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Published: July 20th 2011
Siem Reap Streets
Just walking through the streets.I agree that all kids are beautiful, but the children of Cambodia literally radiate despite a troubled economy and history. They have so much hope in their eyes and the brightest smiles I've seen in a long time. Traveling from north to south in May, the sights and stories changed, but the kids continued to impress and inspire me.
Amy (my friend from Projects Abroad) and I started in Siem Reap and explored its main streets and markets, and then made our way to the Angkor Wat region, a world heritage site, and a teriffic place to spend a few days. The tuk-tuk helped us get around, but we were literally dripping with swet as we made our way through the ancient temples. We also spent a day at the floating school in the floating village, which was pretty remarkable. We brought supplies for the kids and were amazed by what we saw (photos and video attached).
We then went to Battambang to visit Children's Future International, an NGO that serves marginalized and vulnerable children through access to quality education and well-being programs. Its mission is to help break the cycle of poverty by developing educated, self-reliant
Markets
Fresh food every day anyone? and compassionate individuals who become positive role models and have the potential to grow into future community leaders. We were so impressed by how much Andy Wolffe, my fellow Great Neck NY'er, had accomplished so quickly. The site was functioning really well and we even had the opportunity to watch soccer practice. Turns out soccer could be the key to a better life for many of the children, especially the girls, and CFI provides a safe place for them to learn sports, English, computers and much more. I really enjoyed playing and speaking with the kids and staff.
Phnom Penh felt much bigger, but we were happy to find that we could walk around and see most of the sites in a few days. Learning more about the Khmer Rouge and seeing the children selling and begging by the river was heart-wrenching, but soul-strengthhening. We also visited Northbridge, an International Baccalaureate (IB) private school, and my previous teachers and friends the Cody's, an amazing couple of educators from Lawrence now working there. Northbridge was rediculous. The kids walked around with laptops or ipads and enjoyed polished gardens, pools, ping-pong tables... the works... coming from such poverty just days
Rivers & Green
River on the way to the oldest temple in town. before, it felt a bit surreal, but I enjoyed touring the facility and speaking with many of Cambodia's richest youth. It was very different, yet it appeared to be very effective, and it peaked my curiosity about the IB model and the success of its schools and students.
I said goodbye to Amy (tears), and continued south to Sihanoukville, the coastal town, en route to the beach towns of Koh Rong and Kep. Loved it, and met some great travelers and divers. This was the definition of island life, and I was happy to get back down under the sea with the coral and fishies. The diving was ok, I especially liked the night dives, but Thailand beaches are hard to beat... same same, but different I guess... everyone should visit, and I hope to return sooner than later. Biggest hugs to all of you and to Cambodia!
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Theary Kem
non-member comment
Happy Holiday in Cambodia
Hi Laura, Thank you for visiting Cambodia and hope you had a great time. Please come again! My wife and I are planning to retire in Cambodia next year...after living in Twin Cities, Minnesota for the last 31 years. We are thinking about helping the orphanage centers or the others. All the best! Theary St Paul, Minnesota