There are two phrases in Khmer (traditional Cambodian language) that you get to know VERY well... you use them more than any other words in a day! "Te" simply means "no". Everywhere you walk in Siem Reap, tuk-tuk drivers, massage places, the market sellers will try and entice you into having a ride or buying their products. The extremeties they go to, in trying to endorse their products is very funny at times! So, on your very first day, you are taught "te", and boy, oh boy have I used it incessantly. The second word, is "akun", meaning thank you. I feel it is very important to have good manners, especially in a foreign country, and the Cambodian people are very excited when foreigners can employ the language, no matter how minute the use may be. ... read more

So, you're probably wondering what on Earth crunk means, right? Well, today Amy told us that the previous WYI team had been creative with their words. So from now on, getting "cambodian drunk" will be now known as CRUNK! I plan not to get crunk, as there are way more important things.... though it is awfully hard not too, when you are surrounded by $2 cocktails everywhere you look! Let's face it, Australian bars are stingy when it comes to alcohol, meticulously mearusing out every mL of vodka. Cambodian bars, on the other hand, do not use measuring cups, but rather estimate. In their eyes, "more is better", which is fine with me! These last few days have been hectic, getting to really know Siem Reap and its surroundings! All of our team has arrived, and ... read more

Hello everyone! :) I have decided that I will attempt to write a travel blog, using the limited resources I will have access too. After months of organising, stressing and excitement, the time has finally come. In just nine hours I will be on a plane, on my way to our stopover, Singapore. There, we will wait for three hours until again boarding a plane, and arriving in Siem Reap. I cannot wait to depart on this amazing adventure, and hope to keep you all up to date and entertained! It is currently 11:43pm and I have to somehow wake up at 5:20am.... this is going to be a long night! I bid you farewell and goodnight, until we speak again! Ellie xxx... read more