Toilet twinning

OK, here's the thing with the toilet. My church on the Isle of Wight have twinned their toilet with one in a village near Svay Rieng through a project run by Tear Fund and Cord (see www.stpaulsbarton.co.uk/toilet-twinning/ and www.toilettwinning.org). And my passing shot to the folks at St Paul's was that I would track down said toilet and send evidence of my visit. Not literally, just so we're clear on that, but a picture to match the one above and hopefully with some people from the village standing by.

I'd like to say that today's been the day of discovery but it's proving more of a challenge than I thought. Unfortunately I've not inherited the in-built Sat Nav gene from my Mum and realise it's slightly further away than I thought. So rather than a leisurely cycle a few miles up the road, it's actually a twenty mile round trip. Which would be fine on the Isle of Wight but not so great here in the mad midday (or most-of-the-day) sun. So would quite like help of some kind or a recommended taxi/moto/tuk tuk driver to get me there.

Such was my hoped-for outcome of today's visit to ChildFund but suffice to say, it wasn't a great success, in spite of Sok's smiley presence. Random Western woman turns up with limited Khmer, talking of toilets and no obvious agenda re: children and funding. Puzzled looks led to talk of policies and procedures and then phoning the manager. In the end I was given the Phnom Penh head office number and asked to contact them before calling in again. All done in a friendly manner, it has to be said, but half an hour later I was still no further on with my mission. Hey ho.

So today's not been as productive as hoped. Have darlenged some more around town and met a family who own a guesthouse across the road. Will stay there from tomorrow as it's half the price and twice as friendly and they may be able to help. So hopefully there'll be ablutions of news sooooooooon. Til then, more pictures of Svay Rieng......

My make-shift map copied off t'internet - am so off the tourist track there's no official maps to be had anywhere

Girl and Psychos (means "cows" in Khmer)

Travelling family

Wedding welcome

And the entertainment...