I feel very fortunate to be surrounded by people who help me celebrate. 

Though it would have been good to have Rob, Jordan sister Catherine and our other friends here. They all arrive tomorrow so perhaps the celebrations will continue. 

After my little cake party by the staff at Villa Savonna we headed off to Nicks place Che Culo for yet another Aperol Spritz. I wore a lovely dress loaned to me by a friend and topped it off with a beautiful necklace – a birthday gift from Steve. It’s a Cambodian sapphire drop. Really pretty. Note it in the picture with Elena and her beautiful mum. 

 
I’m also wearing a gift from Elena. A watch for sport! I just have to work out how to use it! 

After our drink we headed off in a convoy of tuk tuks to Lost Room. A very apt name as you can certainly get lost in the lane and narrow alley ways. It reminded me of the hutongs in Beijing. 

The food was great. So was the company. Along with us were Pete’s friend Neil and Charli Pollard. 

 
We ate and drank some fantastic food. The owner a woman from Brisbane was a great hostess and Elena Evan planned a small cake. So I got to blow out another candle. How lucky am I to get a second lot of wishes. 

  
I’ll bet most of you can guess what I wished for!!

Make a guess in the comments box at the end! 

Experiencing  a wedding in a different country is an special thing. Elina and Peter wanted to begin their wedding day in a traditional Cambodian way. 

  
We thought it was to be a dawn – but the monks said that was too early ! 

So at 7 am our party of 15, staying together at Villa Vedici, boarded a small boat for the hour long journey up river. By tuk tuk it’s about a half hour but by water it’s very beautiful. 

  
We passes simple wooded huts and fishing boats and sat in the early morning sun until Greenhouse came into view. They had set up and area under the deck by the river and a small Cambodian band were making music. 

We went to the top deck for coffee and then when the monks arrived made our way to the area set aside for us. 

  
Family  sat either side of The bride and groom. Svetlana and El’s brother Eugenie and Steve and myself. 

  
The monks began their chanting. It went on and on. We held our hands in prayer position and almost entered a meditative state. 

  
We were blessed with water then after about half and hour it appear to be ove but we needed the offering to the monks. Money in an envelope. One for each monk and one for the facilitator. 

It ended to loud claps from the friends and we headed back upstairs for the breakfast. 

  
Back to the hotel by tuk tuk for a swim, lunch and a little sleep. We need to regain our energy for the second wedding this afternoon. 

  
And so the celebrations continue. And why not! 

Excitement is mounting. 

Today I organised multiple pickups from the airport. Friends and relatives started to arrive from Siem Reap and Australia. 

Catherine and David, the Brannocks and the Chisholms. Later Steve’s sister Marg. 

We frocked up and headed off to Raffles Hotel with Mr Smiley in his tuk tuk, for a high tea to celebrate the start of Elena’s hen day. 

The men headed off for the bucks night. It started with a BBQ at the local AFL footy captains home. Then onto who know what. I just hope someone keeps an eye on Pete! 

Pete played for the local Cambodian Eagles until the accident so he’s missing being part of the action. 

Very civilised high tea along with the most expensive cocktail in PP! 

Friends of Elenas- all Nationalities – some living here,  some arrived from India, Australia the Phillipines. All gathered to celebrate with this beautiful bride 

‘The older members of the group didn’t continue on to the sunset cruise. We had others to meet at the hotel. Clare, my sisters daughter and Jan , a cousin were arriving for dinner. 

We experienced the local BBQ restaurant where we ate and ate , drank beer and wine and it cost us $12 head! 

I’m wondering how the bride and groom are holding up after their big night! 

Today Rob and Jordan and her parents Lisa and John arrive and head straight to the Killing Fields. They’ll probably run into the group from here going out for a visit to his very sad place. 

More excitement later today. 

These international weddings are a bit of a marathon! But so much fun. 

The tree at Raffles reminded us that it’s also very close to Christmas. Hope you are all ready ! Shopping done? Presents wrapped? 

Some people dread another Birthday. Not me. 

Every birthday is a gift. If you don’t celebrate it means you’ve given up! And the alternative is pretty grim. 

This year my birthday is being celebrated in Phnom Penh. Not my favourite city but special this time because we’re here for a great occasion. Pete and Elena’s wedding. 

We started the day in a not so great hotel. I made an unusually silly mistake and when we booked in last night realised I didn’t want to stay there more than 1 night! . By 10am we had selected another one nearby and moved in. The staff are gorgeous. More about that later. 

By midday we were at Pete and Elena’s hotel and it’s a great one – especially for groups. It’s pet friendly and disabled friendly so perfect for all. 

We decided to stay there for lunch. Elena’s Mum from Italy brought beautiful salami, cheeses , prosecco and lemoncello. No wonder we get on! Lucky I speak a little Italian! 

Some of the group swam. 

So we sat and chatted and drank. 

By 4.30 it was time for a little sleep – I am   getting older. 

So back to our hotel – a change into my ‘house dress’ then a knock on the door. 

We are on the ground floor near the pool and they said they needed us in the office. I thought our credit card had bounced ! 

We went around and out came 5 staff members all singing Happy Birthday , carrying a beautiful cake with my name on it! Decorated with Santa and a tree! 

They had seen my birth date on my passport! How sweet! 

What lovely people live here. I’m not thinking about the ba**>| who ran into Peter. But the majority of locals are lovely. 

So now I’m on the bed resting and looking forward to dinner tonight at Lost Room. It’s supposed to be a great place to eat. More fun coming my way. 

Now you know why I love Birthdays 🎉💐🎂🍸🍾💕

Thanks for all the messages. 

I wasn’t sure it would happen but the time has come. We’re off to Cambodia today and it’s a completely different feel to the last trip  on Sept 16th. 

Excitement is mounting both here and in Cambodia. 

My sister Catherine has been to Vietnam and is already in Siem Reap. She met up with Elena and her mum and shared a cocktail or two – warming up for the wedding I think. 

I can’t wait to get there. Pete has been there a week and Elena two weeks. They have been preparing for the wedding – all the little details. 

Over the next two days lots of friends and relatives will be meeting in Phnom Penh to ‘Let the celebrations begin’. 

I’ll keep you posted. 

Weddings bring people together with so much happiness and love.

We saw Pete and Elena overcome more than most people have to face in a lifetime to celebrate their love in marriage. This wedding was to take place in Cambodia ( well the official part was to be in Bangkok ) . But now they  officially married and the blessing and celebration party will be in Cambodia on December 20th.

On Friday we gathered at the Registry office in Brisbane with family and friends to witness them say their very beautifully written vows. Peter’s brother Rob and his lovely partner Jordan were the witnesses and Steve and I were so proud and happy.

We have a beautiful new daughter in law, who has shown such strength and love and we welcome to our family.

Following the ceremony we had a short drinks party at the United Service Club, where Peter was able to visit workmates from when he used to work in the kitchen before moving to Cambodia.

Our family: including my sister Catherine, cousins Helen,George,  Pip & Hugh  and Tim and Eliza.

Then it was off to West End to Trudy’s beautiful house where the garden was lit with lanterns, drinks were on ice and food was ready. Not to mention the friends

Peter gave the most wonderful speech thanking the family and friends who helped them prepare this lovely fun party.

The cake was made by Pete’s very good friend Emily, a doctor who could change professions and become a cake baker.

Rob and Jordan are  very happy to welcome Elena to our family.

What a night.

About 8 weeks ago we didn’t think this day would happen. Either in Cambodia and certainly not here in Brisbane. 

Yet here we are ready to see Peter and Elena marry. Not the way they planned but it’s going ahead with great happiness. They are to get married at the registry office at 3.15pm. 

Today was spent delivering things to Trudy’s house. She is a great friend of Peters and offered her lovely cottage house in West Rnd for the wedding celebration. 

Elena has been a lovely calm bride  and is gorgeous to work with as we set up the wedding. 

Check out our flowers! 

In between buying flowers, delivering glasses, food and other items, I drove Pete to his acupuncturist and Steve to the eye hospital. It’s all go. 

But tomorrow it all happens.