Had to catch a bus at 6am, Woke up at 6am. Good god it was a mad rush for both Teale and myself. We threw everything into our bag as fast as we could ran downstairs still haggard from the night before, luckely the van was waiting for us and we got it just before it was about to leave us behind. Got to the bus station ran to our bus threw our bags down and jumped on the bus just in time. Sat down, couldn't think because I was still so drunk from the night before. Was trying to go over things in my head to see if I brought everything but I couldn't focuse so I passed out. When I woke up I was hungover, but couldn't help but laugh cause we almost missed our bus. It was an epic disaster, but not a fail since we made it. The bus was 16 hours long and I know this because I was so hungover for the entire time on the really bad roads. the whole time I thought I was going to be sick so I tried to sleep. Slept the whole way with no food in my belly... I was too afraid I would get sick if I ate something.
While on the bus for 16 hours our bus breaks down for an hour on the side of the road. So we're chilling on the side of the road bored out of our tree, lukely I slept due to the mad hangover. Once we got to the border of Cambodia and Laos it took forever because not us, but other people had border touble and the boder closed so they couldn't get into Laos. They had to pay the police man to let them in... it was a disaster lets just put it that way.
Finally got into where you take a ferry over to Dondet the 4000 islands, it was about 8:30 and the bus was suppose to get in at 6. Well take a guess folks... the ferry was closed for the night. We all had to bribe a random dude to take us over on his sketchy boat. Finally he did, it was horrible and I thought we were going to drown. Made it to the island in one piece and so happy to finally be off of a bus/ferry so I could finally get me some food. We got a guesthouse, got some food and then walked around the island. It was pretty quiet and we were all tired so we headed to bed for the night.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Day 28
We woke up around 6... why so early, well it was biking day. Got showers and met the group downstairs for 7. We all headed to the bike shop got our rented bike, which were pretty nice mountain bikes. Got helmeted up, and road our bikes to the ferry. Following our guide of course because it is very dangerous to bike in the city unless you know what you are doing. One guide at the front and the other at the back making sure we all made it to the ferry safe and sound... Kia on the other hand had never road a bike so it took him much longer to get to the ferry, I'm gonna say 40 mins when it only took the rest of us 5. Kia had the adventure of a lifetime that day, falling and trying to learn, he now can ride a bike, but not very well.
We took the ferry to Mekong Island where it is less city and more country, more of a biker place, which is why we were going there. Started our trek at around 9 am with a nice cold beer. Beer and biking are so a good combo. We didn't stop at 1, we may have had another one as well. The rest of the group started the biking while myself, Amanada, and Mikka stayed behind and kept drinking. We knew we would catch up at some point. After 15 mins of drinking we decided we should hit the road. Got on our bikes with Amanda's speakers blasting sweet melodies. We stopped every 5 seconds whenever we saw a store and bought another beer, chugged it and then kept going. It was now 9:30 in the morning and all these Cambodians didn't understand why we were drinking so early, we didn't either, but trust me its always a good idea. At this point we are now lost from the group, but we didn't care. We all knew how to bike and drink so we figured we could put the both together.
As we were ridding our bike, I happen to get distracted and hit a giant rock, went ass over handle bars onto the ground. All the locals started running towards me, they thought I had died, but really I stood up totally fine and was asking for more beer. They laughed and thought I was crazy. This is when I noticed my chain was off, so I had to fix that. One of the locals helped me fix it like a nice man he was and then it was biking time again. Amanada and Mikka on the other hand could not stop laughing so I joined in and got another beer. We biked a little more and then stopped again for another beer. This is when the rest of the gang came up behind us and we were confused because we were behind them. They all went to check out the temple which is why they got behind us. We all joined in together and got beer. Nat found her future husband, he was really 3 yrs old, but the mother loved Nat so much she wanted her to come back one day and marry him. We found this odd, but went with it. Myself, well I made friends with the guide. He called me baby and wanted to marry me. So we are now planning our marriage together.
We kept going with the biking, took another ferry to another island. Biked hard for a while since there were no stores to buys beer. We started to bike faster and faster, and we all know that means bad news. Going around this turn Nat was going wide and I was coming in sharpe, Nat decided last minute to go sharpe and I made a quick decision call, it was either both of us go down or just one of us. I decided I should go and save Nat. Well you all know what comes next. Down goes me. My ass scrape the pavement along with the side of my knee. At this point my helmet was not on my head since I gave it to our guide to hold onto and I was on the ground. In pain... no not so much. Might be because of the alcohol, but I was laughing, gave Amanda a heart attack though. She thought I died. My man in shinning armor came to the rescue, he biked back picked me up and everything was ok. Got back on my bike and road off, blood running down my leg, but I love battle wounds.
We kept ridding and found a spot where we could go swimming in the river. The river wasn't the cleanest so I decided not to go in since my leg was open and dirty water would not be the best thing for my wound. We kept ridding and got on another ferry back to the city. Finally got back to the bike shop where we had dinner lunch with the guides.
After lunch we all went home and took showers since we were covered in dirt. We all met up and I bandaged my leg up and we went for supper at Friends. It a place where orphanes go and learn how to be servers so they get get a good job at a fancy restaurant instead of begging on the streets. After friends we all went out to Top Banana for our last night before ITT, meaning time on our own to travel. It was also Steph's birthday celebrations so we celebrated hard. Free shots all night from the bartenders, and loads of booze to be drank. After Top Banana we headed to Pontoune to drink more. At this point I was feeling great, along with everyone else. After Pontoune we went to Candy Bar drank there for a bit until 4am. This is when I realized I had to be up at 5 to catch a bus at 6. It was time for me to go home and catch a few ZZzzZzZ's before bussing all day.
We took the ferry to Mekong Island where it is less city and more country, more of a biker place, which is why we were going there. Started our trek at around 9 am with a nice cold beer. Beer and biking are so a good combo. We didn't stop at 1, we may have had another one as well. The rest of the group started the biking while myself, Amanada, and Mikka stayed behind and kept drinking. We knew we would catch up at some point. After 15 mins of drinking we decided we should hit the road. Got on our bikes with Amanda's speakers blasting sweet melodies. We stopped every 5 seconds whenever we saw a store and bought another beer, chugged it and then kept going. It was now 9:30 in the morning and all these Cambodians didn't understand why we were drinking so early, we didn't either, but trust me its always a good idea. At this point we are now lost from the group, but we didn't care. We all knew how to bike and drink so we figured we could put the both together.
As we were ridding our bike, I happen to get distracted and hit a giant rock, went ass over handle bars onto the ground. All the locals started running towards me, they thought I had died, but really I stood up totally fine and was asking for more beer. They laughed and thought I was crazy. This is when I noticed my chain was off, so I had to fix that. One of the locals helped me fix it like a nice man he was and then it was biking time again. Amanada and Mikka on the other hand could not stop laughing so I joined in and got another beer. We biked a little more and then stopped again for another beer. This is when the rest of the gang came up behind us and we were confused because we were behind them. They all went to check out the temple which is why they got behind us. We all joined in together and got beer. Nat found her future husband, he was really 3 yrs old, but the mother loved Nat so much she wanted her to come back one day and marry him. We found this odd, but went with it. Myself, well I made friends with the guide. He called me baby and wanted to marry me. So we are now planning our marriage together.
We kept going with the biking, took another ferry to another island. Biked hard for a while since there were no stores to buys beer. We started to bike faster and faster, and we all know that means bad news. Going around this turn Nat was going wide and I was coming in sharpe, Nat decided last minute to go sharpe and I made a quick decision call, it was either both of us go down or just one of us. I decided I should go and save Nat. Well you all know what comes next. Down goes me. My ass scrape the pavement along with the side of my knee. At this point my helmet was not on my head since I gave it to our guide to hold onto and I was on the ground. In pain... no not so much. Might be because of the alcohol, but I was laughing, gave Amanda a heart attack though. She thought I died. My man in shinning armor came to the rescue, he biked back picked me up and everything was ok. Got back on my bike and road off, blood running down my leg, but I love battle wounds.
We kept ridding and found a spot where we could go swimming in the river. The river wasn't the cleanest so I decided not to go in since my leg was open and dirty water would not be the best thing for my wound. We kept ridding and got on another ferry back to the city. Finally got back to the bike shop where we had dinner lunch with the guides.
After lunch we all went home and took showers since we were covered in dirt. We all met up and I bandaged my leg up and we went for supper at Friends. It a place where orphanes go and learn how to be servers so they get get a good job at a fancy restaurant instead of begging on the streets. After friends we all went out to Top Banana for our last night before ITT, meaning time on our own to travel. It was also Steph's birthday celebrations so we celebrated hard. Free shots all night from the bartenders, and loads of booze to be drank. After Top Banana we headed to Pontoune to drink more. At this point I was feeling great, along with everyone else. After Pontoune we went to Candy Bar drank there for a bit until 4am. This is when I realized I had to be up at 5 to catch a bus at 6. It was time for me to go home and catch a few ZZzzZzZ's before bussing all day.
Day 27
We got to sleep in, and this time I slept in till 11. May sound early to some of you, but that was the latest I could sleep. We all got ready and met up and went to a sandwich place that Amanda loves so much. We chilled there for a large part of our day chatting and reading the Cambodian news. Read up on the Korea business since all my wonderful lady friends are there. Just making sure everything is still safe, cause if it wasn't I would turn into a mother and say get home you girlies. Sitting there I saw this little boy, he came into the sandwich place and asked me to buy a book. I don't read so the obvious answer was no, but he picked out a book for me and it was called "They Shot my Father First". It was all about the Khmer Rouge regime and this girls story. I decided it would be a perfect book to buy since Cambodian history facinates me. And plus he picked it out for me and promised a good deal. I trusted him, until I ran into another boy selling books and he was selling the same book for two bucks cheaper. I got scammed from those big brown eyes.
It was starting to look like it was going to rain so we went to a friend of Amanda's where we all sat around and discussed where our money we raised was going to go. We decided to sponsor one of the girls from NFC to go to University. We also decided to buy batteries for the solar pannels for the hill tribes, this will mean they can have electricity for longer then 10 minutes. Last we decided to give more money to S.C.A.O to build another school in a different part of the city so he can educate more children from different areas.
After chilling there for the day and discussing money we headed to Tiny Toone's which was a center for children. Not an orphanage, but if the child has no where else to go they are able to stay there. It is more of a place to go and be educated, and also learn how to break dance which allows them to take their mind off of the things that trouble them in the world. We stayed there for a while, watched them dance. Some of these kids were really good, they could kick any one of our ass on the dance floor. Some of the older kids/ not really kids are so good that they have even been in different music videos for different rappers.
We left Tinny Toone's and headed out for supper at a hot pot place. It's kinda like a Korea BBQ, but not. you have this hot plate in front of you and you cook your own food. It was interesting, but I way prefer Korean BBQ any day. After that we all went back to our guesthouse and chilled for the night watching movies. I got caught up in my journal and then headed to bed after screaming because of the massive bug in our room. I didn't sleep well that night because I kept having dreams of giant bugs in my bed... Ewwww.
It was starting to look like it was going to rain so we went to a friend of Amanda's where we all sat around and discussed where our money we raised was going to go. We decided to sponsor one of the girls from NFC to go to University. We also decided to buy batteries for the solar pannels for the hill tribes, this will mean they can have electricity for longer then 10 minutes. Last we decided to give more money to S.C.A.O to build another school in a different part of the city so he can educate more children from different areas.
After chilling there for the day and discussing money we headed to Tiny Toone's which was a center for children. Not an orphanage, but if the child has no where else to go they are able to stay there. It is more of a place to go and be educated, and also learn how to break dance which allows them to take their mind off of the things that trouble them in the world. We stayed there for a while, watched them dance. Some of these kids were really good, they could kick any one of our ass on the dance floor. Some of the older kids/ not really kids are so good that they have even been in different music videos for different rappers.
We left Tinny Toone's and headed out for supper at a hot pot place. It's kinda like a Korea BBQ, but not. you have this hot plate in front of you and you cook your own food. It was interesting, but I way prefer Korean BBQ any day. After that we all went back to our guesthouse and chilled for the night watching movies. I got caught up in my journal and then headed to bed after screaming because of the massive bug in our room. I didn't sleep well that night because I kept having dreams of giant bugs in my bed... Ewwww.
Day 26
We woke up around 7 once again today got all ready and done up because we decided to go check out another lecture at the University. This time around we did not teach the class, we were part of the class. I thought my University days were over, but I guess not. It was another gender class so we learned more about women in the sex trade and how not only women are used, children are also at risk. Things we all knew, but more in depth. Once the lecture was over we got to talk to the students, they asked us questions about Canada, and we asked them questions about Cambodia. University in Cambodia is only 500 bucks a semester, which to them that is huge, but once we told them how much we pay in Canada they were pretty much falling off their chairs. Not everyone in Cambodia can go to University, only the people who are rich or who hve been sponsored by someone else to go. This means there are a lot of people who do not go to University. A little off topis here, but when we were at NFC orphanage we discussed where some of our money is going to go that we raised and we decided to sponsor one of the girls at the orphange to go to University and hopefully each year this trip will be able to continue sponsoring this girl along with more as soon as the idea takes off. Thi will mean more girls going to University, which there is a lack of and better education, which will help them achieve their dreams.
After the University lecture was over we were given a free day. Not like yesterday were we ended up not having a free day, this time it was an actual free day. The ladies got together and all went out for poutine once again... we just can't get enough of it. It so good and its so Canada at heart. Then we did the internet thing, I was trying to get caught up on the blog... epic fail, and still today I am far behind. After getting bored with internet I found Teale and we decided we needed some adventure in our lives. We thought we would do the touristy thing and find something to do. Went downstairs checked the list of things to do while in Cambodia and read shooting range. We looked at one another and thought "this could be interesting".
Got in a Tuk Tuk, he drove for 40 mins finally got to the shooting range which was the military base. We were a little nervous because big tanks and army people all around us. Didn't want to do anything wrong there or who knows what might happen. Went inside and they gave us a book. The book said menu and Teale and I were both like we don't want food. That's when they opened the book and it had guns and everything you could possibly imagine. The menu was military weapons that we could buy and shoot, throw, or whathever. We looked at each other and obviously pointed to the AK 47. When else would we ever be able to shoot an AK 47, not in Canada anytime soon. They got the massive gun ready, took us to the shooting room where we put on these headphones so we can still hear today. And then it was shooting time. The first shot was the scariest because the gun had some kick to it and kinda hurt my shoulder a bit, but I wasn't scared I kept shooting. Teale went after me and then it was over. We got our target and well, we're not joining the army anytime soon, out of 50 shots we only hit the target 4 times. Gonna cross army off of my list of future things to do.
We left the army base and headed to race cars, we thought since the sign said race cars meant actual race cars... it was go karts. We chose not to do this since we can do this in Canada anytime we want. Started our trek home, which was another 40 mins so we thought. WRONG! Our Tuk Tuk broke down, then finally got it fixed so we were on our way again when I looked up and noticed the sky was black. Two seconds later it started poring rain, like worse then I've ever seen. The water was filling the streets because they don't have good drainage systems. So obviously the engine in our Tuk Tuk floods. We are now on the side of the road 40 mins away from our guesthouse in a massive storm and need to be back by 5 to meet group and its already 4:20. We are screwed. We flag down another Tuk Tuk from our Tuk Tuk, Jump on the other Tuk Tuk and as we do he turns off his engine and I yell NOOOOOOO. His engine is now flooded as well. Teale and I are sitting there in another Tuk Tuk rushed for time trying to come up with a plan. Nothing comes to mind, until we see another Tuk Tuk. Flag him down and jump on his Tuk Tuk. This guys speaks no English, but for some reason he says he knows where he is going so we trust him. WRONG! Never trust a Tuk Tuk driver who doesn't speak English. He took us to some random place and said it was our guesthouse when we obviously knew it wasn't. Got out of his Tuk Tuk and by this point its 4:55, we need to meet the group at 5, they said don't be late and we have no idea where we are. I'm running around the street yelling Tuk Tuk, finally this man comes out and he is a young fella who speaks perfect English. He goes you need a Tuk Tuk, I told him where we needed to go, and that we needed to go fast. He said jump in, at this point the other Tuk Tuk won't leave us alone cause he wants more money when we didn't agree to that. We give him more money to shut him up after a few more minute arguing with him. Its now 5 and the English speaking Tuk Tuk tells me its going to be 15 mins before we are there because of traffic and rain. Epic fail on our part.
Finally get back to guesthouse everyone waiting for us, we are socked in water from the rain. Everyone looked at us and was like what the hell did you two get into. We both looked at them and never spoke a word. Went to our room changed and came back down. At this point people were wondering what the hell happened, we told them our story and they died laughing. Us on the other hand were not laughing so much. Now, I find it hilarious.
After a long day of Tuk Tuk's we all went out for Indian food, came back and grabbed a shower. Since the day was filled with adventure I decided to stay in and watch movies instead of going out. I think that was a good choice, because my bed was wonderful.
After the University lecture was over we were given a free day. Not like yesterday were we ended up not having a free day, this time it was an actual free day. The ladies got together and all went out for poutine once again... we just can't get enough of it. It so good and its so Canada at heart. Then we did the internet thing, I was trying to get caught up on the blog... epic fail, and still today I am far behind. After getting bored with internet I found Teale and we decided we needed some adventure in our lives. We thought we would do the touristy thing and find something to do. Went downstairs checked the list of things to do while in Cambodia and read shooting range. We looked at one another and thought "this could be interesting".
Got in a Tuk Tuk, he drove for 40 mins finally got to the shooting range which was the military base. We were a little nervous because big tanks and army people all around us. Didn't want to do anything wrong there or who knows what might happen. Went inside and they gave us a book. The book said menu and Teale and I were both like we don't want food. That's when they opened the book and it had guns and everything you could possibly imagine. The menu was military weapons that we could buy and shoot, throw, or whathever. We looked at each other and obviously pointed to the AK 47. When else would we ever be able to shoot an AK 47, not in Canada anytime soon. They got the massive gun ready, took us to the shooting room where we put on these headphones so we can still hear today. And then it was shooting time. The first shot was the scariest because the gun had some kick to it and kinda hurt my shoulder a bit, but I wasn't scared I kept shooting. Teale went after me and then it was over. We got our target and well, we're not joining the army anytime soon, out of 50 shots we only hit the target 4 times. Gonna cross army off of my list of future things to do.
We left the army base and headed to race cars, we thought since the sign said race cars meant actual race cars... it was go karts. We chose not to do this since we can do this in Canada anytime we want. Started our trek home, which was another 40 mins so we thought. WRONG! Our Tuk Tuk broke down, then finally got it fixed so we were on our way again when I looked up and noticed the sky was black. Two seconds later it started poring rain, like worse then I've ever seen. The water was filling the streets because they don't have good drainage systems. So obviously the engine in our Tuk Tuk floods. We are now on the side of the road 40 mins away from our guesthouse in a massive storm and need to be back by 5 to meet group and its already 4:20. We are screwed. We flag down another Tuk Tuk from our Tuk Tuk, Jump on the other Tuk Tuk and as we do he turns off his engine and I yell NOOOOOOO. His engine is now flooded as well. Teale and I are sitting there in another Tuk Tuk rushed for time trying to come up with a plan. Nothing comes to mind, until we see another Tuk Tuk. Flag him down and jump on his Tuk Tuk. This guys speaks no English, but for some reason he says he knows where he is going so we trust him. WRONG! Never trust a Tuk Tuk driver who doesn't speak English. He took us to some random place and said it was our guesthouse when we obviously knew it wasn't. Got out of his Tuk Tuk and by this point its 4:55, we need to meet the group at 5, they said don't be late and we have no idea where we are. I'm running around the street yelling Tuk Tuk, finally this man comes out and he is a young fella who speaks perfect English. He goes you need a Tuk Tuk, I told him where we needed to go, and that we needed to go fast. He said jump in, at this point the other Tuk Tuk won't leave us alone cause he wants more money when we didn't agree to that. We give him more money to shut him up after a few more minute arguing with him. Its now 5 and the English speaking Tuk Tuk tells me its going to be 15 mins before we are there because of traffic and rain. Epic fail on our part.
Finally get back to guesthouse everyone waiting for us, we are socked in water from the rain. Everyone looked at us and was like what the hell did you two get into. We both looked at them and never spoke a word. Went to our room changed and came back down. At this point people were wondering what the hell happened, we told them our story and they died laughing. Us on the other hand were not laughing so much. Now, I find it hilarious.
After a long day of Tuk Tuk's we all went out for Indian food, came back and grabbed a shower. Since the day was filled with adventure I decided to stay in and watch movies instead of going out. I think that was a good choice, because my bed was wonderful.
Day 25
Woke up around 7am gt showered and all that junk to meet the group at 8. Today we were headed to a University class that was being taught by a friend of Amanda's. The class was a gender class and talked all about the sex industry, and slavery that still happens around the world today. Off we went thinking we would be sitting in on the class, but when we got there we were surprised to hear we were going to be teaching the class. Oh good god... that's what was going through my head. Broke off into groups and discussed the issues. Not gonna lie I learned a lot and I was the one who was suppose to be teaching them. I learned that slavery still happens in Canada today... it isn't talked about, but it happens. The Canadian goverment keeps it hush hush because it is a slight form of slavery, but not to the extreme where the media can make it sound bad. Throughout the class a lot of the students didn't actually know that there were problems with slavery in Cambodia, and that the sex industry was as bad as it really is. They were shocked to hear, as was I with a lot of things.
Finally the class was over and I could breath again. We decided as a group to spend the rest of the day as a free day because some of us had to get passport photos, including myself since I lost mine somewhere in the travel. We all went our separate ways and met up at the Russian market were we went to this cute little cafe owned by this french man. Food was amazing, but kept being bothered by woman begin for food. I decided to give one of the ladies half of my food since I knew I would be eating again later and who knows when she would be getting her next meal. After lunch we decided instead of spending the whole day as a free day we would go back to S.C.A.O orphanage to complete the building of the school.
When we got to S.C.A.O we finished up all the painting, and the roof and what not was all put together. The only thing we had left to do was build 12 more desk. Instead of building I spent the day playing with the children. Actually we all spent the day playing with the children instead of building, but that was because the wood had to be sanded and they didn't want us doing it. Playing with the children I learned how to play rock, paper, scissors the Cambodian way, and let me tell you it is not easy. I really got to know the children, more then I had in the past few days at S.C.A.O. I have some favorites not gonna lie. Some that I wanted to put in my bag and bring back to Canada with me, but I knew that wouldn't be a good idea.
We left the orphanage around 5pm got back to the guesthouse and had us some showers. Went out to eat as a group anddecided to go play pool and have a few beer. Amanda taught me how to play pool like a champion, since I guess I didn't know how to play it before. She's the pro, so she knows best. I was a horrible partner, the only reson we won our games is because she got all our balls in. After playing some pool we decided to head off to Top Banana for more drinks. We do love Top Banana, one of our favorite places to drink. Drank there for a while and then left around 2 where I then decided to head to bed since tomorrow was another early morning.
Finally the class was over and I could breath again. We decided as a group to spend the rest of the day as a free day because some of us had to get passport photos, including myself since I lost mine somewhere in the travel. We all went our separate ways and met up at the Russian market were we went to this cute little cafe owned by this french man. Food was amazing, but kept being bothered by woman begin for food. I decided to give one of the ladies half of my food since I knew I would be eating again later and who knows when she would be getting her next meal. After lunch we decided instead of spending the whole day as a free day we would go back to S.C.A.O orphanage to complete the building of the school.
When we got to S.C.A.O we finished up all the painting, and the roof and what not was all put together. The only thing we had left to do was build 12 more desk. Instead of building I spent the day playing with the children. Actually we all spent the day playing with the children instead of building, but that was because the wood had to be sanded and they didn't want us doing it. Playing with the children I learned how to play rock, paper, scissors the Cambodian way, and let me tell you it is not easy. I really got to know the children, more then I had in the past few days at S.C.A.O. I have some favorites not gonna lie. Some that I wanted to put in my bag and bring back to Canada with me, but I knew that wouldn't be a good idea.
We left the orphanage around 5pm got back to the guesthouse and had us some showers. Went out to eat as a group anddecided to go play pool and have a few beer. Amanda taught me how to play pool like a champion, since I guess I didn't know how to play it before. She's the pro, so she knows best. I was a horrible partner, the only reson we won our games is because she got all our balls in. After playing some pool we decided to head off to Top Banana for more drinks. We do love Top Banana, one of our favorite places to drink. Drank there for a while and then left around 2 where I then decided to head to bed since tomorrow was another early morning.
Day 24
Today we got to sleep in, which was awesome for a change. We didn't actually have to be anywhere until afternoon so the sleep was much appreciated. Ok I lie, yes we got to sleep in, but we were so use to getting up early it kinda just came natural to us. Since we were up and really had nothing to do the only thing we could think of doing is internet for a while until it was time to start our day adventures. Got me on a computer and first thing I did was call mother and woke her up in the middle of the night her time.... oops. Oh well it was nice chatting with the lovely lady, even though she was right out of it.
We left the guesthouse around noon and headed to another orphange called New Future for Children (NFC). When we got there we were swormed with children, teenagers, and even adults living there. The teenage girls were the most excited because the whole day was planned around them and spreading possitive attitude and spirits for these young girls. They took us up to their room, only the girls... the boys played bball with the boys. While we were upstairs with the girls they painted our nails and talked girl talk, it was quite interesting because we learned a lot about these girls and how low their self-esteem is compared to the boys. They told us how they hate the color of their skin, how they wanted to be white because white is so beautiful, but we described how most white people stay out all day long trying to get a tan because we hate being so white. They were shocked when we told them this. More conversation was had and then we all ate lunch together before we started our workshop.
Once lunch was over we headed into a tiny room with over 100 people, no fans, no AC, we were sweaty. We put together a slideshow all about Canada cause they wanted to learn more about our country and presented it to them. They couldn't believe Canada didn't have elephants, and they also didn't understand why we thought it was so hot in Cambodia until we told them how cold it got in Canada, then they knew. After the slideshow we headed outside to the play area and got into groups. My group was obviously the best, wild ones I had. We played games with the girls to break the ice, which they really enjoyed. They were having loads of fun, my group even had our own cheer before every game. I would do that, that's the O-Crew in me I tell ya. After spending most of the afternoon playing games we sat down in our groups and talked about our goals and our dreams. This was important because so many of these girls have big dreams, but will never accomplish them, because they end up going into the sex industry to make money because they are unable to pay for proper school. Hearing the dreams of these girls was amazing, so many of them want to be doctors, and business owners, and even teachers. It was great, then they asked me my goals and dreams... well that caught me off guard, because I honestly didn't know how to answer that. Got me thinking a lot and all the dreams I thought I had meant nothing to me really, it just took a bunch of teenage girls who may never be able to achieve their dreams to realize it.
Once the discussion was over we set up a fitness workout/game for the girls. Most girls are lacking in the exercise so we decided it would be good for them to experience fitness in a fun setting. Broke into two different teams, my team was called team number one... how original, I know right. Well lets just say team number one kicked team number two's ass. I think it was because we were better at cheering... but they did have me on their team so of course. After spending the rest of the day playing around we gathered the gang... including everyone living at NFC and took them on a boat cruise on the river. While we were on the boat I got to meet some of the boys living at NFC and they also had interesting stories of their own. It so weird meeting these individuals because they will tell you their whole life story and act like it doesn't affect them while you're sitting there feeling so bad, but you know feeling bad is not what they want, they just want a friend to talk to. Its weird to me. Anyways we ended up putting some music on and they taught us some real Cambodian dances... I couldn't pull it off, but we all know my hips don't move. It was fun though watching the sun go down dancing the night away with the children/teenagers.
Once the boat was over we said our goodbyes, most of the girls started crying, which was hard. They didn't want us to go. As we were leaving they kept telling us to come back and visit some day. I couldn't say I would be back, but hopefully one day I will be back to visit. And hopefully they all remain in school and keep dreaming big dreams because I really want these girls to make it.
We got back to the guesthouse and all of us ladies went and got poutine and had a girls night. We really enjoyed not having the boys around for a change. We could talk girl talk, even though we ended up just chilling out watching movies for the night and then peaced to bed.
We left the guesthouse around noon and headed to another orphange called New Future for Children (NFC). When we got there we were swormed with children, teenagers, and even adults living there. The teenage girls were the most excited because the whole day was planned around them and spreading possitive attitude and spirits for these young girls. They took us up to their room, only the girls... the boys played bball with the boys. While we were upstairs with the girls they painted our nails and talked girl talk, it was quite interesting because we learned a lot about these girls and how low their self-esteem is compared to the boys. They told us how they hate the color of their skin, how they wanted to be white because white is so beautiful, but we described how most white people stay out all day long trying to get a tan because we hate being so white. They were shocked when we told them this. More conversation was had and then we all ate lunch together before we started our workshop.
Once lunch was over we headed into a tiny room with over 100 people, no fans, no AC, we were sweaty. We put together a slideshow all about Canada cause they wanted to learn more about our country and presented it to them. They couldn't believe Canada didn't have elephants, and they also didn't understand why we thought it was so hot in Cambodia until we told them how cold it got in Canada, then they knew. After the slideshow we headed outside to the play area and got into groups. My group was obviously the best, wild ones I had. We played games with the girls to break the ice, which they really enjoyed. They were having loads of fun, my group even had our own cheer before every game. I would do that, that's the O-Crew in me I tell ya. After spending most of the afternoon playing games we sat down in our groups and talked about our goals and our dreams. This was important because so many of these girls have big dreams, but will never accomplish them, because they end up going into the sex industry to make money because they are unable to pay for proper school. Hearing the dreams of these girls was amazing, so many of them want to be doctors, and business owners, and even teachers. It was great, then they asked me my goals and dreams... well that caught me off guard, because I honestly didn't know how to answer that. Got me thinking a lot and all the dreams I thought I had meant nothing to me really, it just took a bunch of teenage girls who may never be able to achieve their dreams to realize it.
Once the discussion was over we set up a fitness workout/game for the girls. Most girls are lacking in the exercise so we decided it would be good for them to experience fitness in a fun setting. Broke into two different teams, my team was called team number one... how original, I know right. Well lets just say team number one kicked team number two's ass. I think it was because we were better at cheering... but they did have me on their team so of course. After spending the rest of the day playing around we gathered the gang... including everyone living at NFC and took them on a boat cruise on the river. While we were on the boat I got to meet some of the boys living at NFC and they also had interesting stories of their own. It so weird meeting these individuals because they will tell you their whole life story and act like it doesn't affect them while you're sitting there feeling so bad, but you know feeling bad is not what they want, they just want a friend to talk to. Its weird to me. Anyways we ended up putting some music on and they taught us some real Cambodian dances... I couldn't pull it off, but we all know my hips don't move. It was fun though watching the sun go down dancing the night away with the children/teenagers.
Once the boat was over we said our goodbyes, most of the girls started crying, which was hard. They didn't want us to go. As we were leaving they kept telling us to come back and visit some day. I couldn't say I would be back, but hopefully one day I will be back to visit. And hopefully they all remain in school and keep dreaming big dreams because I really want these girls to make it.
We got back to the guesthouse and all of us ladies went and got poutine and had a girls night. We really enjoyed not having the boys around for a change. We could talk girl talk, even though we ended up just chilling out watching movies for the night and then peaced to bed.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Day 23
Woke up around 8am... was not a good time. Nat and I were hungover as shit, but we couldn't let the team down. We had to pull it together and go build a school. Got some bfast and headed on the road for 10sm to S.C.A.O. Once we got there both Nat and I thought we were going to die, but we got a paint brush and started painting. Spent the first part of the day painting and trying to finish the walls... that didn't happen. But we worked hard so that was good enough. In the afternoon I found a hammek and passed out for an hour trying to deal with the hangover. Once I woke up Nat took over my spot and passed out while I went and played with thew children. We played hide and seek and I leanred a lot about each child which was really good. Most children in Cambodia grow up much faster then children in Canada because they have to. They have to learn at an early age so they can get food for themselves. Its crazy, which is why so many of them have such facinating stories.
Later that night we decided to stay really late so we could take part in a conversational class they have every evening. We devided up into groups and the children got to ask us questions and we got to ask them questions. My group was interesting, they didn't know anything about Canada so I taught them as much as I knew. It also made me think... I don't actually knopw a lot about Canada myself so I would love to learn more. The children also taught me a lot about Cambodia so I think we both learned, me and the children. It was good to sit down and talk with the children. They all had interesting stories and couldn't believe how cold it got in Canada.
Once the conversation class was over we headed back to the guesthouse. Once back at the guesthouse a couple of the girls and myslef found a small cafe that had poutine so we went there and enjoyed a nice poutine that reminded us of home. It was awesome and amazing to finally have something different then rice. After the poutine we all went back and got a shower and decided why not go out. So obviously we went out. We went to a train station party, which was a giant party at a train staion with a bounch of different DJ's. It was pretty sick not gonna lie. Danced it up for a few hours at a train station and then headed to Heart of Darkness which was a bar we've never been to.
Got to the bar and it was totally sketchy. So many hookers and we were unsure if we should go in or not, but I was like lets do it girls we only live once. In we went and danced it up hard on the dance floor with i'm pretty sure they were hookers and a bunch of locals who loved us. Finally it was time to go home. I didn't need another hungover day building a school so we left the bar around 2am. Got ourselves some motorbikes and peaced home to bed.
Later that night we decided to stay really late so we could take part in a conversational class they have every evening. We devided up into groups and the children got to ask us questions and we got to ask them questions. My group was interesting, they didn't know anything about Canada so I taught them as much as I knew. It also made me think... I don't actually knopw a lot about Canada myself so I would love to learn more. The children also taught me a lot about Cambodia so I think we both learned, me and the children. It was good to sit down and talk with the children. They all had interesting stories and couldn't believe how cold it got in Canada.
Once the conversation class was over we headed back to the guesthouse. Once back at the guesthouse a couple of the girls and myslef found a small cafe that had poutine so we went there and enjoyed a nice poutine that reminded us of home. It was awesome and amazing to finally have something different then rice. After the poutine we all went back and got a shower and decided why not go out. So obviously we went out. We went to a train station party, which was a giant party at a train staion with a bounch of different DJ's. It was pretty sick not gonna lie. Danced it up for a few hours at a train station and then headed to Heart of Darkness which was a bar we've never been to.
Got to the bar and it was totally sketchy. So many hookers and we were unsure if we should go in or not, but I was like lets do it girls we only live once. In we went and danced it up hard on the dance floor with i'm pretty sure they were hookers and a bunch of locals who loved us. Finally it was time to go home. I didn't need another hungover day building a school so we left the bar around 2am. Got ourselves some motorbikes and peaced home to bed.
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