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!
