02

Prei Kuk to Skun

We awoke by the river in Sambor Prei Kuk in northern Kampong Thom and spent the morning exploring 7th century pre-Ankorian temples before Sam hit the road.

He cycled through town, keeping a strong and steady pace, while the menagerie of traffic barreled past him.  Sam shared the road with apathetic cows, mobile farm equipment, scooters piled sky-high with bamboo and 8-seater vans carrying more than twenty people, including a half dozen travelers perched precariously on the roof.  In the midst of this controlled chaos was Sam’s bright orange shirt emblazoned with the words "Front Office", paying homage to the Sala Bai Hotel & Restaurant School student group he ran for today.

Following a brief respite at a local restaurant, Sam hit the pavement.  Steadfast in his commitment to the Sala Bai students that his running segment be at least 20km a day, he began his run at 7pm and was guided into camp by the beaming headlights of a motorcycle escort glowing softly through the dust.

After another long day on the road, Sam will curl-up under the stars, bedding down tonight in a rice field in Skun.

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Did you miss our previous posts?  Read the first, second and third installments of Sam's adventure.

- Meghan Shea