Kristina & KrisMom go back to Cambodia 2010
Oct 8th, 2010, 02:28 AM
#21
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I just uploaded some photos of the first day of school at Knar Primary school to my blog's Facebook Fan page. I think everyone should be able to see it even without a FB acct.
Try http://www.facebook.com/wired2theworld
The temples were great yesterday. Dara Ly really knows all the best places for photos. It was whirlwind; Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Phrom and the Elephant Terrace all in one day, but well worth it.
Got up today at 3am to go out to a pagoda in the countryside to go to Pechum Ben festival where we fed our ancestors rice and fruit in the dark by a river and walked in the procession with the nuns and villagers around the pagoda 3 times. We were there with our driver and his family and were the only non-locals but everyone was so welcoming. It was such an interesting morning!
Tomorrow we take the boat to Battambang.
Try http://www.facebook.com/wired2theworld
The temples were great yesterday. Dara Ly really knows all the best places for photos. It was whirlwind; Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Phrom and the Elephant Terrace all in one day, but well worth it.
Got up today at 3am to go out to a pagoda in the countryside to go to Pechum Ben festival where we fed our ancestors rice and fruit in the dark by a river and walked in the procession with the nuns and villagers around the pagoda 3 times. We were there with our driver and his family and were the only non-locals but everyone was so welcoming. It was such an interesting morning!
Tomorrow we take the boat to Battambang.
Oct 10th, 2010, 02:31 AM
#23
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Slow boat to Battambang. What should have taken 5 hours took 12 and included the driver getting lost and the boat breaking down. Twice. Did I mention there was no toilet.
In Battambang stayed at the absolutely lovely La Villa hotel. Our room was enormous! Wish we had more time to enjoy it.
This morning rode the "norry" trains (aka Bamboo Train). What an experience!
Took a taxi back to Siem Reap instead of the boat. Only 3 hours.
In Battambang stayed at the absolutely lovely La Villa hotel. Our room was enormous! Wish we had more time to enjoy it.
This morning rode the "norry" trains (aka Bamboo Train). What an experience!
Took a taxi back to Siem Reap instead of the boat. Only 3 hours.
Oct 10th, 2010, 04:50 PM
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New photos posted today of re-visiting Knar school for a medical check and a home visit. See www.facebook.com/wired2theworld
Oct 13th, 2010, 01:23 AM
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In Phnom Penh now where it is dumping rain and the streets have been flooded the last couple of days. Visited S-21 and the Central Market and tomorrow we fly home. It's been a whirlwind trip.
I've posted my first day on my blog if anyone is interested.
On the way to Cambodia, a stop in the Taipei Hello Kitty Airport:
http://www.wired2theworld.com/2010/1...kitty-airport/
I've posted my first day on my blog if anyone is interested.
On the way to Cambodia, a stop in the Taipei Hello Kitty Airport:
http://www.wired2theworld.com/2010/1...kitty-airport/
Oct 14th, 2010, 08:01 PM
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Made it back to LA safe and sound. What an incredible and rewarding trip!
There's a new post up on my blog today about the drive from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, the Seven Candles Guesthouse, Picasso's Bar and Touich restaurant (really good and off the beaten path).
http://www.wired2theworld.com/2010/1...es-guesthouse/
BTW, Bob (if you are still reading this) you will be happy to know I did not get sick at all on this trip! ;-)
There's a new post up on my blog today about the drive from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, the Seven Candles Guesthouse, Picasso's Bar and Touich restaurant (really good and off the beaten path).
http://www.wired2theworld.com/2010/1...es-guesthouse/
BTW, Bob (if you are still reading this) you will be happy to know I did not get sick at all on this trip! ;-)
Oct 15th, 2010, 07:53 AM
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Smeagol-Touich is worth the trip out there. Another place outside of the SR downtown area is a French restaurant called Abacus. Great if you need a break from Khmer food and are looking for an upscale experience. Pricey for Cambodia but not by US or UK standards. I'll be reviewing it in detail later on my blog.
Oct 17th, 2010, 01:16 PM
#29
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New post up on my blog today; Knar school 1st day and a review of Khmer Kitchen restaurant in Siem Reap.
http://www.wired2theworld.com/2010/1...en-restaurant/
http://www.wired2theworld.com/2010/1...en-restaurant/
Oct 17th, 2010, 01:57 PM
#30
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Kristina-once again you have faithfully carried out your trip report duties even though you were blogging. It's this type of dedication that fosters our community. No penalty.
Exactly what did you do for Lori and Ponheary?
Exactly what did you do for Lori and Ponheary?
Oct 17th, 2010, 04:22 PM
#31
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GPanda- Thanks. Always glad to avoid penalty. ;-)
Basically, we helped with the distribution of supplies for the first days of school (a giant endeavor which takes many people), helped cook the huge meals for the kids, and did "medic duty" which involved the cleaning and dressing of kid's wounds. That took up the first few days.
Many of the volunteers were there for longer time periods than we had (they had 3-4 months) and would be helping to teach English in the schools, though having that much time there is not a prerequisite to volunteering. Some people did that for just a few days.
My mom is now the Secretary on the board for the Foundation, so a lot of her time was spent in discussion with Lori about the future plans and getting a better sense of what is needed there.
A good portion of the time we were there was a huge holiday called Pchum Ben so we also got to experience that on a very local level. I would have liked to have had time to work with the teachers on things like computer skills but because of the holiday, everyone was out of town and the schools were closed.
We also went shopping for the girls who live in the Srayang dorm house (for whom we fund raised) in the Siem Reap main market with Ponheary's sister Marina (NOT the tourist market). That was very interesting.
Finally, (not a part of the volunteering) I spent some time with Marina teaching her how to cook eggs, omelettes, and pancakes from scratch for the guesthouse. She's such a fast learner, she did me proud.
I know I will be going back in the future and I'm sure each time the opportunities will be different.
Basically, we helped with the distribution of supplies for the first days of school (a giant endeavor which takes many people), helped cook the huge meals for the kids, and did "medic duty" which involved the cleaning and dressing of kid's wounds. That took up the first few days.
Many of the volunteers were there for longer time periods than we had (they had 3-4 months) and would be helping to teach English in the schools, though having that much time there is not a prerequisite to volunteering. Some people did that for just a few days.
My mom is now the Secretary on the board for the Foundation, so a lot of her time was spent in discussion with Lori about the future plans and getting a better sense of what is needed there.
A good portion of the time we were there was a huge holiday called Pchum Ben so we also got to experience that on a very local level. I would have liked to have had time to work with the teachers on things like computer skills but because of the holiday, everyone was out of town and the schools were closed.
We also went shopping for the girls who live in the Srayang dorm house (for whom we fund raised) in the Siem Reap main market with Ponheary's sister Marina (NOT the tourist market). That was very interesting.
Finally, (not a part of the volunteering) I spent some time with Marina teaching her how to cook eggs, omelettes, and pancakes from scratch for the guesthouse. She's such a fast learner, she did me proud.
I know I will be going back in the future and I'm sure each time the opportunities will be different.
Oct 19th, 2010, 08:40 AM
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Kristina, I am so moved and inspired by your report -- thank you. Our family's visit to SR in 2006 ranks among the highlights not only my travel experience but of life itself. Dara Ly was the perfect guide and we had the opportunity to be invited back to the house to meet Ponheary, Marina and others. I definitely want to go back to help out when I can manage, ideally with my daughter or son. I admire you and your Mom for what you have accomplished and will continue to accomplish. Please continue to keep us informed.
Oct 19th, 2010, 10:56 AM
#36
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marya- Thanks, there's a lot more to come!
I spent a day with Dara touring the temples just to take photos and he was great for that. He would show us exactly where to stand to get the perfect shot.
Hopefully, if you go back you can take your kids. A lot of people do that and it's really great for them.
I spent a day with Dara touring the temples just to take photos and he was great for that. He would show us exactly where to stand to get the perfect shot.
Hopefully, if you go back you can take your kids. A lot of people do that and it's really great for them.
Oct 20th, 2010, 01:27 PM
#38
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Thanks eks!
This morning I posted a new day on my blog. This is the reason we went to Cambodia; our day out a Koh Ker School and visit to the Srayang Girl's dorm house:
http://www.wired2theworld.com/2010/1...g-girls-house/
This makes all the hard work and effort worth it.
This morning I posted a new day on my blog. This is the reason we went to Cambodia; our day out a Koh Ker School and visit to the Srayang Girl's dorm house:
http://www.wired2theworld.com/2010/1...g-girls-house/
This makes all the hard work and effort worth it.
Oct 26th, 2010, 11:01 AM
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There's a new post on my blog, mostly about food and a return visit to Knar school and a student's home.
http://www.wired2theworld.com/2010/1...insects-oh-my/
This post covers "Cambodian Morning Soup" (the noodles called Num Bahn Choc), an outstanding Burmese restaurant called Irrawaddy and dinner at a Khmer BBQ place where the meal not only included beef and squid, but duck with red ant sauce and honeycomb with the bee larvae still inside.
We also did some clinic work at Knar and visited the home of the little boy with cerebral palsy.
http://www.wired2theworld.com/2010/1...insects-oh-my/
This post covers "Cambodian Morning Soup" (the noodles called Num Bahn Choc), an outstanding Burmese restaurant called Irrawaddy and dinner at a Khmer BBQ place where the meal not only included beef and squid, but duck with red ant sauce and honeycomb with the bee larvae still inside.
We also did some clinic work at Knar and visited the home of the little boy with cerebral palsy.
Oct 27th, 2010, 12:27 AM
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Kristina
Last year you did an amazing document for Vietnam which you kindly sent me (it listed restaurants, shopping etc) dont suppose yo did one for PP and SR did you?
We are leaving for PP in 3 weeks, can't wait.
Lori - i know you will not be there when we get to SR but is there anything we can bring for the school? (i notice Kristina bought some soap)I am sre i can find some room in David and my luggage!
Last year you did an amazing document for Vietnam which you kindly sent me (it listed restaurants, shopping etc) dont suppose yo did one for PP and SR did you?
We are leaving for PP in 3 weeks, can't wait.
Lori - i know you will not be there when we get to SR but is there anything we can bring for the school? (i notice Kristina bought some soap)I am sre i can find some room in David and my luggage!
