An Experience to Remember

Friday the 18th July 2014

Today is the day that sixteen students and four teachers are forced to depart Cambodia, as the trip of a lifetime is over. The trip has been an emotional rollercoaster filled with amazing times of happiness and serious lows of sadness. On our last day in Cambodia everyone was upset as the eleven NFO kids and one cook, had to leave after staying with us for a week in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Everyone woke up to have breakfast and spend the last time with the kids. Final words were spoken before they were on the bus and had to leave. Everyone was crying and sadness was in the air, as the bonds made with the kids were ripped apart.

After all the tears, we took the yellow submarine and our personal tuk tuk to a pagoda that was home of a reclining Buddha that told a simple story of its purpose. We then went to the main Buddhist headquarters in the country, where international meetings are held and the country's best Buddhist library is. Lynne explained that the head of the Buddhist Religion in Australia had also come to Siem Reap to study. We also went to the Old Markets next door to buy pepper and whatever else we could squeeze into our suitcases. I couldn't fit anything (like most people) but I still bought a few more things. We spent about two hours walking around in the three complexes and then we were all back on the bus and the tuk tuk, back to the hotel. We had about an hour and a half to get ready to leave for the airport. Everyone had a shower and did the final packing. Everyone's mood was still melancholy as the emotions of leaving were a constant source of sadness.

We crammed into the yellow submarine and our tuk tuk and headed to the airport. Siem Reap Airport was small and we spent along time checking our bags in. Once we made it to the terminal we realised that our plane was delayed for an hour. Panic mode now settled as we realised we might not make our flight to Perth, because of the time delay. We ate away our feelings, as there was a Dairy Queen in the airport. We all relaxed for a while and then it was time to go. We all got onto the plane for a short two-hour plane ride. Most people just went to sleep.

When we arrived at Kuala Lumpur, it was a mad rush to see if we would make it, luckily at the gate off the plane there was a man with a piece of paper saying MH 127, which was our plane number. We followed him until our terminal and we all got on the plane. Everyone was so relived to be on the plane and thankful that Malaysia was able to delay the plane for us. We spent some time playing multiplayer games on the plane, until everyone was basically asleep. The food on the flight was not on point, but everyone just ate it anyway. Lynne gave a speech to thank the staff on the Malaysia flight for coming into work after the devastating news of the plane being shot down over the Ukraine/ Russia boarder.

It was a long eight-hour flight, but everyone was excited to see their family. Once the flight had finished we all made sure how declaration papers were complete, but most of us were waved through without having to be inspected. The next nightmare was to see if all our bags had made it on the plane, thankfully they all were and we just had to line up to finally see our family. Hugs were everywhere after not seeing our families for two weeks. Everyone was thanking the teachers for their hard work and having to put up with sixteen kids for two weeks.

Overall the holiday was really a trip to remember. The amount of amazing opportunities we were able to have, was really something to thank Lynne for. It was the most amazing two weeks of our lives. The fact that we were all able to benefit someone else's lives by teaching them English and giving them our donations was an amazing achievement. We are all grateful for the time we spent with the NFO kids, getting to know them and their stories, was both sad and exciting. To see how happy they all were despite their circumstances was really enlightening. Being able to learn about Buddhist culture also helped to understand why everyone in Cambodia really appreciated even the tiny things in life. Everyone would agree the trip enabled us to put our own lives in perspective, and to make sure we really do appreciate everything that we have in our lives and to truly cherish our education. The emotional experiences really brought everyone together and by the end of a trip we were all one big family. We are all planning a reunion tour after year twelve.

Olivia

Fwd: Blog ~ Wednesday 16th

Wednesday 16th

A cloudy morning sky meant we didn't have to wake up at 4:30am this morning, much to everyone's delight excluding Clara and India who were unaware of the change of plans. Instead we rose at 6:30 and enjoyed another delicious breakfast. All of us piled into the two mini buses and headed to Angkor Wat - the world's largest religious structure. Here we were allowed to explore the magnificent temple laden with artistic treasures like the bas-relief galleries that lined the exterior walls and told enduring tales of Cambodian history and legends.

We also climbed up the central tower which offered stunning views of the gardens and impressive structures. After wandering around in the scorching heat for 2 hours we were all exhausted and met out the front in the shade. We walked back to the buses and drove to Bayon temple, not as big as Angkor Wat but equally as impressive and detailed. After exploring and admiring this incredible structure, it was time for lunch. Lunch in the jungle is great fun, packed and somewhat interesting when buses back into teachers....teacher 1, bus nil.

At 3:30 we all met downstairs and once again boarded the bus, this time heading to the 'Tomb Raider' temple.....Ta Promh.... As soon as we arrived the rain began to pour down. Soaking wet we trudged through the mud exploring the ruins. Smeone said "Tomb Raider Felix was around"....Then came the regular monsoonal rains, which always bring the potential problem of ruining plans......Because it was raining the teachers were unsure whether we would be able to do 'boom boom' cars but when we arrived at the fair, they were running. It was good to see all the Khmer kids and us having so much fun steering and crashing into each other. Some of us even rode the roller coaster which Lynne was not too pleased about. History teachers always remember history...!

After another busy day, everyone went to get a good night's sleep to prepare for sunrise tomorrow.....another early morning to be ticked off the "list of life's must do's"

Lauren

Land mines and NOT the last word on Cambodia

Thursday 17th July
It was the earliest start we've had so far today, everyone was up and ready to leave by 4:45 to experience the famous Angkor Wat sunrise. The fifteen minute bus ride to Angkor Wat showed the tired states that everyone was in, as we all tried to take every opportunity to sleep. Attempting to get the best view for the upcoming sunrise among the massive crowd of fellow tourists and locals, we situated our selves along the side of the lake. I would describe the sunrise as pretty but not amazing as the weather was not working in our favour, though it is something we can all tick off our bucket list. This time of the year, brings clouds, rain, storms and a lot of wet walking experiences.

After returning to our accommodations we all dug in to breakfast and were given an hour to relax and get ready for the day, then we are all packed in to either the yellow submarine and as Connie calls it or the blue eyed white dragon for an hour journey to palm sugar village. At palm sugar village the majority of us purchased the delicious palm sugar sweets and quickly piled back into the buses to escape the massive bees.

We were on the road again to our next destination, the Land mine museum. The Land mine museum was an eye opening experience as we all learnt of the extent of how many bombs etc are still situated around Cambodia and how often injuries are still occurring. The mine museum was established by Aki Ra - an ex Khmer Rouge child soldier who set land mines as a ten year old child. This museum was an awakening we didn't expect.

Our short drive to the Bantey Srei temple allowed us time to explore and look around. This is the temple of women, of beautiful pink sandstone with amazing decorative art all around. With the heat, we all headed to our lunch spot and had no limit to our budget - resulting in ordering multiple drinks and meals, for a set price ably negotiated by our guide and tuktuk driver. The weather was against us today so we went back to our accommodations and were given hours to rest, during which time everyone had naps. By 4ish it became obvious that the rain was not stopping anytime soon so we waited it out then headed off the the markets. Our improving bartering skills showed off and we all left with more items and less money.

Dinner has become a cultural affair with groups sharing their meals just as the Khmer people do. It certainly allows a greater variety of foods to be tasted. We were then given the option to go back to our accommodations or head back to the night markets. Everyone that needed to get their last minute items, including me, went to the markets to continue improving our bargaining skills, we are all "professionals" now. After the markets we all went back to pack and get a decent sleep for our long travel day that would follow.

What did we learn today? That Cambodia is still suffering from the land mines of the 1970s and that nearly 30% of those mines planted are possibly still active. Something we all need to work on to eradicate.

Hannah

Our first big day in Siem Reap- The Jewell of Cambodia

Tuesday 15th

We rose to be greeted by our first day in Siem Reap, and sure was it busy.
We began the day with a visit to the Angkor Archaeological Museum, which was filled with galleries of incredible history and culture in which we could immerse ourselves. The museum told the journey of development of religion and architecture during the Khmer Empire. There were many a piece of stone that had been forged into a grand example of the country's fine craftsmen during this period in their history. After the one and a half hour exploration (in which many wished we had more time to explore) of the museum all thirty-one of us hopped back onto the two mini buses and a newly acquired tuktuk, to help lighten the load on the buses.

We headed off to Artisan's Angkor Silk in which we learnt about the process of making silk. We began this learning experience, accompanied by a wonderful (and comical) tour guide, at the beginning of the process; the life cycle of the silk worm. We then strolled through the next stages in which the cocoon is refined and the new silk collected into threads which is then dyed in a glorious array of colours. The last stages consisted of creating the item by threading the tiny individual strings through a comb like contraption, an extremely long process! After this we were led into the gift shop, that was filled with beautiful silk creations (with a price tag to match), and out the other side where we ate ice creams at the Blue Pumpkin accompanied by the smell of frangipani trees.

The next spoof the day was lunch and then back to the guest house where we had a few options. Most went to the old markets for a hint of shopping. We all divided and headed our separate ways momentarily to be rejoined in a few hours for a busy evening.
The evening began with a bus ride up to Angkor Wat to purchases our tickets so that we could enter the complex in the days to come. Using our newly purchased tickets we entered the variety of archaeological sites and headed towards Pre Rup to watch the sunset over the forest. We all climbed eagerly to the of the temple and waited for the sun to set, although it was an enjoyable experience the trees and clouds made it a less magnificent spectacle.

Finally, we ended the day with dinner and put a hold on the bumper cars for another night as sleep filled everyone's eyes. The "boom boom" cars, as the NFO kids called them were a huge success for everyone, driving skills were put to the test - maybe Sino will be a champion driver one day!

Stacey

Ganesh- to guard against problems and troubles

Saturday in Phnom Penh- The King is Home

King Ciaran's Visit Home

Our day began with a visit to the newly coronated King Ciaran's house, the Royal Palace. The sheer size of the site was enough to amaze us. We walked through various buildings and pagodas filled with luxury and elegance that we could only dream of. The height of this luxury being displayed in the Silver Pagoda which had been originally constructed with silver-tiled flooring. The flooring was unfortunately ripped out and sold by the Khmer Rouge in the 1970s. The few tiles that remain have been discoloured, however their intricate detail is still very impressive.

We split off into several tuk tuks and headed to the Psar Orussey markets. These were very different to the markets in Takeo. These were 5 well organised floors of shops that sold anything from toys to jewellery to food. We were free to roam around in groups and were instructed to buy our lunch from the food court on the fifth floor. The Khmer kids stuck to their traditional food, whereas the majority of us Mount Lawley students headed for Hungry Jack's and KFC replacements.

The rain forced us to follow Lynne through the Russian markets, which appeared to be busier than the Psar Orussey markets. This made it even more important for us to stick together. Desperate to get out of the rain, we rushed into several tuk tuks and headed back to the hotels. The language barrier between us and some of the drivers made it hard for them to navigate their way back to our hotel.

In the evening, we visited Ounalom Wat. Ounalom Wat was like having a small town inside Pnohm Penh. Ounalom Wat is the religious site where many Buddhist monks live. We visited the various pagodas, each one as elegantly detailed as the next. As we walked through the beautiful pagodas and through the small town that had all its own facilities, it was surprising to see the monks talking on their mobiles and playing Candy Crush on their iPads.

After dinner, we headed to the night markets just down the road from our hotel. We walked through the aisles of stalls with each vendor offering us a "discount" while the NFO kids looked on and laughed at us being severely ripped off.

Tired, everyone headed back to the hotel in an attempt to get some sleep before waking to watch the World Cup final.

Clara

The Rocky Road and tarantulas

Monday 13th
A rocky road to Siem Reap.
An early start of 7:30 we filled the mini buses, The Yellow Submarine carrying 17 passengers and their luggage and The Blue Eyed White Dragon ( official name ) carrying 14. Squished like sardines in a can we began our 10 hour bus ride.Along the way we made three stops. The markets, where we enjoyed a delicious breakfast with the option of noodle soup or rice and chicken. Our second course, just as delicious as the first, was deep fried tarantula. As we walked around the markets a selected few had the opportunity of a young Cambodia girl placing nice big hairy tarantulas on our backs or hands. Our time at the markets was brief yet exciting, tarantulas where devoured, phobias were overcome and newly found friendships continued to flourish. Our second destination was also quick yet extremely necessary, we pulled over to have a stretch and embrace the scenery as you go to the " loo". Hitting the rocky road again we continued to drive for a few hours, jumping out of the bus heading into the restaurant we discovered there was several vicious insects buzzing around and it was certainly not pleasing for those who got stung. Once the attack of the insects was over we all sat down and enjoyed a pleasant lunch. The final stretch of the ride was filled with laughter and sing songs, Olivia and I sang for the next 3 hours against everyone's will, we then arrived at My Home guest house. Around 6:30 pm we set off to the vibrant night markets of Siem Reap, we went off in groups and bargained to our hearts content.
The rocky road was no longer in sight, tarantulas rest within our tummies and the light at the end of the tunnel was heading straight for bed.

Connie

"Boom Boom car fun"

"Tomb Raider Felix"

The short ride

Saturday 12th July

Our incredible experience in Takeo expired today with another early morning start with 5.30am wake ups and last minute packing. By 6.30am we hit the road in our newly acquired mini buses named White Lightening and The Yellow Submarine; equipped with luxurious seating plans, a generous amount of leg room, loads of personal space and five-star scenic views and scents. We went round and picked up the NFO kids, saying our goodbyes yet again to all whom were there to see us off. A few tears were shed, by both Australians and Khmer, not to be last for this emotionally challenging day. Once traveling onto our first destination, Cheong Ek (otherwise known as the Killing Fields), we made a short pit stop for Coke and green frogs. We hit the atrociously pot holed ridden roads, causing a much slower journey then anticipated, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all - practically a free roller coaster ride. Bewildered by the sight of so many tourists, spotted meandering in their natural habitat, we made our way to an introductory movie, which most certainly came second to Lynne's impeccable and informative tour talk. Then we spent a solid hour or so slowly wandering the bumpy terrain of dug up mass graves, learning the many stories surrounding the site of sadness. Honoring the past and present, we visited the seventeen tiered memorial filled with human artifacts. Off again this time straight to Phnom Penh we arrived for a long awaited lunch. Then with another hit, we went straight across the road to Tuol Sleong Genocide Museum, commonly known as S-21. We learnt a lot today including that this refurbished high school was used as a torture facility used during the Khmer Rouge and held some most horrific atrocities known to man. The four buildings saw many of us in emotional distress, but luckily we were off soon enough to relax in our new hotel, The Paragon. Pleased with the air conditioning services, we happily walked down the riverfront in the early evening, soaking up the city atmosphere filled with a FIFA World Cup buzz, whilst passing the stunning Royal Palace and pagoda city. Back at the hotel we freshened up and then headed down to our restaurant for the night, The Titanic; a complete and utter privilege with delicious food and spectacular service. With the first leg of our road trip complete we also treated ourselves and the Khmer kids to ice-cream at the renown Blue Pumpkin. With high spirits we all crashed in our hotel rooms, needing a good nights sleep.

Jadviga

"Churning The Sea" lawley-NFO style

Road trip, silkworm farm and sunset in Angor Wat

Skun- new friends

Skun-- preparing and eating breakfast1

The result of The World Cup and on a mini bus

Classrooms come in all shapes and sizes

A day of partying and a fond farewell

Today we rose early, to once again immerse ourselves in the Cambodian culture at the morning markets. We experienced one of our final bike rides to the markets before we donated the bikes to the NFO children later on in the day. Once at the markets, following our customary iced coffees we wandered around in small groups observing the foreign ways and traditions that never cease to amaze, as I reflect on the comparison of my society to theirs.

Following the markets we returned to the hotel to eat our Khmer breakfast before venturing to NFO to participate in the annual 'Takeo Olympics.' After a hotly contested range of games including a three legged race, a wheelbarrow race and many other events including a pinata, a watermelon eating competition, water carrying game etc. we took a break for a massive lunch consisting of various fish and chicken curries. After lunch we rehydrated and launched back into many more games before a medal presentation where many of the NFO kids were awarded with small ornamental elephant trophies. Following the presentation we all danced and celebrated before the children were given a bag of clothes and a pick in the two lucky dips which was fantastic to watch as they were extremely appreciative and it felt heart-warming knowing our old personal items were now going to be put to good use in a better place by those who need it.

After a fantastic day we all individually gave emotional goodbyes to each of the NFO kids which was painful and difficult for everyone. After the goodbyes we walked back to the hotel, everyone upset and reflective on the things we take for granted at home. Despite the emotional mood at the end of day as we had to leave the NFO kids, upon reflection I realized today was a superb way to spend our last few hours with the kids and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.

Lynne

No really, this is the last day of school!

Today I learnt how to make a bracelet, I have spent about half an hour on it, yet I've only completed a small fraction of the task. This mini-experience in itself highlighted to myself the attitude, that of which is incomprehensibly positive of the NFO children. This was because the NFO children could comfortably make two or three bracelets in the same time period. Sure they have done it before, sure I was only beginning, but to take upon a skill, and furthermore to master it in the circumstances that these children are and have been in is nothing less than inspiring. Although their stories are shocking, and although life is difficult they remain strong and maintain a positive attitude for the future.

My group's trip to Ben Mao was to be our last form of volunteer work in Takeo's English learning schools. Although the other groups made their respective trips to Po, Little Po and Ohana there was a general sense of unison in the type of feelings that people withdrew from the experiences. It was emotional, but it was a time that we do and we will reflect on with great happiness. This was because it was the last time we would see the children that we were volunteering for and the amazing teachers that we were aiding in doing so. Personally, on my trip to Ben Mao my moment of the day was my interactions with two deaf children in the classroom. Although they couldn't hear they still made their best possible efforts in their pursuit of the English language. But what amazed me the most was the personal interaction they had with me and the others during the time. They were cheeky and drew lovely drawings but although they were deaf I still had fantastic conversations with them. For me, this epitomized the spirit of the Cambodian children in that although in the face of many daunting circumstances they remained focused on the future and lived the present to the fullest.

James

Last day at school

Nominations:
Awkward moments: Olivia for spelling the alphabet wrong, Hai for spraying ants onto everyone and freaking out.
Hero of the day: Harry for his ability to speak clearly and loudly to the students and Connie for being a first aid when Felix sat in an ants nest.

The experience we are having in Cambodia is one you simply cannot put into words. Each day I feel we are learning more about ourselves, each other, societies, cultures and these children. Today my group (Stacey, Lauren, Olivia, Connie, Ciaran, Harry, Siobhan and Nat) and I were fortunate enough to go to Ohana. This is a one classroom school taught by a man named Makara who has only been teaching since March. It is amazing to see what he has managed to supply to these children and how much knowledge he can absorb from Tim, his teacher, and pass onto the children at Ohana.

The ride was filled with views of villages, fields and the occasional loose pig, chicken, horse or cow. This is a very big change from riding your bike down the street at home and these bike rides seem to be allowing us to soak in the environment that these people have to cope with everyday. We were fortunate enough for our pathway to be dry which limited the mud slips we could be having. I don't think any of us could bear these conditions on a regular basis which is a big eye opener as to what superb fighters the Cambodian people are and that despite the little amount of resources they have, they are mighty people.

When we arrived at Ohana, it was a big change from Prea Run's 150+ children when 40 children occupied the space. Our group managed to seize this opportunity and split into groups to individually teach a group of roughly 8 students. The interaction of this personal teaching style felt beneficial to the kids as they had a very concentrated amount of attention on their ability. I'm unsure as to whether I learnt more from them or they learnt more from us. I am more aware of how I speak and the interactions I make on both a verbal and non verbal approach and I'm sure most of the students on this tour would agree.

The positive affirmation these kids were given by Makara was so heartwarming and created such a positive environment for these children to be learning in. The children themselves were also extremely positive and were so welcoming that when departure was due, none of us wanted to leave. These children have so much to offer the world and I'm so grateful for this experience. I cannot wait for more classes and the more experiences I will have in such an amazing environment. This place has so much to share and everyone on this trip is soaking in every second of it.

Claire

A new use for watermelon

Party games 2

Party games today

Party dancing today with a wizz DJ

Our party lunch today

Bunseng, Rhia and James in a tuk tuk

The King and I

Our first day at school.

It was yet another early start today, we arrived at the markets at 6.50 am and looked around. We experienced the gruesomeness of the meat section, tried sweet fried donuts of which Harry accidentally bought 10 of instead of 3 as there was some serious miscommunication and I also gave a homeless man half of one and Nat did not approve, but he seemed delighted.

Today was our first day going out to the schools. Group 1: Matt, Connie, India, Hai, Megan and I travelled out to Ben Mau. Group 2: Olivia, Lauren, Stacey, Ciaran, Harry and Claire travelled out to Little Poh. Group 3: James, Clara, Jadviga, Chaz and Hannah travelled out to Ohana.

I'm sure all groups had similar experiences in appreciating the kids' positive attitudes to learning, their smiles and the art of teaching kids across a language barrier. Although levels of English abilities did vary throughout the different schools, all of us were able to teach the kids some useful basic language and everyone had many positive outcomes at the end of the day.

On the way to Ben Mau my group encountered a few problems, firstly a tyre of the tuktuk bursting and then my foot happened to be on an ants nest while we waited for the driver to come back. After our tuktuk battled on through a dirt road(which only sturdy four wheel drives would attempt to conquer), we arrived at the school. Our lesson was difficult but it got better as it went on. Personally, my favorite moment was spending 10 minutes with the kids after the lesson, the way we bonded with them in this short amount of time just showed the power these kid's amazing attitudes have on all of us, to the extent that after that time, we were deeply sad to be leaving.

Overall it was a great day experiencing the schools for the first time and we are all looking forward to teaching more and building more relationships in the up and coming days in Takeo.

Felix

Some happy kids with their scrapbooks and a Lawley Live pose from Tuan Mun

Group Three at Ben Mau

Group Three at Ben Mau