The anticipation of our first trip out in the vans today had most of the group up and ready to go bright and early. With the Bonitar Breakfast of Champions on board, we were ready for whatever the day would throw at us.....little did we know what was to come. After a beautiful van trip out of the city we crossed over the Meekong river by car ferry..a twenty minute trip which showed us some unexpected riverside views. We then drove a further ten kilometers or so through some delightful villages and Rodney shared his tales of getting bogged on the very same dirt road a few weeks back when he visited Prey Ta Sor village. On arrival at our destination, the children from the village surrounded the van and threw their arms around us as we climbed down. They then treated us to some beautiful singing before we set up shop and started to see our patients for the day. The majority of our visitors today were younger children and their families and aided by our fab interpreters we aimed to help them in anyway we could. Not only were the children there dressed to impress but a few did a trial run as pharmacists for our next trip.. much to Mick and Debs delight. After a busy few hours , and the tempting of our taste buds from the open fire cooking, the ladies of the village invited us for a traditional lunch. We were provided with a mix of chicken, fish, rice and vegetables served the most "chanang" sauce. Coming down to continue our clinic, my amazing dream pants caught the eye of the villagers who were not reserved in commenting on their brightness and having a little chuckle- or should that be hearty laugh!! We finished our day with a final few special patients and left the last of our gifts to the village just as a loud clap of thunder roared through thew skies and the rain started to fall. Loading the van as quickly as we could we set off on our return trip. Rodney"s comments must have jinxed us as before arriving at the ferry stop, we were completely and utterly bogged in the mud.....both vans that is. After several attempts, ripped pants and a mud treatment to most of the group, the many muscles and the savvy know how of a canny Cambodian gave us the final umphh we needed to finally move the vans. We eventually returned to our base two hours late where hot showers were the order of the afternoon. After a fab dinner at Jars of Clay coffee shop ( how funny is that?)...we returned to settle for a restful night, with the team learning first hand how great tiger balm really is. Today has certainly been a day to remember....hope there's more to come.By Caz