her father will never be able to play.
Update - Day Four
We left the hotel in Kratie having woken up to a view of the Mekong River, a civilised breakfast of warm baguettes, jam and butter and Lipton yellow label tea.
Then I met Super Sat 2 for the first time - having said goodbye to our Vietnamese versions on the other side of the boarder.
We headed out of the town and quickly left the new main road to join country tracks that had been so well documented in mrpumpy.net.
And we entered a new world. Following the bank of the mighty Mekong we entered the real Cambodian life all on show. The blacksmith, the school, old colonial buildings, a lively and vibrant market with the freshest fish you'll ever see.
After a rest stop at a cafe we continued to complete a 25 mile run before getting to the orphanage. 2 miles away we stopped to change into our Hope Asia t shirts. And in so doing became the centre of attention for the who politely watched with interest, and then became a little bolder as the sweets and fruit can out. Sharron fell in love with a little baby so much so that we had to check her handle bag just in case it had found its way in there.
And then to the main purpose of all of this: our efforts in fundraising, Crisoin's inspiration, the planning and training.- our visit to the orphanage.
I'll write something specific for this most magical of afternoons, but from a colourful and joyous welcome to a tearful and highly charged farewell, our visit was truly five hours like no other. I simply didn't want it end.
I am now writing this on the bus as we transfer to Kampong Cham tonight before some serious biking tomorrow (I hope - who'd I'd thought I'd say that.
Before I sign off I suddenly realise I have hardly acknowledged my fellow cyclists and with a few of you now reading this each day back in the Uk that's remiss of me.
Our team is made up of:
Crispin and son Sam (who celebrated his 24th birthday in Saigon)
Stef (our guide)
Jill, Sharron, Dorothy, Nikki ( following in the footsteps of her son), Donna, Peter, Colin, Clive, Jonathan and yours truly.
Stop press- now arrived at hotel- the pool in the car park (!?) looks very inviting
Then I met Super Sat 2 for the first time - having said goodbye to our Vietnamese versions on the other side of the boarder.
We headed out of the town and quickly left the new main road to join country tracks that had been so well documented in mrpumpy.net.
And we entered a new world. Following the bank of the mighty Mekong we entered the real Cambodian life all on show. The blacksmith, the school, old colonial buildings, a lively and vibrant market with the freshest fish you'll ever see.
After a rest stop at a cafe we continued to complete a 25 mile run before getting to the orphanage. 2 miles away we stopped to change into our Hope Asia t shirts. And in so doing became the centre of attention for the who politely watched with interest, and then became a little bolder as the sweets and fruit can out. Sharron fell in love with a little baby so much so that we had to check her handle bag just in case it had found its way in there.
And then to the main purpose of all of this: our efforts in fundraising, Crisoin's inspiration, the planning and training.- our visit to the orphanage.
I'll write something specific for this most magical of afternoons, but from a colourful and joyous welcome to a tearful and highly charged farewell, our visit was truly five hours like no other. I simply didn't want it end.
I am now writing this on the bus as we transfer to Kampong Cham tonight before some serious biking tomorrow (I hope - who'd I'd thought I'd say that.
Before I sign off I suddenly realise I have hardly acknowledged my fellow cyclists and with a few of you now reading this each day back in the Uk that's remiss of me.
Our team is made up of:
Crispin and son Sam (who celebrated his 24th birthday in Saigon)
Stef (our guide)
Jill, Sharron, Dorothy, Nikki ( following in the footsteps of her son), Donna, Peter, Colin, Clive, Jonathan and yours truly.
Stop press- now arrived at hotel- the pool in the car park (!?) looks very inviting
Monday, 13 February 2012
Update- Day three
We have arrived in Kratie after a day of many contrasts: a lovely cycle starting at 0730 through the town of Tay Ninh, Vietnam, a transfer to the boarder crossing Xa Mat, an exemplary demonstrating of boarder bureaucracy, and then the shock of our first taste of Cambodia.
Shock, at the lack of irrigation, the massively potholed roads, the dramatic (!) driving of our driver, the litter and obvious poverty, and a tasty lunch in a local restaurant which had us wondering if this would be the moment to crack open the Immodium.
However dolphin watching on the Mekong as the sun set calmed our nerves. And now we are about to head off to dinner from the Santeheap Hotel Kratie which is tonight's berth...
However dolphin watching on the Mekong as the sun set calmed our nerves. And now we are about to head off to dinner from the Santeheap Hotel Kratie which is tonight's berth...
A subtle hint?
First day of the actual cycling proved to be a little challenging for yours truly. Chamois-buttered up, the first leg of the morning was lovely, with a little rice paper factory visit en route, a taste of rice wine, and a cooling ride through a rubber plantation ( a French import to Vietnam).
As mentioned in my previous post, then a visit to the Cu Chi tunnels where, yes, I am afraid to say I did the inevitable fatboy tourist thing and endeavoured to climb down one of the Viet-cong holes that led to 250km-plus of tunnels, some as deep as 10 meters to avoid the ever-increasing ordnance dropping on the area by the Americans.
A wonderful lunch on the River Saigon followed, and then we were off again.
My first incline of the trip of any note and - snap- the chain breaks. One failed repair attempt and I transfer to one of the reserve bikes. A couple of frame sizes smaller and as a result a real challenge for me. A shame, as it made an otherwise lovely run, albeit very hot, rather difficult as I hunched up over the bars.
And then - bang- a sheared saddle bolt and happily I avoided a nasty accident with the saddle pillar as my saddle flew off and ended in the road.
Still, it triggered an immediate stop, and after fresh pineapple and rice crackers and the urgent attention of Hai (our guide) and his team, I was back on Super Sat and thoroughly enjoyed the final leg of our 79km ride.
Let's not consider too closely what would cause a bolt to shear, but it may have been a subtle hint...
PS Super Sat is how I have christened my bike As anyone knows in the office, its really Sat who carries me along and is totally dependable, so it seemed wholly appropriate.
As mentioned in my previous post, then a visit to the Cu Chi tunnels where, yes, I am afraid to say I did the inevitable fatboy tourist thing and endeavoured to climb down one of the Viet-cong holes that led to 250km-plus of tunnels, some as deep as 10 meters to avoid the ever-increasing ordnance dropping on the area by the Americans.
A wonderful lunch on the River Saigon followed, and then we were off again.
My first incline of the trip of any note and - snap- the chain breaks. One failed repair attempt and I transfer to one of the reserve bikes. A couple of frame sizes smaller and as a result a real challenge for me. A shame, as it made an otherwise lovely run, albeit very hot, rather difficult as I hunched up over the bars.
And then - bang- a sheared saddle bolt and happily I avoided a nasty accident with the saddle pillar as my saddle flew off and ended in the road.
Still, it triggered an immediate stop, and after fresh pineapple and rice crackers and the urgent attention of Hai (our guide) and his team, I was back on Super Sat and thoroughly enjoyed the final leg of our 79km ride.
Let's not consider too closely what would cause a bolt to shear, but it may have been a subtle hint...
PS Super Sat is how I have christened my bike As anyone knows in the office, its really Sat who carries me along and is totally dependable, so it seemed wholly appropriate.
Sunday, 12 February 2012
Update-Day Two
Up at 0600, a very civilised breakfast of omelette and bacon sandwiches and then we climbed on the coach to head out of the city to pick up our bike and start the the real adventure!
A quick briefing an we set off at the start of it all....
Words fail me in explaining when a fantastic experiences have had today - we achieved 79.82km when light stopped play at 6pm, so there's a great sense of achievement amongst the team as we sit in a fluorescent lit dining room at the Hoa Binh Hotel, Tay Ninh.
Let me just say there is nothing better as you cycle through the villages and the little children come running out and shout 'Hello', with the biggest grins on their faces.
Photos updated, but a few potted highlights
Number of bikes I got thorough today: 2 - one sheared saddle bolt, one broken chain
Number of stops - 3, including the incredible and thought provoking Cu Chi tunnels
Length of dinner for the party in the hotel restaurant - 45 minutes
Colin loosing his pedal and Crispin finding the bolt on the road
Roadside cafes with their hammocks
The little boy putting a huge lab of ice in the cool box
lunch at the floating restaurant
More details in a later blog to follow when I'm less tired (is this a theme developing)
We cross to Cambodia tomorrow with 40 km to get out of the way in the morning
A quick briefing an we set off at the start of it all....
Words fail me in explaining when a fantastic experiences have had today - we achieved 79.82km when light stopped play at 6pm, so there's a great sense of achievement amongst the team as we sit in a fluorescent lit dining room at the Hoa Binh Hotel, Tay Ninh.
Let me just say there is nothing better as you cycle through the villages and the little children come running out and shout 'Hello', with the biggest grins on their faces.
Photos updated, but a few potted highlights
Number of bikes I got thorough today: 2 - one sheared saddle bolt, one broken chain
Number of stops - 3, including the incredible and thought provoking Cu Chi tunnels
Length of dinner for the party in the hotel restaurant - 45 minutes
Colin loosing his pedal and Crispin finding the bolt on the road
Roadside cafes with their hammocks
The little boy putting a huge lab of ice in the cool box
lunch at the floating restaurant
More details in a later blog to follow when I'm less tired (is this a theme developing)
We cross to Cambodia tomorrow with 40 km to get out of the way in the morning
Saturday, 11 February 2012
Update-Day One
Its now 10pm and I write from the bedroom 808 of the Hotel Le Duy, Saigon as Jonathan and I prepare for a 0715 start tomorrow.
It would do me no good to even contemplate how many hours I have now been up - suffice to say snowy Reading seems many moons away. Since Singapore we boarded a new and very comfortable 777 for the 90 minute flight to Saigon. By now our team of 13 has had much time to bond, and enjoying each others company.
Whether the same will be said for our bikes who knows, but we were united with them in the lock up outside the city and fixed the necessary saddles, pedals. (In Vettle style I plan to christen mine: will let you know her name tomorrow).Then a brief visit to the market to be assaulted by all the noise, smells, dust that is South East Asia. And the traffic has to be seen to be believed in a city of 5m manic scooter riders. You cross the road by just going, never stopping or running, and miraculously it all skirts round you.
More to tell in a later post, of Jonathan gulping strong cold sweet coffee in one go, much to the locals amusement. Of the sights we have seen on the back of scooters, a lovely dinner at which nearly all the party nearly faceplanted their dessert due to complete exhaustion. Which is my cue to hope we have successfully beaten jet lag and to get to bed. Today was just getting here: tomorrow is when the bike rubber hits the road!
I have uploaded today's pics here: My cambodia cycle album on picasa, and they should be appearing in the slideshow.
Faves of the day has to be one of my meeting my partner for the week, and one of the traffic in this mad city
It would do me no good to even contemplate how many hours I have now been up - suffice to say snowy Reading seems many moons away. Since Singapore we boarded a new and very comfortable 777 for the 90 minute flight to Saigon. By now our team of 13 has had much time to bond, and enjoying each others company.
Whether the same will be said for our bikes who knows, but we were united with them in the lock up outside the city and fixed the necessary saddles, pedals. (In Vettle style I plan to christen mine: will let you know her name tomorrow).Then a brief visit to the market to be assaulted by all the noise, smells, dust that is South East Asia. And the traffic has to be seen to be believed in a city of 5m manic scooter riders. You cross the road by just going, never stopping or running, and miraculously it all skirts round you.
More to tell in a later post, of Jonathan gulping strong cold sweet coffee in one go, much to the locals amusement. Of the sights we have seen on the back of scooters, a lovely dinner at which nearly all the party nearly faceplanted their dessert due to complete exhaustion. Which is my cue to hope we have successfully beaten jet lag and to get to bed. Today was just getting here: tomorrow is when the bike rubber hits the road!
I have uploaded today's pics here: My cambodia cycle album on picasa, and they should be appearing in the slideshow.
Faves of the day has to be one of my meeting my partner for the week, and one of the traffic in this mad city
Friday, 10 February 2012
Greetings from Singapore
We're here! Survived the flight. Two hours in Sin (!) and another two hour flight ahead of us to Ho Chi Minh. Need this....
Check in drama!
It was probably my fault. I think the lady at check in thought I was having her in when, in response to her question 'how are you crossing the Vietnam/Cambodian boarder' I answered 'by bicycle'.
There followed many phone calls to supervisors, followed by a computer malfunction requiring a re boot, and eventually Tim, evidently the man who wields the power in Singapore Airlines, said I could get on the plane. My bag carries on all the way to Ho Chi Minh City. That sounds quite cool, I think.
So I'm now admiring the a380. It'll be my first trip on this beast, and from where I'm sitting it's certainly big. Had a quick look at the wings, and no visible cracks so we should be ok?!
All riders safely assembled now, btw, and I think I've just about got everyone's name sussed. But there's plenty of time for that. Next stop Singapore in 14 hours or so....
TTFN
There followed many phone calls to supervisors, followed by a computer malfunction requiring a re boot, and eventually Tim, evidently the man who wields the power in Singapore Airlines, said I could get on the plane. My bag carries on all the way to Ho Chi Minh City. That sounds quite cool, I think.
So I'm now admiring the a380. It'll be my first trip on this beast, and from where I'm sitting it's certainly big. Had a quick look at the wings, and no visible cracks so we should be ok?!
All riders safely assembled now, btw, and I think I've just about got everyone's name sussed. But there's plenty of time for that. Next stop Singapore in 14 hours or so....
TTFN
And so it begins....
It all felt very odd yesterday. Having spent months in preparation the reality of the event actually coming round was quite a shock.
It was also a day of flurries: unexpected work issues and then snow. At about 10pm it felt like things were conspiring against me.
Little sleep, relief that the snow finally stopped and I wouldn't have to spend half and hour shovelling the white stuff, a taxi that eventually appears and now I'm on the rail air bus from reading to Heathrow.
First mishap- we've left crispin behind by mistake in the rail air lounge. He's only the inspiration for us al, the man who founded the orphanage and the hope Asia charity. So we're only 10 minutes into the adventure and already one man down.......
PS Highlight yesterday was a quiet meal with Helen at home and a lovely card from Toby, which I'll keep with me at all times....'Daddy's the one with green hair- have you got green hair , Daddy'
It was also a day of flurries: unexpected work issues and then snow. At about 10pm it felt like things were conspiring against me.
Little sleep, relief that the snow finally stopped and I wouldn't have to spend half and hour shovelling the white stuff, a taxi that eventually appears and now I'm on the rail air bus from reading to Heathrow.
First mishap- we've left crispin behind by mistake in the rail air lounge. He's only the inspiration for us al, the man who founded the orphanage and the hope Asia charity. So we're only 10 minutes into the adventure and already one man down.......
PS Highlight yesterday was a quiet meal with Helen at home and a lovely card from Toby, which I'll keep with me at all times....'Daddy's the one with green hair- have you got green hair , Daddy'
Wednesday, 8 February 2012
Advantage?
Tomorrow I will boot down the work laptop for the final time and then we will be on our way.
Mr Job, or JJ as he will become known in future blogs has just posted his remarkable training statistics on Facebook. He may have cycled the equivalent of London to Cornwall seven times in 2011, but I maintain my superior bulk will give me a significant advantage as we freewheel down the Cambodian Alps. ????!!!!!
Seriously I take my hat off to his commitment to the cause, and only leaves me wondering if my weekend jaunts round the villages of South Oxfordshire will have prepared me sufficiently.
That said I'm sure I'll out do JJ in something over the next 7 days. Number of packets of Immodium I get through? Number of rabid dog bites,?flat tyres? Opportunity abounds.
This time tomorrow I'll be heading to the airport..........
Mr Job, or JJ as he will become known in future blogs has just posted his remarkable training statistics on Facebook. He may have cycled the equivalent of London to Cornwall seven times in 2011, but I maintain my superior bulk will give me a significant advantage as we freewheel down the Cambodian Alps. ????!!!!!
Seriously I take my hat off to his commitment to the cause, and only leaves me wondering if my weekend jaunts round the villages of South Oxfordshire will have prepared me sufficiently.
That said I'm sure I'll out do JJ in something over the next 7 days. Number of packets of Immodium I get through? Number of rabid dog bites,?flat tyres? Opportunity abounds.
This time tomorrow I'll be heading to the airport..........
Saturday, 4 February 2012
From zero to hero?
It was minus six when I left home for work yesterday and a similar temperature again this morning. According to my iPhone it's 31 degrees in Ho Chi Minh City. That seems like reason enough to get on the A380 exactly one week today.
But for all the training, the stocking up on Immodium, padded cycling shorts and anti viral hand gel I need to keep reminding myself why I'm going to trade First Great Western, an office in Chelsea and the family for a week cycling 400km on dusty roads in that kind of heat.
Family. One of the many things banned after 17 April 1975 by the Khmer Rouge that we take so much for granted, along with education, medicine, urban life. Their aim was to ruthlessly and extremely follow the philosophy of Mao Tse Tung and create the ultimate agrarian society, cut off from all external influences.
I watched John Pilger's remarkable documentary 'Year Zero' made in 1979 immediately after the Vietnamese invasion and overthrow of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge. It's incredibly difficult to watch. Even 33 years on it's easy to understand why it's hailed as one of the most influential documentaries of all time. As Pilger walks through the deserted streets of Phnom Phen, frozen in time from the April days 4 years earlier when the residents were all ordered to evacuate he passes piles of money lying in the gutters, washed down the road by the monsoon rains.Money printed in vast quantities by the ousted regime but completely worthless.
The images of the sick, tortured and traumatised shock still, and pricked a nation's conscience so deeply that Britons donated in excess of £45m when western governments continued to recognise the overthrown Khmer dictatorship for fear of the communist leanings of the Vietnamese liberators.
And then I watched a clip of Margaret Thatcher from Blue Peter in 1988. The needs in Cambodia seemed just as great, just as pressing 9 years later.
Of course the children I will meet at the Hope Asia orphanage a week on Tuesday will be one, two or even three generations on from those who endured the darkest of horrors. I'm intrigued to see how the country is rebuilding itself and re establishing the institutions of government, culture and family life.
But whatever progress is being made nationally, for the children I'll meet the orphanage has to be their family, and it's for them that I am going.
But for all the training, the stocking up on Immodium, padded cycling shorts and anti viral hand gel I need to keep reminding myself why I'm going to trade First Great Western, an office in Chelsea and the family for a week cycling 400km on dusty roads in that kind of heat.
Family. One of the many things banned after 17 April 1975 by the Khmer Rouge that we take so much for granted, along with education, medicine, urban life. Their aim was to ruthlessly and extremely follow the philosophy of Mao Tse Tung and create the ultimate agrarian society, cut off from all external influences.
I watched John Pilger's remarkable documentary 'Year Zero' made in 1979 immediately after the Vietnamese invasion and overthrow of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge. It's incredibly difficult to watch. Even 33 years on it's easy to understand why it's hailed as one of the most influential documentaries of all time. As Pilger walks through the deserted streets of Phnom Phen, frozen in time from the April days 4 years earlier when the residents were all ordered to evacuate he passes piles of money lying in the gutters, washed down the road by the monsoon rains.Money printed in vast quantities by the ousted regime but completely worthless.
The images of the sick, tortured and traumatised shock still, and pricked a nation's conscience so deeply that Britons donated in excess of £45m when western governments continued to recognise the overthrown Khmer dictatorship for fear of the communist leanings of the Vietnamese liberators.
And then I watched a clip of Margaret Thatcher from Blue Peter in 1988. The needs in Cambodia seemed just as great, just as pressing 9 years later.
Of course the children I will meet at the Hope Asia orphanage a week on Tuesday will be one, two or even three generations on from those who endured the darkest of horrors. I'm intrigued to see how the country is rebuilding itself and re establishing the institutions of government, culture and family life.
Thursday, 26 January 2012
Not the first to fund raise for Cambodia...
In 1988 Blue Peter's Bring and Buy Sale Appeal raised £4m for Kampuchea. This is a fascinating little clip which I couldn't help sharing.....
Margaret Thatcher - Blue Peter Kampuchea Appeal
You can sponsor me on my 400km cycle by clicking here
Margaret Thatcher - Blue Peter Kampuchea Appeal
You can sponsor me on my 400km cycle by clicking here
Wednesday, 25 January 2012
Getting excited
So, it's almost time. Just over two weeks to the off.
And I am thrilled to report that through many generous donations I am well clear of my target of £2,750. In fact my total stands at £3,490 - thank you so much to those who have put money in the tin! I certainly have every incentive and to overcome the dusty roads, heat and humidity.
Will also start posting a few more blogs, and hopefully I'll find occasion and connectivity to do so en route. My trusty little netbook (sadly usurped by the iPad in recent months) is enjoying a new lease of life. Software upgraded, blogs set up feeding to Facebook, GPS watch primed and ready (yes,really!)
Helmet and padded pants bought, voluminous supplies of rehydration tablets and 'butt cream' on stand by ( it appears to have been my default Christmas present this year).
And the training? Well, at the weekends I've been discovering local roads, villages and hills I didn't think existed or I'd never thought i'd manage to pedal up. The Boris bike track through Hyde Park is well worn. And I've lost 10kg (ok, that last bit isn't true!) Will it all be enough?
It's not long before I find out!
www.charitygiving.co.uk/chrisnorris
And I am thrilled to report that through many generous donations I am well clear of my target of £2,750. In fact my total stands at £3,490 - thank you so much to those who have put money in the tin! I certainly have every incentive and to overcome the dusty roads, heat and humidity.
Will also start posting a few more blogs, and hopefully I'll find occasion and connectivity to do so en route. My trusty little netbook (sadly usurped by the iPad in recent months) is enjoying a new lease of life. Software upgraded, blogs set up feeding to Facebook, GPS watch primed and ready (yes,really!)
Helmet and padded pants bought, voluminous supplies of rehydration tablets and 'butt cream' on stand by ( it appears to have been my default Christmas present this year).
And the training? Well, at the weekends I've been discovering local roads, villages and hills I didn't think existed or I'd never thought i'd manage to pedal up. The Boris bike track through Hyde Park is well worn. And I've lost 10kg (ok, that last bit isn't true!) Will it all be enough?
It's not long before I find out!
www.charitygiving.co.uk/chrisnorris
Tuesday, 24 January 2012
Yoiks.....16 days to go
In fact 16 days, 13 hours 45 minutes and 21 seconds before the Singapore Airlines A380 will be trundling down the runway at Heathrow....you can still sponsor me at www.charitygiving.co.uk/chrisnorris
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)