So the end of our second week here... The health initiative I have been putting in place (training the resident BFT staff and rural villagers to identify basic causes/diseases/symptoms/prevention and treatments) using picture flash cards has been going really well. The local BFT staff member delivered his first  solo session to the villagers on Wednesday... Really lovely to see local people taking the initiative in looking after their health.
Spent Wed afternoon at the local children's hospital in Siem Reap with a little girl who is having a heart op (fingers crossed) next week.. She's waited 13 years for a VSD repair (hole in the heart). The hospital was remarkably clean and the wait was no longer than in a NHS one... In fact, some of it was quicker.  Just the challenge ahead of ensuring post op she gets the domicillary care she need.

The sounds and smells of Siem Reap are becoming more familiar now... Getting used to avoiding the incessant Tuk Tuk/ massage,  madam.... however, the 20 hour funeral chanting which takes place after someone dies and is broadcast around the area using the loudest sound systems available, remains the biggest hurdle to a good nights sleep...

On the way to BFT in the morning, we walk through a beautiful park and the scent of orange blossom is intoxicating... Numbs the senses to the soon to be followed stench of raw sewage near the river.
There are enormous bats which inhabit the trees in the park... Bat droppings descend from above so a hat is required clothing!

Hugh put on an amazing magic show at the BFT centre for the children yesterday.. So proud of him as the kids were literally entranced!

This week end we are chilling out.. Well, chilling accompanied by the funeral chanting going on in the background... But the gin fizzes here are amazing and a good way to let the sounds and smells just waft over you.

Battery running out so will sign out.