Out and about in Kep

Kep is a small, seaside town famous for its Crab Market and 157 ruined Modernist villas, built in 1950s for the French colonial elite. They were trying to recreate the French riviera here in IndoChina. The Khmer Rouge destroyed almost all the villas in the 1970s/80s. Today some of the burnt-out ruins are being brought back into use but most are either demolished or left to decay into the jungle.

At last the rains have stopped!

Some "restoration" projects get part way through and then get stuck. This one hasn't changed since we were here last year.

Some lovely architectural features. It must've been a fabulous house once, filled with wealthy Parisians perhaps.

Kep is famous for its blue swimmer crabs.

Which is why this crab sculpture takes pride of place

Along with the naked fisherman's wife, who had a scarf to cover her modesty last year.

The beach is good - despite the reports in some tourist guides. I love swimming here.

Yes, and the sunsets are great. The Crab Market bars face due west and the sun sinks behind Pho Quok island

Roy and Viasna joined us for a couple of days which was lovely.

This is the Crab Market in action.

Pretty local fishing boats head out into the Gulf of Thailand in the evening.

Zebra dove cooing outside our bungalow.

Most days we avoid references to Christmas but sometimes it's difficult - especially when our peanuts arrive on a special dish. Ah well. Happy Christmas all!

Birthdays and rain

It's been a week to celebrate - with Somnang (Michael and Shrena's son) having his 8th birthday party and me having my (much quieter) sixty-first! We've also had torrential tropical downpours and the loudest thunder I've ever heard - but hey, the temperature stays 25-30 degrees so it's not so bad.

Shrena helps Somnang to cut the birthday cake while Eble brings extra sparkles.

My surprise birthday cake brought to the bungalow by Michael and Somnang. Just the one candle! Phew!

The rain has been extraordinary, especially at night, making muddy puddles of the garden. It quickly dries up though.

We set off by tuk-tuk for a night out in the great metropolis - Kampot, about 45 minutes down the road from Kep. 

This is very typical of the Cambodian scenery along the way.

Kampot is a small riverside town popular with travellers and settlers.

Its French colonial origins are manifest in the many bakeries - and giant cinnamon buns.

It rained again so there was nothing to do but to have another coffee and watch the world go by. Perfect.

In the evening the rain cleared up and there was live music at our guest house, the Magic Sponge.

This is Sara, a talented Portuguese singer.

Trevann got to sing and play too, which was great. A relaxed, friendly place. We'll go there again.

Then back home to Bacoma.

Travelling companions

1st-7th December 2016

Leaving St Johns bus stop, Parkstone. Annual photo opp.

Our bungalow at Bacoma, Kep, Cambodia, set in a tropical garden with flowers, butterflies and birds.

This was - strangely - a spider walking up the wall carrying a "bunch of flowers".

Kep has a new tourist map - that obscures most of the attractions.

This fella joined us for a beer.

The crab market in Kep looking unchanged.

Fishermen resting before getting the nets ready for the evening fishing.

Our favourite sunset bar "The Seagull" - and they remember us from last year so had the BeerLao chilled and ready.

Another Bacoma guest takes shelter from a tropical storm.

Trevann blends in with the foliage.

A few pictures - even fewer words.