one cannot leave this country without asking himself...how can I help make a difference? We just came back from accepting an invitation to our driver's house for"dinner" and we are still recuperating from the emotional experience . We will be saying goodbye tomorrow, but it will not be the end of our relationship with this hard working young man.
We have also been impressed with the wonderful work the plf is doing.
This has been a beautiful, captivating , but heart-breaking trip that I hope to repeat in the near future.
travel details, restaurants and impressions to follow.
Those of you have been here know exactly how I am feeling now close to departure.
Overcome with emotions in Cambodia
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Oh yes. I still relate the story of our driver who broke down in tears of joy with are "tip money" which in hindsight didnt seem nearly enough. He refused to take payment from us for the next two trips.
And the killing fields still haunt our memories.
I know that exact feeling! My first time teaching, Sovann was our driver and we wanted nothing more than to adopt him and take him home. Last September, Sovann had stopped driving to go to cooking school, but he picked me up from the airport when I arrived. Talk about a warm welcome.
I didn't think I'd get so lucky with my next driver, but Denny was also incredible. He not only drove me to Knar every day, but translated, helped all the kids with their projects, and one day waded into a muddy pond just to get me a Lotus plant.
And I could go on and on about the family, friends, and staff of the PLF and 7 candles.
As a traveler with a very long bucket list, it's hard to have found such a special place that keeps drawing me back. Good thing it's in an area I can combine with other destinations.
I'm so glad you had such a great experience, lincasanova!
Know how you feel, one of my favourite places. The people are as beautiful as the country.
lc: Having just returned, we're feeling much the same way as you right now.
This shot is for you...
http://onelittleworld.zenfolio.com/p555555526/h3708f429#h3708f429
Wonderful photo! We too usually don't return to places, but cannot wait to get back to Cambodia.
Other than money and utilising local services, is there anything in the way of easily carried "things" that are appreciated and needed by locals ? In the past I have carried pencils ??
Comment has been removed by Fodor's moderators
Here's some balance:
http://thedogster3.wordpress.com/compassion-attack/
marko, giving out pencils or other "gifts" tends to encourage kids to beg rather than go to school. Take a look at www.theplf.org for a great way to help to the local people.
I think it is always better to give to an organization or a school, rather than hand out things to kids. You don't want to train kids to think they can get something for nothing just by following around foreigners, especially as some (bad) foreigners may want something for those trinkets.
Of course, if you have already established a relationship (ie, you were shopping in the parents' store) small gifts such as cute band-aids, coloring books & crayons or any art supplies are okay.