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!