Battambang. It's already 2011. Like I care. Just another year. I probably would if I had someone to celebrate it with, but I don't. So what then. I have many happy celebrations throughout the year, I don't have to make this day to be extra special.

Photo:  Battambang, Cambodia → As sson as I arrived in Battambang there was a tuk-tuk driver who offered to take me to a hotel. I am always reluctant of such offers, but he seemed genuine. He said that I will not have to pay anything for the ride since he will get some commission from the hotel. And if I don't like it, he will take me to another one. He was true and honest. The hotel was really nice and $4 a night. Private room and bathroom. It was the 333 Hotel and I recommend it.

Photo:  Battambang, Cambodia → Another thing he mentioned was that he can take me to the Boat Port so I can buy the ticket to Siem Reap. He said if I will buy it tonight he can take me there for free and then take me back to the port again tomorrow morning for the departure - that's how he will get the commission, or gasoline coupon. They charge $20 for the trip, but I got it for $18. So, all my tuk-tuk rides in Battambang are free :) I am happy and he is happy. That's how it should be. Here, we are heading towards the Boat Port.

Photo:  Battambang, Cambodia → Walking around Battambang.

Photo:  Battambang, Cambodia → More Battambang streets. I am tired, but since I leave early tomorrow, this is my only chance to explore the city.

Photo:  Battambang, Cambodia → Battambang has a few interesting things to offer, if you stay there for a few days. More killing fields, some caves and temples. Here, just one of the streets.

Photo:  Battambang, Cambodia → Battambang. Not sure what's this statue about, but it's in the center of the city.

Photo:  Battambang, Cambodia → The city itself is not that attractive, wich is OK with me. Soon I will be in Siem Reap and see the Angkor Wat.

Photo:  Battambang, Cambodia → Typical of most cities here: an intersection and a statue in the middle of it.

Photo:  Battambang, Cambodia → A guy and his horse. I like the eyes, make it seems alive.

Photo:  Battambang, Cambodia → And yet another one.

Photo:  Battambang, Cambodia → I think this is a monument commemorating something I know nothing about ;) You don't have to, and even shouldn't know everything about everything. Unless you are writing theses about the place I guess. But travel should be enjoyable, about absorbing the sights and the atmosphere.

Photo:  Battambang, Cambodia → Quite nice actually. Good play of shadows.

Photo:  Battambang, Cambodia → The roof detail.

Photo:  Battambang, Cambodia → View of the river. Tomorrow the boat will go this way. I am excited since I've heard this will be a nice river trip. I love taking boats. I also like taking buses. Long trips help me get away from anything, any worries. It's safe for the time of the trip and all life is put on hold.

Photo:  Battambang, Cambodia → This is the way. Most Cambodian cities seem to have a river flowing through them, and a riverside boardwalk.

Photo:  Battambang, Cambodia → A cool photo from the bridge. Some branches on the river. I use it as a wallpaper on my laptop. I think it's good in black and white, even with this quick editing. If you haven't noticed it yet, I rotated the image 90 degrees. It's all about art sometimes and this is the best composition for my laptop.

Photo:  Battambang, Cambodia → Here is my boat, but that's tomorrow.

Photo:  Battambang, Cambodia → Another shot of the boat. It will be awesome.

Photo:  Battambang, Cambodia → One last shot from Battambang. There are people still wearing these Khmer Rouge scarfs. I don't understand it. Perhaps it's just because they have it and don't want to spend money on another one? I don't know. But with all the atrocities the Khmer Rouge and Pol Pot have done in Cambodia, if I was living here I would certainly not wear one. Believe it or not, there are still people here who identify themselves with Kmer Rouge. Oh well, it's their country. But I don't get tourists who buy these scarves and wear them just like the Pol Pot people in the photos from the 1970's. If you want one, it's easy to buy them here.