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.
