I am back. It was more than just a holiday. I witnessed the lives of Khmer people. I kept in close contact with Khmer children. Never did I dream there was a chance for experiencing all these. I am glad we all chose to go to Cambodia. I am glad that I brought my bro along as I can feel he enjoyed himself. So do the rest. Thanks pastor, Jacob for bringing us around during the whole of the trip.
Thanks for making my life valuable. To understand and experience the poor lives of Khmer people. Sympathize with the children that they had no education. Well, enough saying, I shall start on our journey from the first day...
First day - We took the flight 3K599 and reached Phnom Penh airport at 0900hrs (Cambodia time). Jacob came to fetch us from the airport to his semi-d house. We went to Russian Mkt for our early lunch and then shopping. It was pretty warm inside the mkt and was pespiring throughout. I didn't fancy anything there. We visited the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as S-21) A former school that was converted into Cambodia's most important prison in 1975. It has alot of disturbing photos and skulls that reminds all of the horrific history.
Second day - Jacob drove us to Central Mkt, we spent alot of time there, buying clothes and souvenirs for families & friends. We went to a shopping mall (with air-con) for shopping. We had swensens. Can't imagine there is Swensens there. Visited Jacob's small factory that stores all the children clothes and quilts hand-made by the Cambodians. Nice designs, next time will buy some from them. Jacob brought us to try the ice-cream in coconut. Very unique. We had dinner at a nice restaurant. The food was wonderful. Jacob recommended the package " Khmer Village Homestay" and helped us to book.
Third day - Jacob drove us to meet the driver where we took the private car for 2.5 hours to Barray Village. Unpacked our stuff and had their home-cooked food. Took the horse ride and visited Barray Village. Took many pics of the Khmer kids. They are so cheerful and cute. Went to view the livestock, cloth making and noodle making. After that we went back to our homestay village & then took the ox ride to rice fields.. Haha.. It was fun.. At nite, there was khmer dance and we sabooed my bro to dance with the children. Lights off very early. I couldnt sleep as there was insects orchestra going on. haha..
Fourth day - Woke up very early at 7am for breakfast followed by taking sampan to fishing villages. The boat was shaky and I was abit timid.. haha. Over there, the people are poorer juz by looking at their living conditions. Everyone welcomed us. We gave out snacks & clothing to the kids and they were overjoyed. It touched my heart that they could be so easily contented. It was time to bid goodbye by noon. Our driver picked us up at 1pm & journey back to Phnom Penh for 2.5hours. Halfway, it was raining heavily and the streets were flooded. We went back to Central Mkt to get more souvenirs and then a shopping mall for dinner. Tried their fast food restaurant.. Nice chicken.. Yummy. My bf & bro ate 3 pieces of chicken and a hotdog bun.. Broke record!!
* I felt sick a few days before my trip but I soon recovered upon reaching Cambodia. It was a blessing!