Ponheary's Schools
 

Friends of ours will be meeting Ponheary next week and providing breakfast to students at one of her schools. We originally had recommended the school that's on the way to Banteay Srei because we loved the kids and the journey through the rice paddies. But the one in Siem Reap seems more convenient for my friends because they have a plane to catch that day. Is the SR school right in town or is it in a rural area near town?

It is not right in town, but about 15 minuts out of town. Really, if you are thinking of a drop and go, it doesn't really work. The Cambodian children annd teachers, and every one really , while not shy are not on the same wave link as North Americans. You need to chuill. We did this in late Jan, and it was fun, but somewhat not really organized from a prespective that we expect. Definitely do it, but not on a day that you are running tight, I don't hink they will understand that.

Yes, don't rush this. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Do allow a whole morning for it.

Sorry if I was not clear. My friends have plenty of time (about 4-5 hours, including travel time) for their school visit and will not be rushing. We originally recommended the school we visited near Bantaey Srei. Ponheary has suggested the one that is closer, but our friends don't want to miss out on the rural Asian experience we described - seeing water buffaloes and rice paddies, stopping to meet families making palm sugar etc. That's why I was wondering what people thought about the closer school. It sounds like a wonderful experience as well, but without the immersion into Asian rural life.

Has anyone been to both?

We went to the school on teh edge of town. Had gone to Baneay Srei teh day before, so seeing palm sugar making wasn't an issue. The teachers and children were delightful and the school looked very rural- river across the road, and no big buildings or anything like that that I remember-

We went to the Wat Bo school which is in town. It was a very nice school; one of the best according to Ponheary and Lori. The people there were very nice but it is not in the pretty countryside or near any rice paddies. It's a busy area.

The school just outside of Siem Reap is Vat Kong Moch Primary School and is as Lcuy describes. If you go to Banteay Srei, you will indeed enjoy a part of rural Cambodia and can see the families making palm sugar.

Thanks, everyone.