Yet another early start - this time we were up at 6am and downstairs for breakfast by 6.15am. There was a full buffet but our group all insisted in ordering something from the menu. I couldn't understand why, as we were supposed to be down the street and on the bus by 7am. I'm going to have to stop this fretting business because everything worked out fine and the bus came at exactly 7am. How the driver did it I don't know as the streets were clogged with morning traffic and it was pouring with rain.
The first surprise at the airport was checking in and finding out I wasn't going directly back to Phnom Penh but via Vientiane. Airport security was another treat. This time the passport control was a bit easier but the x-ray business was far from it. People were constantly being sent back because they hadn't removed enough items. In addition to the usual shoes and belt we were also told to remove all things around our wrist and also our glasses. I started worrying about my underwear!
The instructions about safety etc were demonstrated along with a warning that we'd be fined 20 million Vietnamese Dong if we tried to open the emergency exit without being told to do so. I was able to resist the temptation to test their determination as I was seated about 10 rows back from the exit. The flight to Laos took only 50 minutes and then those of us in transit had to sit for 45 minutes on the plane. Most of us wanted to use the toilet so we got up and walked to the back. Then we were told to go back to our seats because the staff had to count those left on the plane. After that was done we got up and started our march to the loo but again we were told to go back to our seats. This time it was to identify our bags to make sure those getting off hadn't left something behind to blow us up.
People got on the plane either heading for Cambodia or Vietnam. I felt sorry for those going to HCM City from Hanoi as they had two layovers, sitting on the plane. A light lunch was served even though the flight was less than one hour. When this happens I always think of Western airlines who won't serve any food on flights less than five hours.
It was lovely being home again. It's the end of the Pchum Ben holiday so people are still with their families, mostly out of town, and shops are closed. This holiday is a time to remember ancestors, clean graves, join the spirits in a meal at the grave side etc. We sailed through the city and arrived home in no time. My first job was to chuck all my dirty laundry in the washing machine and then have a shower. I made a cup of tea and relaxed on the balcony with my book. At 3pm Cina phoned and instructed me that I had to join the family for Suki Soup at 5pm. So absolute flexibility continues.
It's always a challenge moving around with four kids but this time it was easier as the restaurant has a play area for children. Suki Soup involves a large pot of broth and then countless dishes, ordered from the menu, which are dumped into the broth. Fish balls, meat balls, various mushrooms, thin slices of beef, green vegetables, noodles - all into the pot. It's an excellent meal but I can only managed two bowls; this time Meakara said I had to help him clean up everything in the pot so I ended up with an extra bowl. Thus ended a lovely holiday. We oldies survived the kids fooling around, crying and often demanding ice cream; the youngsters survived the oldies constantly telling them to do this and that.
Something dark ran across the corridor floor when I came into the apartment tonight. I've no idea what it was - lizard, mouse - but I suppose I can live with it if it behaves itself. I do have a number of small lizards, who feast on my insects but this creature was a bit bigger.
