Little Red Dave goes to Phnom Penh

Another early morning as we set off for the Cambodian border via the Cu Chi tunnels. These tunnels were used by the Viet Cong to hide and move around secretly while fighting the US. They're extensive, narrow, dark and conditions inside them were difficult.

Photo: Jo in the entrance to one of the Cu Chi tunnels

Photo: Edith inside the Cu Chi tunnels

Photo: Paul in the Cu Chi tunnels

On the one hand, the tunnel complex is an interesting insight into guerilla tactics during the Vietnam War. The local people were suffering terrible bombing and deforestation campaigns by the US and were defending themselves, their families and their homes.

One the other hand, the tunnel complex is a militaristic celebration of violence and war (the word 'atrocity'  apparently only applies to something the other guy does) and it left quite a bad taste in my mouth.

Overall, I was quite disappointed.

After we left the tunnels, we continued our bus trip to Bavet where we walked across the border; a quick and easy affair (at least for us). Now, I'm not suggesting that Jay bribed them. Let's just say that: at least at the Laos border they gave us a receipt.

We reached Phnom Penh in the late afternoon, dumped our bags at our hotel, grabbed a few drinks at the FCC rooftop bar and then had a fantastic meal of local curry, Amok, frog stirfry and Australian wine. When all around you fails and nothing makes sense anymore, you'll always know that Australian wine will be there for you.

Photo: Sunset in Phnom Penh from the FCC (bad boys club) rooftop bar