Sunday, 14th October 2007
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
The 'picture perfect' TSM
Bingo and his stooch
Today is our first ‘rest’ day of the Rally and we have had a full programme to keep us busy. Without doubt, the highlight of the day was this evening’s dinner but more of that later.
The usual excellent buffet breakfast was available at our hotel, the Cambodiana Hotel, one of the best, if not the best hotel in Phnom Penh. The team assembled in the car park after breakfast at 8.15AM for a photo shoot for one of our very important sponsors, Stamford Tyres. Stamford's generosity has meant that our two vehicles were equipped with the best and most suitable wheels for this testing journey. Stamford have also supplied a range of other products and services that were vital to the preparation of our Hyundai 4WD’s. We take this opportunity of extending again our sincere and profound thanks for their most valuable support.
Four of our team elected to take part in a tour of a number of interesting sites around Phnom Penh. The Wat Ounalom and the Royal Palace were memorable, despite the oppressive heat brought on by a hot day after heavy rain overnight. Leslie and Bingo opted to remain at the hotel. Leslie spends a lot of time replying to the large number of e-mails generated by interest in the Rally.
David and Arch left the tour before lunch in order to visit the ‘Genocide Museum, Toul Sleng’. Both were touched deeply by the exhibits at this site of the torture and murder of thousands of innocent Cambodian and Vietnamese men, women and children by the Khmer Rouge between 1975 and 1979. Photos of the victims are displayed and are quite unsettling to view.
The team re-assembled at the hotel and planned the balance of the day. The only chore was to take both vehicles out for petrol and a thorough wash to remove the mud generated by our journey across Cambodia yesterday. The cars are now ‘as new’.
This evening’s dinner was a major event for our hosts. VIP’s included the Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia and a number of Government officials from both Cambodia and China. Speeches were given and, clearly, China regards the Rally as a vital ingredient in fostering healthy political, economic and sporting ties between China and all ASEAN countries. Their unconditional support of the Rally is clear evidence of their attitude.
Our youngest team member, Bingo the Magnificent, was the featured act of the evening. Bingo performed a 20 minute magic show that earned him a standing ovation from the large crowd of 170 plus present. His illusions were well executed and he has become a favourite with all Rally participants. Bingo was ably supported for one of his illusions by Aki-boon (Arch Stewart) who did a great job of making himself look stupid on cue. The team has been noticed by all participants.
It has been the intention of the writer to draw attention to the fine driving being done by our favourite Englishman, David Duffield (Davo). The conditions here are difficult to say the least and Davo has done himself proud. That said, we are duty bound to report that on learning that England had beaten France in the Rugby World Cup, he has been impossible to live with. We regret to advise that tensions bordering on outright hostility have broken out between Davo and Akiboon.
This writer is disappointed but is also duty bound to report an outbreak of censorship of this diary by Leslie, the Big Cheese. Nothing more can or should be said at this time!! Your writer will not allow this situation to continue. The truth will be my beacon.
6-woman spa treatment for the Terracan
very impressed
