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.