Speaking about my  husband... I seldom write about him here so please allow me just this once...

On his birthday last year, I surprised him with an ATV quad bike tour of the countryside. It was a decision made on the eleventh-hour because at that time I was busy coordinating an international conference that ended just two days before his birthday. Although I saw him only in the evenings prior to and during the conference, he knew that I was up to something -- I'm always full of surprises -- and I could tell he was already looking forward to it.

I didn't drop too many hints though, I just told him that the surprise would involve dust, driving, and countryside. So on his birthday, we woke up bright and early to go to the site. When reached our destination, I could see him smile broadly, obviously pleased at the surprise treat  waiting for him- atv riding in the countryside!

It turned out to be a great day for the birthday boy and I. It was great getting away from the hustle-bustle of Phnom Penh and, with our French-Khmer guide Aka, we drove through remote villages. Maneuvering the quad bike through a challenging course was just awesome -- from a dry, rough terrain to a muddy, slippery one the next minute! Good thing the quad bike didn't break down as they are not exactly new. I'm glad he loved it. Now I am pressured to think of another birthday treat that would top this one! Any suggestions?