Volunteering in Cambodia

Tragedy hits Phnom Penh

wasabi — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 18:56:00 GMT

This morning, after I finished breakfast, the lady at the guesthouse asked me if I had heard the news. I told her I hadn't. I generally haven't been following the news here like I normally do back in Melbourne. I hate that feeling when you get up, do your thing and all of a sudden you realise you've been going about your day without hearing some important news. I could tell this wasn't good when she started. She told me a few hundred people died from a bridge stampede in Phnom Penh. She told me to check the internet about it. It is still public holiday these past two days, but the end of the Water Festival was last night. As I read about it on the net, so it happened that, as she said, a rumour started on the bridge on Diamond Island that it was unstable and so everyone went into panic, causing a stampede, with people jumping off the bridge or being injured or trampled to death on the bridge. The first thing that came to mind was that I hoped no one I knew was caught up in it, because I know a colleague from work was heading there for the celebrations and then all the other volunteers are based in Phnom Penh, although luckily I know quite a lot of them travelled out for the festival.

So far, it's ok. I have heard from most people, but just my work colleage I hope she is ok. There will be a national day of mourning on Thursday. Prime Minister said apparently this is the country's darkest hour since the Khmer Rouge regime in the 70's.

I actually took the night bus on Friday night down south to a quiet town called Kampot just for two days. On the second day, we went on a day tour to Bokor National Park to see the abandoned French hill station of Bokor. We were told tigers are in the area. Parts of the drive up was so rocky. It reminded me of the great Ocean Road, but without the ocean, instead the mountains. There is a casino and Catholic church, which bear scars of the fighting that occurred here between the Khmer Rouge and the Vietnamese in the 70's. It was hard to imagine what the buildings looked like before they were ruined and worn down like this. I would like to see pictures of what they looked like. They are building a 5 star resort in the area at the moment. The movie Çity of Ghosts was filmed here. Then we went to see the Popokvil Falls which were beautiful. After that, we did a trek through the forest. I was a little scared while doing this, if we were to be confronted by a tiger, or step on a snake or step on a landmine (highly unlikely, but they were planted around in areas like this, so possible). Well, snakes we did see, two of them but both were on a branch so that was fine. The main annoyance on the trip was having to go to the toilet in the bushes for the day. Hmmm..wasn't fun at all.

So I took the night bus back that night to arrive back in Siem Reap yesterday morning. I really could have stayed longer and gone to the beach with the other volunteers, but felt I needed to get back to start organising things for New York. I probably haven't been exploring out of Siem Reap as much as I could for this reason. I can't believe I will be heading to New York next Sunday evening.

It's 3pm here now. Still feeling quite sad about the incident in Phnom Penh. I plan to head there next weekend, to spend 2 days there and because that is where I will be flying out from.

Start back at work tomorrow, so hopefully will hear that everyone in the office is ok.

Another long weekend coming up..

wasabi — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:01:00 GMT

Started on a new task today, of evaluating the questionnaire for a baseline survey to measure whether Banteay Srei have achieved indicators of their Logical Framework. Basically a measure of the effectiveness and progress of their projects in the communities.
I am so grateful for Phuong, her English is really good and it helps to have someone I can communicate with ease and who understands what I am saying too. Phuong and Chetra have the best English skills so they are a great help.

This organisation is really doing some great work for these communities. It is really fulfilling and interesting work to help this organisation achieve its goals of assisting these communities to help themselves and become sustainable.

Been getting some really good feedback about the case study I wrote for them that I took the pictures for.

As for teaching English, that has been hard with doing it after work, it hasn't really happened as everyone kept saying they were busy after work. So I tried something else with them, just gave a handout for them to fill out and then to discuss with them their responses in English and help them with it whenever they had time during the day. Might just ask them to let me know which days and times they would like to spend some time learning. That might be better and I will go to help them then, especially as my work time is quite flexible.

There will be boat racing for the water festival coming up this weekend. Thought it was only Monday that I get off, but turns out it will be Tuesday too. Our organisation follows the government holidays. So I will be going to Kampot, beach area, leaving tomorrow night.

2 new volunteers arrived, Michelle and Holly from Canada, so will be going down with them. Funnily enough, I am not too much in the mood to go, I am so comfortable here in Siem Reap, it will take 11 hours to get there. Was really here just for work, but I should make the most of the long weekend and I may regret it if I don't go.

Hot guy sitting across me at the netcafe..

wasabi — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 22:42:00 GMT

No, not Cambodian. But hot. How do I describe..kinda like Beckham kinda cute?

Im smiling while I write this and kind of feeling paranoid that he knows I'm writing about him. But of course he doesn't.

I can feel more tourists around now. They must be flooding in because it's mid November, holiday season. I think when I leave on Dec 5, there will be heaps more. It will also be the Water Festival this weekend, boat racing, so will be really busy. When I went for walk today by riverside, which is where it will be held in Siem Reap, saw it being set up and people training for it. Did I mention I think it will be public holiday on Monday? It will be the 3rd public holiday since I've been here. They love their holidays here.

I'm getting sick of being ripped off. Going to put my Khmer language to use, I've been too shy to use it but I think if I use it I wont be ripped off so much.

Tuk tuk driver by the road. 'Hellooo..I see you everyday...you walk everyday...'. Who knows what else they're saying in Khmer as I walk by. Like I can't walk to and from work everyday for 5 minutes without these kind of comments. I just laugh now as I walk by.

Oh, that guy was just leaving the netcafe...maybe he's not as hot as I thought on second looks...

When it rains, it pours..

wasabi — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 03:20:00 GMT

It's been raining quite heavily the past few nights. And Joey you owe me one! Had to get a tuk tuk in the pouring rain and walk around in the dirty, murky streets just to video skype with you at the netcafe! Ugghh! Nahh..it was nice to have that feeling of meeting up with friend face to face, only we're so far away.

Friday night was hard. Having spoken broken English all during the week, I was TGIF, but really wanting to head out for a drink and chat in English with some friends, but there was no one around! Made me really miss my fun filled weekends in Melbourne. I had already planned a manicure and hand massage at a good place I found at the night market for $4 but this lead to me wanting more. So I settled for a full body $5 massage. All of which I realised was much needed anyway. So it was kind of a blessing in disguise that I had no one around me so I could realise how tired and stressed my body was.

So I got through Fri night. Saturday, I was invited by my work colleagues to go on another field visit to a village as they were conducting training there for the women community leaders on Disaster Management. I had been to the workshop the day before, to see how the community facilitators were trained first, and then it was put into practice on Saturday. It was nice to see how all this was carried out in the community to increase women's capacity in their community.

Some things have really started to get to me, such as the land rights issue here. For example in this community, they have no access to clean water and one of the ways that they can, is to have something like a water canal built, but the community are not permitted to do so under Apsara land authority. I dont know enough about it and I'm sure there's more to it, but it is these kinds of issues that leave me sitting in anger and feeling so helpless. On Saturday night, 2 volunteer friends from Phnom Penh arrived. We had a nice Khmer dinner together and they had their fish massage. I couldn't do it. Too ticklish for me. Was really nice to chat and vent with them about their placement some of the frustrations of being here. There isnt much of a sense of urgency working here with meeting deadlines which can be frustrating, because I like to go at a fast pace at work.

Sunday, they did their temple tour while I stayed in, just trying to organise myself for the states. Went for run by riverside too. Evening was dinner and drinks on Pub St once again and then to Temple Bar to watch some Apsara dancing, although I had watched it last year already.

As for my placement, been helping a lot with editing the English for reports at the moment.

I'm wondering where to see a movie here. There are no cinemas to see one!

And I think I'm going to head to New York with 'lady...tuk tuk'?' in my sleep...

I'm sick of hearing it everytime I go down the street. It makes me not want to go out. But then again, it's so damn hard to get a taxi in Melbourne.

Oh and eating with my work colleagues has been interesting. It's been real good being exposed to the real traditional Cambodian food.

They pulled out a bag of snails the other day. No, I didn't try. Not game enough to.

Thinking of NYC already..!

wasabi — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 23:53:00 GMT

Can't believe I will be there in less than a month!! Yikes!

Please come visit if you can... :)

Miss my friends..

wasabi — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 00:25:00 GMT

Quite simply...I miss talking with my friends... :(

All on my lonesome now..

wasabi — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:43:00 GMT

It just hit me last night that I will be here all on my own for the next month.

One of the staff was trying to tell me in his very broken English, as he served me breakfast, that normally Cambodian girls aren't allowed to go out on their own because the parents are worried that á man will do harm to them..

Yes, I said that is normally the case. I told him that I was just crazy. Maybe I am going it alone. But I'm ok with it..hehe

Went for run this morning by the riverside. Do you know what? There is the Angkor Half Marathon event on the day that I leave on Dec 5. That would have been fantastic. Real shame that I will miss out on it.

So afterwards I went to post some postcards, then to John McDermott Photo Gallery. His photos are absolutely stunning that he takes of the temples here in Cambodia:

http://www.asiaphotos.net/elegy.html

http://www.kenroizu.com/

Some of the work that photographers do here are astonishing. Not only that, but what they give back to the communities here too.

After that, went to Angkor National Museum today. Was a very grand museum, probably the most number of Buddhas I have been surrounded by in my whole life. It was amazing.

Was going to the manufacturing workshop, but that museum took it out of me so will leave it for another day.

Nice holiday today. Miss talking to my friends. Managed to speak to Joey tonight on video Skype here at the internet cafe. Came here instead of downstairs at the guest house. Connection and quality of computers there isn't the best. It's only 50 cents an hour here so very worth it. Was nice to talk with a friend! I think will be calling back home more often now that I am here on my own.

Going to prepare some English lessons now for tomorrow!

Hoping it all goes well and that it will be fun

Just found out it's a public holiday tomorrow! Yay! :) What a nice surprise!

wasabi — Tue, 9 Nov 2010 00:44:00 GMT

I really want to look like a local so I can walk the streets without getting harrassed by tuk tuk drivers. The staring is really getting on my nerves too.. ggrrr..

Getting used to being a size LARGE here in Cambo land too...hehe

Anyway, I just found out at the end of today, that I have a day off tomorrow! Yay! I briefly heard about it last week but was unsure whether it was definitely on or not.

Today work was ok, just continued with editing the paper and met a couple of new staff members who weren't around when I started late last week. Cambodian names of people and places are so hard to remember! I think I am slowly getting a hold of it.

I am now on my own now, after dropping Kellie at the airport last night. She had to go after a week only because of a family emergency back home in USA. It's been fine though. I am used to travelling or doing things on my own anyway.

So my colleagues are really keen to learn English and from me. I briefly mentioned that I would be happy to teach after work from 5-6pm last week to one of the girls. One of the other girls who remembered what I said reminded me today. So I will be doing so 5 days of the week, but I think I will ask for Wednesday off to make it 4 days. Come on, I need a day off to prepare some lessons right? :)

I had been really struggling and worried about how I was going to go about this but have worked out a way today. Was thinking what to do while I was editing the document. Will work with conversations as that will be fun way to get to know them, about their positions, how they feel about their work. Perfect chance for me to get a better understanding about the organisation and work they do too in a fun and interactive way. At the same time, I can learn Khmer too. That's 3 birds with one stone :) Feel so relieved about this. So will start preparing lessons tomorrow.

Although I have only been editing the English of the document, being a bi-annual report, it has given me a really good chance to get to know more about the projects they do, their aims, goals and how they go about achieving these goals as well as implementation of their activities.

Anyway, am trying to plan trips for the weekends coming up. Might be heading down to Kampot this weekend, a beach island apparently. The volunteers from Phnom Penh will be there so will be looking forward to meeting them there. Trying to arrange for weekend trip to Vietnam too. There's a night bus that leaves 10pm and gets there next day 6.30am which is what I would like to take, so might take that on a Friday night to get there Sat morning to spend the weekend. Will look up reviews on the bus company first though.

Tomorrow's plan is to go for jog, then Post office to send postcards, to National Angkor Muesum, then to the Senteurs d'Angkor Workshop, where I can see how candles, soaps and creams are made there. Oh yes then some shopping, I need to buy some 3/4 pants and a nice top and that will do for my work attire and for the rest of the month. Oh and some small Chrissy presents to send back home.

I bought one month worth of contact lenses for $8.50 today.Saw a pair of glasses that I like that I can get-frame and lenses for $43 all up. That won't even get me the lenses back home in Aussie land.

Also asked about taking up these pairs of jeans I've been procrastinating to take up. Cost only 2000 riel (50 cents). Oh gosh...

I didnt mention the luxurious $2 foot massage the other night

Angkor Wat-Again!

wasabi — Sun, 7 Nov 2010 13:23:00 GMT

We went to Angkor Wat again this morning to see sunrise again, as Kellie hadn't been to Angkor Wat before. I had already been last year. Was not a good day today though to see it. Was cloudy and part of the temple was being restored, so part of it was covered with green mesh. Hmmm..very disappointing for photos. Gosh I really felt like I knew my way around the temple after this second time around! Could even become a tour guide!

After over one week here now, I feel like I have really settled in now. Cant believe I've been here for just over one week though, feels like I've been here a month already. Can't believe that it was just last Wednesday that I was dining with Yos and Vivs at Movida Acqui in the city and had my last gym workout at Fitness First! I think it's because so much has been happening. Been meeting lots of new people, especially other volunteers which has been intense as well as getting used to living here. Some things aren't so convenient, like if I wanted something I can't just jump in a car and buy it especially Western items. Then there's the language barrier. At times, you really have to make sure that you make it clear and repeat what you would like and what they are providing and double check this. Because when they nod and say yes, it doesn't always mean yes. You may only be getting part of what you were asking for or something totally different. Trying to learn more Khmer though. Getting there.

I am struggling with not being able to conveniently run. I was really happy to find a stadium in Phnom Penh to run, but left there on Wednesday to come to Siem Reap here for my placement. Here in Siem Reap, there is a riverside where I hope to go to walk/run today.

It's been really nice here as always, so many people greet you with warm smiles. So nice to be here as opposed to being in Melbourne where you are mainly greeted with a frown or worse. Food is wonderful also, weather here is absolutely perfect, a mild and warm 27 degrees average I am guessing. The more I am here, the more I want to learn about this country, especially its history.

So overall, I am settled here now. But I am miss running so much. Been craving yoghurt, not easy to get here.
Loving cruising the streets by motorbike here, looking forward to the day I will feel comfortable riding a motorbike on my own on the streets here. Could be my next goal.
Getting used to the idea of 2 hour lunch break at work and I am planning to try to learn more khmer.

I am getting used to being bitten by mosquitos and the cold showers here at my guesthouse.

I am afraid that my English may get worse here, though so will have to keep up conversations with other volunteers who are in Phnom Penh by phone because I am the only one here in Siem Reap now that Kellie has had to leave due to an emergency situation back home. I will keep reading books to help also too. One book I am reading right now is fantastic, I am totally engrossed in it and it is great if you want an easy read to learn more about Cambodia: "Cambodia: Report from a stricken land" written by Henry Kamm, a Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times correspondent with disturbing, first hand reportage based on his numerous trips there between 1970 and 1997.

Emotionally..

wasabi — Sat, 6 Nov 2010 13:05:00 GMT

I am starting to love it here but at the same time, emotionally, at least once everyday I overwhelmed by the problems in the country, by the hardship that people face. For the most part, I don't think about it. But it's hard to ignore. Such as in the desperation in the voices of those trying to sell on the streets, or the poverty that you see families living in. It's almost everywhere you turn. There's a feeling in the country, I would'nt call it sadness but some kind of a sombre mood and expression on some people's faces that is disheartening. These emotions of being so overwhelmed brings such disheartedness in me, like I said, almost everyday. Not only that, it reminds me of how many problems there are in the world and how much I wish I could stop or change them, but how powerless, difficult, almost impossible it is for me or all of us to do so. Each time I have spoken with a local, finding out their own story, what has happened to their family and feelings about the country and what happened, I feel like doing something to help. But you realise you can't save everyone.

On the positive side, I know I cannot make a huge difference, but I have promised myself to do the best I can in my time here, on my placement to do what I can to help. It is better than doing nothing and I guess the saying goes, 'You might not be able to change the world but you can make a positive change to the world of one person'

I know that when I left Cambodia last year and came back to Australia that I could almost ignore or forget the heartbreak that I felt when I was in Cambodia. It was so easy to do this having coming back to my comfortable life in Australia. But I am glad that I still remembered how I felt as I left Cambodia last year and the reasons that I wanted to come back.

Staff at work are really nice. I am determined to help them with their English so that they can communicate more effectively with Western stakeholders and organisations such as donors. Challenge is trying to find out the best way to do this in the short length of time that I will be there of 4 weeks. I intend it to be an exchange type of learning in that I will also learn some Khmer from them.

Interesting project village visit! And TGIF even here... hehe

wasabi — Fri, 5 Nov 2010 12:27:00 GMT

This morning, Vanhun (unsure of spelling) picked me up by motorbike 7.30am to head to the villages. Normally I dont wear helmet riding around, but this time I did, as I was going to be on the main highways. The trip took about 45 minutes and it was gorgeous to drive into these areas. The first village there was a rice project. There was a gorgeous little girl, sitting there as among the ladies as they worked on the rice. So I started taking photos while they worked on the rice. I felt uncomfortable about this, as I felt like I was intruding, like I was a journalist. But I came to realise that they knew this was happening and they started working on their activities so that I could take pictures of them. So I just went along with it. In the end, the goal is to take the pictures to raise awareness of the projects, how they were benefiting the communities, as well as what their lives were like in these villages. We visited 3 other villages all within about few minutes ride of each other. One had a mushroom farm. I don't know how it works, but am very interested to look up how it works! Took some pictures of it with the organisation's camera so hopefully can upload them. It was so interesting to observe the fish farm. Saw them being farmed from the start and then my colleague bought one so that it could be cooked for us later for lunch! We stopped for lunch at one of the villages. The women there cooked the fish for us as well as a few other dishes. It was so delicious. I was in tears at one stage when we were all laughing as they were trying to get my colleague to also try working with the rice. I was crying with joy at how happy their spirits were, even though they work quite hard to earn such a small living. They all live such a simple life and it's amazing that they can make the best of it and with what they have.

I found there was quite a language barrier with the colleague I travelled with today. Some questions I asked her about the villages she could not really answer. But I am going to endeavour to learn more Khmer while teach English to her and other staff. I feel like I will need to learn more Khmer especially if I plan to come back to do more work here, which I plan to.

It feels good to work again, having been a month since I finished work in Melbourne. Especially in this area. Never thought I would fall into this area of women's rights but now that I am working in it, the more interested I am in it. I think I will most likely be wanting to do a Masters or honours in international health and development. I think my interest lies more in this area than nutrition alone. Will have to start looking up courses!

First day on placement- November 4

wasabi — Thu, 4 Nov 2010 12:01:00 GMT

First day was ok. I'm so lucky that it is only about 3-5 minutes walk from my guesthouse. Day starts at 7.30am and finishes at 5pm with lunch between 12 and 2pm. I was very nervous at the start as it always is, like starting first day of work. But program manager Sopheak is very nice. He introduced me to everyone in the office. All ladies, he is the only male of the organisation. He is hoping that I can help improve his and staff member's English. Staff here are really nice, especially all the women I am working with. It is an Non Government Organisation (NGO) that aims to empower women through giving them opportunities to increase their income through projects such as fish farms and rice growing projects. It also works in educating them about their rights, increase the presence of women in leadership positions in the community, assist those experiencing domestic violence in fighting for their rights and accessing legal help. Banteay Srei offer this help also in the area of land ownership too.

So far I have been given the task of editing a bi-annual report for the organisation. The written English is not so good, so I have been working through the document to edit it. Later in the afternoon, I attended a meeting where a British lady from one of their donor partners came to ask some questions about doing a possible international media story about the effect of tourism on women and their livelihoods in Siem Reap. It was extremely interesting. The program manager offered me the opportunity to accompany one of the girls on a project village visit tomorrow. He would like me to take some photos of the project activities there and to possibly write up a case study to tell a story so it can be presented to donors at a donor meeting. It sounds interesting and am quite excited to go.

The ladies here at the office are so warm and friendly. However, there is quite a language barrier. Luckily one of the ladies' English is quite good, which really helps in translating for the others. Even just one person whose English is moderately good really helps.

I really felt for Sopheak though during the meeting with the British lady Sarah from the donor organisation as she was asking questions and he was able to reply but I could feel how hard it was for him to accurately convey his message and meaning with ease. I feel it would be such huge benefit for them to improve their English especially if having to communicate often with Western partner organisations and can see that language barrier is a big challenge for organisations here in Cambodia.

I hope I can help, but not sure where or how to start! I really hope I can... let me see how..

Arrival in Siem Reap-November 3

wasabi — Wed, 3 Nov 2010 11:29:00 GMT

This morning, me and Kellie, another volunteer doing her placement in Siem Reap left Phnom Penh to travel to Siem Reap. Weather has been great. Was hotter in Phnom Penh but perfectly gorgeous here in Siem Reap. Got here today to start work here tomorrow. As I arrived, I remembered again why I loved this place and preferred it so much over Phnom Penh to live. I've realised PP is chaotic, congested and more challenging to live in, so can learn a lot from living there. I would like to one day. However, Siem Reap nicer to live.

I was taken to meet and greet with Banteay Srei, the organisation that I will be working with. I am so lucky as I can walk to work, it's around the corner for 2 minutes. The program manager seemed very nice.

Getting used to the traffic in Cambodia now. Here in Siem Reap is not so bad as the roads are wider. Phnom Penh was nuts though. Either way am getting used to heading into traffic face on and very near misses.

The guesthouse here is nicer than the one in Phnom Penh. In Siem Reap, it is less congested, it seems less polluted, I guess things feel or seem cleaner here. Easier to find a nice place to eat. Overall I am absolutely loving the food here in Cambodia. Light, tasty, cheap. The menus have so much variety I am interested to take the time while I am here to taste the variety of dishes. Had a really nice dinner tonight down a laneway in the popular Pub street area. You could almost mistake yourself for being in Melbourne, down one of their laneways of Degraves or Flinders Lane walking down here. Only difference is the eateries are mainly Asian, not European, although there are some of those too, I am yet to try though. $3.50 for a delicious and quality Amok curry prawn dish. Amok is a popular Cambodian curry that is steamed instead of boiled, solid but moist. Chilli, lemongrass, galangal and banana leaves - it's exotic and delicious. I am growing to love this and having it very often. Must try if you love curries.

Nervous but excited about my first day tomorrow..

November 2 2010-Yay I found a place to run in Phnom Penh! :)

wasabi — Tue, 2 Nov 2010 04:03:00 GMT

We met many existing volunteers yesterday because they returned from the long weekend holidays. Many of them were European, there was a Canadian, New Yorker and couple of New Zealanders. I feel like I'm with the whole world, which has been really nice talking and getting to know them all and speaking to them about their experiences on the placements they've been on. One of them ended up telling me about going jogging at the Olympic Stadium nearby and I was instantly excited. I had been feeling so trapped and was struggling with the lack of convenience to go running. If you have been here before, you will understand. Can't just chuck on my runners and go for a jog on the streets of Phnom Penh. Will get funny looks. I knew of the Olympic Stadium and knew I could walk there but was unsure and didn't want to get lost. So I went with a group of the existing volunteers and found out how close and easy it was to get there. It felt so good to run!

So I went again this morning. I thought I'd brave it and go alone in the morning before orientation. I did get some stares as I was walking there, but I just said to myself, 'Just ignore it!'. The bigger challenge was crossing the intersection just before reaching the stadium. Chaos. But I made it. Yikes...

So I ran. Then other challenge was coming across a South African soccer player after my run, walking out of the stadium. He said hi to me, he thought I was Cambodian so was surprised to find out I was from Australia. He was with a whole group of South Africans. His story was interesting. From what I could gather from his English, he came here from South Africa about 1.5 years ago. Had intended to go to Australia but ended up in Cambodia after being tricked at the airport by another African man? Anyway, so he has been here playing soccer, but said that life is hard here, being hard to make money but then having people coming up to you and begging for money. Also hard to progress in soccer here. His one and only dream has always been to play soccer professionally. I didn't ask why he would stay here then, but he said he will stick it out a little bit here then go back to Sth Africa and then to Europe. Good luck to him. He tried to get me to dinner and to see me again but no. Good luck to him though. I hope and am sure he will get there, he is so determined.

We had orientation today at Star Kampuchea office which included a Khmer language lesson which was really helpful. We had a city tour, drink at the popular FCC by riverside and welcome dinner at Happy Seven, an outdoor restaurant. Here was where we got to speak with and socialise with the current volunteers to hear about their placements. It was helpful to speak with them so I had an idea what to possibly expect, the tasks, challenges and positives.

Excited to leave for Siem Reap tomorrow as that is where my placement will be, but also little sad because I will miss the guesthouse and also the other volunteers

I've found myself thinking about what's happening back at home in Melbourne, especially today, as I knew the Melbourne Cup was on today. Was wondering what everyone's up to this long weekend. Was thinking that the Melbourne Cup race was going on today.

November 1 2010-Trying to learn Khmer and teach English

wasabi — Mon, 1 Nov 2010 03:48:00 GMT

Yesterday was quite breezy. I stayed in to do some reading, while the other volunteers went to the Royal Palace as I had been there last year. I went to the Sorya Shopping Centre.

When they came back, more volunteers arrived. So far there is a British and American girl, one guy from Canada and 3 girls from Australia, from Glen Waverley, Sydney and the other from Canberra. Dinner was on the rooftop and it was so great to share interesting conversations with these like minded people. All in all, we were quite over overwhelmed by the root of the root of the problems in the world. A couple of them were not working or studying in the area but the others including myself had studied in the international development or health area. Earlier in the day, I helped with one of the guesthouse staff member's English. He was 20 years old and stopped school at 17, I didn't ask why but was still interested in learning English as it would be useful for him to getting a better job. Today I will go to the Russian Market with everyone. Looking forward to orientation tomorrow. More volunteers arrived tonight. One guy from Philedelphia, US and one from Sydney, a policeman!

Second day only-feels like I've been here for ages

wasabi — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 03:42:00 GMT

So I've been here only 2 days. Already feels like a week. Is that good or bad? I think it has to do with the fact that quite a lot has been happening since I got here and with no work and other commitments I have back home, I have more time on my hands.

First day I missed home a little, mainly because friends weren't around, shops and getting to them were unfamiliar and accommodation was unfamiliar.

First day

wasabi — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 03:12:00 GMT

So after a rather bumpy ride on Malaysia Airlines, I arrived in Phnom Penh last night and got my visa at the airport. Didn't have the 2 passport photos with me that I needed for it, but lucky they let me get it anyway. Was picked up by a staff member from Star Kampuchea, the volunteer organisation and who then took me to our guesthouse in the city called Tattoo Guesthouse.

Had a bit of drama already, having lost the keys to my luggage at Melbourne airport, so I couldnt get into any of my luggage and I felt like such trouble, but staff at the guesthouse were so nice about it. Jhen, not sure if that's the correct spelling, the head receptionist, as soon as he saw me said I looked like his sister. Turns out I'm the same age as her. I told him the problem with my luggage and he wanted to help because he could see that I had no clothes to change into but he didn't have any bolt cutters around strong enough to cut the locks. Here I was in jeans and 3/4 length top, getting real hot and with nothing to shower with, so just went to bed and rested, which was much needed anyway. Woke up real early this morning. Gained a few hours also from the time difference with Australia being 4 hours ahead. This morning, he organised for my 33kg of luggage to be taken downstairs again and placed on a tuk tuk to a shop down the road where they cut the locks for me. I was so grateful for their help with that and finally, I felt so much better to be able to get into my luggage, change and shower!

So then I went on motorbike to Sovanna Shopping Centre but it was too early, nothing was open so instead went to Tonle Sap riverside for a stroll and to the National Museum. When I arrived back, two volunteers had arrived. I was quite relieved to have people with me that I could communicate in English with. We got to talking and then I took them to Sovanna shopping centre. It's quite a culture shock for them as it is their first time to the country so I was happy to show them around. We also went to see the Olympic Stadium where sports are played and there is a running track. It definitely was not world class but was good to see the city at least had one. Dinner was lovely on the rooftop of our guesthouse.

Having been here last year, it was not so much a culture shock, but the main challenge has been getting used to the way of living here, always having to be careful and mindful of personal security, how to carry things when going out, how to get there the safest way. It's not like I can just jump in a car and drive out to get whatever I need on my own.

Staff at guesthouse are really friendly and warm and theré's a real family feel to it. It's almost like a hotel and one of the best things about it are the 3 homecooked meals included.

I really want to start learning some Khmer and teach some English back, even just casually with staff here.

Don't think it has hit me still that I am here in Cambodia, and secondly that I may be away for a long time. Still feels like I might be coming back to Melbourne.