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.
