Bumpy roads and a busy week two in Siem Reap

COUNTRY: Cambodia
PROGRAM: UniBreak
PROJECT: Health & Education
WRITTEN BY: Emma Winen

So the first real week, I suppose, began with a tour around the town with our in country partners, Thomas and Jo. We had breakfast nice and early, then headed out of the bou savy gates to Siem Reap town once again. Our first stop was Angkor Hospital for Children (AHC), one of the best hospitals in Cambodia. AHC was started by photographer and has been ever-growing since.

One of the greatest aspects of this institution is not only the great standard of care, but also the education aspect. AHC runs courses for already qualified practitioners to specialize in pediatric care. The majority of the group were so moved by the tour and the work of AHC that they rolled up their sleeves and donated blood. I was really proud of them and I think they felt they had achieved something amazing in such a simple way.

After the tour we were showed old markets and a few other useful hot spots about town and along the river. We hadn't ventured this far away on our own, but I am glad we did! We seemed to be in a much more local part of town (less tourists) and stumbled across Ny's local spot for food. The lunch was delicious once again. However I was hugely taken by surprise when the first dish to arrive was in fact pumpkin soup! What? My grandma isn't in the kitchen back there is she? Much to my surprise she was not. But this was so nice, it tasted really similar to home, however instead of cream on top, they put coconut cream. Gosh these Cambodians are intuitive aren't they?!
Anywho, after our lunch we headed back in the screaming hot humidity and spent the afternoon having a much needed unwind at the Sloth Loft (AKA SL). We all knew tomorrow would be a busy day. A quick local dinner was followed by an early night.

Tuesday, well Tuesday was buuuuuusy! Well maybe not busy, but it was a lot of knowledge to take in- especially in a warm room. We had another early start and another walk into town to a little place named ConCERT (connecting communities, environment and responsible tourism). This is an organization started by a man from the UK named Michael. They have the NGO based in their home. Basically what it is is a NGO that certifies other NGO's in Cambodia whom reached a high standard and meet their certification process. The aim, as far as I could tell, was to help volunteers and tourists wanting to help in some way, a means in which to do this, that would best and most positively affect the community and it's people. We were taught a lot about child protection and how this affects us as volunteers.

We were taught about the history, the people and the children of Siem Reap and wider Cambodia. I took a lot away from this talk. It was really interesting to see how the deep, complex nature of a society works. People truly do just throw money and build businesses in hope of achieving change, but much more than this is required to actually see the changes you want. Without giving the lecture again, basically the main thing that I took from Michael's words was to be sensible, be vigilant and use your common sense. Also, think about the long-term implications of our actions, and the larger impact that reinforcement of behavior can have on these people. I was really thankful, among all the other volunteers who attended, to have this opportunity to learn more.

Well. Enough said. Lunch was a new experience today too. And a great one at that! We went to a place named Haven. It is a funky little restaurant run by two European people which is also a school. Not a school for children, but a school for hospitality staff. The food was delicious! I think i would give all of those students an A+ and yes I am willing to take food bribes to continue those marks.

Today we jumped in the van at about 8am for our trip out to Btang village where we would be working the next few weeks. Little naive girls we were to think this would run smoothly. Oh no, no it was the polar opposite of smooth! The road was by the far the most uneven I have ever been on. The pot holes were like craters on the moon! No joke. This moon trek required us to go at about ten kilometers an hour and swerving other cars, bikes, dogs, motorbikes, people and obviously the enormous potholes! Car sickness quickly became an issue.

One of the girls and one of the translators couldn't bear it any longer. Some breakfast was seen again and that was the end of that road! We turned around and decided to take an alternate route (why was this not thought of prior to seeing breakfast twice in one day?!)

Two hours, a vomit and thousands of potholes later we arrived at Btang Village Clinic. It was small and simple, but surprisingly well looked after. There are five nurses who work at the clinic, but doctors are only in the city hospitals. Just by the clinic is a primary school. We all lost our marbles as we approached the school, only to find the sound of Gangnam Style being played inside (we later found some Korean volunteers there- mystery explained).

The school was great! There were a couple of large buildings and many gorgeous little children running around. On thing that surprised us all was the production of a veggie patch that the kids were looking after. I thought this was great! The kids were growing garlic, lemongrass and a type of green, leafy vegetable named morning glory (no idea why?)

We headed to the lunch destination a short time later, the name escapes me but it will be remembered for the great hammocks! After we filled our bellies we could go to these little huts where a row of hammocks was set up for guest use. We then headed to the land mine museum just thirty minutes away to learn more about their history and the good work they are doing to this day.

A tired group headed back to Siem reap for a lounge about in the coolness and finally out of the car! We went for dinner at a place which is unknown to us now after previous plans failed. Let's just write this one off as a "not happening again". After meals were missed and a large serve of raw beef came to our table we had no trouble leaving and heading straight to snow yoghurt- possible new favourite! It sells frozen yoghurt in different flavours with different choices of toppings. This is available in Australia, but after your served raw beef or not served dinner at all, a new appreciation for fro-yo was found.

Today was the day! We headed on a road more travelled to placement today. We were split into groups and the real fun began! I was working with Imogen and Caitlin in the village. We went to one of the families homes. It started with just three adults, then four more, then ten more and before we knew it we had about 30 people looking for our advice. We decided the best way to go about the day was to ask as many questions as possible to get some insight into their current health and the troubles they are having.

It was a great success! We had a lot of research and teaching to do. That being said, I thought the standard could have been a lot worse. Some highlights were that they filter their water, they brush their teeth and most of them don't drink or smoke. We were guided by De'mon, our translator, whom we wouldn't have been able to communicate without. The community had a lot of questions and I'm excited, as are the other girls, to help them out a lot more with our time there.

We went for dinner at a fancy looking Japanese Restaurant called The Hashi. It was so cute, the table was built into the floor so it looked like we were sitting like the traditional Japanese do. The food and drinks were as amazing as the decor! Before we had even left we decided that we needed to go back! A few sneaky desserts were indulged in, and off we went to bed after another late night....8.15pm (what has happened to us all?!)

Rising early this morning was a huge struggle! But we made it thanks to our new bus driver and co. We all decided they must be in some Cambodian gang, there was a lot of Akon and Black Eyed Peas playing, rather loud and with a lot of bass, might I add. But out to the village we went, a lot better prepared to help this time. I was working in the village again with Caitlin and Bek. We had brought some Teaching Aids with us that we had prepared the day before. When we arrived there were zero people! Damn, we must have scared them off, was my first thought. But we later found out a community meeting was being held and it wasn't a National Buddhist Day, so people were very busy. However, about thirty minutes in we had some old and new faces arrive to ask us questions and listen to what we had to share.

We taught them about the importance of drinking water, and how many of their problems could be prevented and also fixed by just drinking more. We also taught them some basic first aid, how to treat a cut and a burn. They took this information in well, by the looks on their faces anyway. We found out that they usually just cover wounds with a leaf, so hopefully they take our advice on board!

Bek was a big asset today as she is a physiotherapist and one of the main problems with the elders is arthritis. Big explained, as simply as she could, about joints and how they can become damaged. We then showed them some stretches for their hands and backs. This was a lot of fun! Everyone was getting up, having a go and a laugh at one another. But hopefully the message stuck! We also showed them how to apply heat to the sorest areas when they are feeling stiff during the day.

We left the village after our job was done, all rather excited for the weekend ahead! Phnom Penh!

Well to say the least, our weekend in Phnom Penh was action packed! Dee, Imi and myself stayed at a beautiful hotel situated just near the palace. We were lucky enough to have two pools, included breakfast but best of all a shower head attached to the wall! Our flight there was much like a big hill, straight up, and straight down- but I am definitely not complaining! I have felt a bit spoilt this weekend I must admit. The other girls, who make up our fabulous ten got a driver to take them from Siem reap. While they did say the drive wasn't a bucket of fun, there wasn't car sickness like earlier this week which I'm sure they are all thankful for.

We met on Saturday with a busy itinerary planned thanks to Deanna who had spent some time doing research. We visited the killing fields, S-21 and the silver pergoda. We had also planned to see the Royal Palace, but the 100 days of mourning for the late King were still underway.

My favourite part of the day, and a great way to lighten the mood of sadness, was lunch at a restaurant/shop named Daughters. This is a training restaurant for women who have been taken from the streets as prostitutes and given hope in a safe environment. Not only was the food delicious, but the gifts on offer were gorgeous and all for a good cause! A definite must do in Phnom Penh.

A busy day turned into a couple of cheap mojito's and salsa dancing to a Cuban band in an open air bar. It was a lot of fun to get to know the girls better in a more social environment- we aren't all work, no play!

The next day was spent doing some shopping in the Russian Markets and a quick stop to the Central market. I'd say this was quite a success. Dee bought her weight in scarves and stuffed animal phone holders. While Imi was more on the cheap DVD bandwagon. A morning of shopping required an afternoon of pampering...obviously! We headed to a gorgeous little spa named La Rose. Although a little more pricey than the typical Cambodian spa, it was not the typical Cambodian spa at all! So we didn't mind paying a bit extra. Complimentary foot treatments, tea and friendly service was just the beginning. I had an upper body spa treatment and manicure, while Dee and Imi enjoyed an aromatherapy massage! We thought we deserved a little slice of luxury before we head back to Siem Reap where our real dreams and goals will hopefully be achieved with some more hard work!

All in all a good week was had, and I am excited for more placement and getting to know Cambodia and the great people who live here.