trains, touts, and temples

Caught the 0555 train from Bangkok to the Cambodian border and it was certainly not the express. And while there was not a curve to be had the entire 5 hour journey it was a warm, breezy, if at times a bit wet ride through the Thai countryside. We were kept entertained by Thai infants and toddlers and musings about the various characters on board.

The Thai Cambodian border was a tout ridden gong show: money for the tuk tuk from the train to the visa shack, (too much) money for the visa, the bike ride to the ATM since they wouldn't take USD, money for the taxi to the border which was close, "only 2 minutes, now only 5 minutes, just here." Then the border itself and a scruffy border shack and Thais handing money to the border guards but we were exempt... Finally, the taxi? Oh no, a bus first, "Only 5 minutes..." At last a terminal where the taxi was waiting, but first let me call the driver because we need more people for the taxi, wait please 5 minutes. In the end there we were on our way to Battambang with a young couple from France as bewildered as we were, except they were told they could pay for the taxi or wait overnight for the next morning's bus.

Oh ya, the temples: hassles worth the wait for a very quiet roam aroung 1000 year old temples outside town. They're up on a hilltop so lovely views from the crumbling ruins.

Should say more but long day and off to Phnom Penh tomorrow so more about the Bamboo Train next time. We are well, settling into a traveling routine, and looking forward to the next bend.