COUNTRY: Cambodia
PROGRAM: UniBreak Groups
PROJECT: Healthcare and Rehabilitation
WRITTEN BY: Teagan Bulman
Choum Reap Sour! Hello from Cambodia.
The early morning start for the airport with the news that one of us were not going to make it over changed it from 11 students to 10. With this news, we began on our journey with one of us arriving an hour late to the airport. Boarding the plane to Phuket with some of us scared of flying. For some, this was concerning, for others it was hilarious! Bracing for the take off and landing made the plane trip an experience. The long flight to Phuket, the quick transit on to Bangkok and the shock and horror of the small propellor plane to arrive in Siem Reap.
With rumbling bellies we greeted Bunlay, our in country partner with smiles and excitement. With a quick drop off of our luggage, we were treated to our first tuktuk ride to Pub street! The adrenaline rush to the max followed a nice cold cocktail and treated dinner.
On Sunday, our day started with the western breakfast that may not be western in our terms. We were introduced to our translator partners as we toured the day market, pub street and shown where the night markets are. We were transported to our first khmer restaurant and what amazing food it was. One of us tempting the whole coconut juice, unable to finish, only to take it with him. Following lunch was our language lesson. Laughing all round in order to speak the language. Short and sharp is the key. Once we had acquired some words, the weather was telling us it was time for a dip in the pool. We experienced our first Khmer traditional massage, with slaps and giggles, it was time for dinner.
Our welcome dinner and show was amazing as we were introduced to our in country organizer Lorraine. Following the dinner and show was Sunday drinks at... ANGKOR WHAT?
The next morning once we were full on baguettes, eggs and fruit it was time for child protection training. An all day seminar with a couple of Khmer locals was interesting and very informative. The stuffy room causing our first case of weariness and sickness. After a fabulous lunch we pushed on to finish the course and return to the hotel for a cool down swim.
Dawning on Tuesday it was time to be serious and professional. Dressed in uniform we proceeded to discover our three placement centers. With everything daunting on us, it was time to prepare for the placements. On the hospital visit we were faced with situations we never thought about or knew would occur. With the major eye opener of how the westerners have it so easy, we have rethought our complaints and complaining of our own health system.
It was like Santa had come to town with our presents to the centers. Although some of us cringing with our choices. The Cambodia Diabetes Association is a short bus ride from the hotel and Lorraine has welcomed us with open arms. The Angkor association for the disabled was an experience with the disabilities that we would not have been presented with in Australia. The Physical Rehabilitation Centre was the shock of the day. The equipment, production of the prostheses and the level of commitment just blew our minds. The set up at home feels primitive compared to theirs.
To let our hair down and bring our moods back up we proceeded with dinner and shopping. With one of us experiencing our first bartering lesson and others forever buying herum pants. With this over and tiredness setting in, it was time for a thrilling tuktuk ride to the hotel.
Wednesday-Friday
Diving straight into experience and the learning has begun. The use of our initiative, skills and knowledge helped us navigate through the bumpy ride of the first day. Experiencing the different disabilities, diseases and issues made us think on the spot and go about things in such a different way from the way we would at home. Already we feel as though we are making a difference in these people's lives. Patients greet us with smiles (especially when we speak in Khmer) and are enthused to try new things and get active. The level of care and commitment with Cerebral Palsy children was evident in the parents and the carer. The willingness to learn and why they should do it, made us feel as though we can make a difference. Seeing the children trying to stand and some succeeding after 30 minutes of therapy was outstanding. I believe it has touched us all. A patient at the Physical Rehabilitation Centre replied when asked about phantom pain, "No pain. Just happy". These remarks and smiles makes us consider whether our ways of thinking and our rehabilitation practices are the gold standard we think it is.
At the end of the week, exhaustion has set in, the lunch breaks consist of naps and leisurely swims in order to continue over the day. Friday night we venture for bar hopping with some of the translators, eating at the famous local Khmer beef restaurant, clubbing away into the morning, looking forward to a Saturday morning sleep in.
An early predawn rise for the sunrise over Angkor Wat. With a guided tour, the history behind the carvings is interesting to learn. The chanting of the monks surrounds us in serenity as we wonder through the temple. Thousands of smiling faces, 3 spilt pants and a few liters of sweat later, made the temples an experience to remember. Before leaving we woke the monk so we could be blessed in health and good luck.
Retiring to the hotel for a nap, swim and a late lunch, we prepare for the week to come.
Choum Reap Lear. For now.
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