21st December

The day had arrived. After deciding to join BUNAC’s Volunteer Cambodia programme two months ago and after all the preparation and waiting, I am finally here in Cambodia! After leaving a frosty UK at the end of November, I couldn’t wait to see the sun and feel the heat. It didn’t let me down. I was met at the airport by Amanda, the representative from Interweave, BUNAC’s partner organisation in Cambodia and taken by tuk tuk (a carriage pulled by a motorbike) to my guesthouse in Siem Reap where I am to spend the next three months or so.

The next day was my first full day in Cambodia. WOW! There is just so much to take in. Amanda picked me up from the guesthouse and we walked to a café in town. The experience hit all five senses. Seeing the busy streets, tuk tuks, motorbikes, cows, dogs chickens and people all sharing the road, looked like absolute chaos but somehow, it seems to work! Then there was the noise - Cambodian music, traffic, people talking, some singing, construction work, dogs and as for the smell, it’s so completely different to anything I’ve experience at home. Even now, I’m still in awe at the different way people live there lives. I don’t think any amount of reading can prepare you for the fantastically bizarre experience which first hits you when you arrive in Cambodia.

The famous Angkor temples

I spent my first few days having my orientation and getting to know Siem Reap, my new home. This is a large town about eight hours north of the capital Phnom Penh. It is a popular destination as it’s very near to the famous temples of Angkor. I visited many temples during these first few days including the most well-known, Angkor Wat. My personal favourite though is Bayon, the temple of faces. It’s just so impressive!

I also visited the landmine museum, an incredible place set up by a local with the most incredible history. The Cambodian who runs the museum also has landmine victims staying with him – he takes care of them and gives them an education. I was able to see how landmines still affect Cambodia today and was shocked to hear that around 800 people are still killed by them every year.

Back to school!

The main reason for my trip to Cambodia of course is to do some voluntary work. I have been working at the school teaching English for a couple of weeks now. I help to teach four classes, teaching students from the age of about 9 to 21. I work with other volunteers from Switzerland and Holland who are very easy going and always willing to help. Teaching here is challenging but very rewarding. I’m learning more than the students right now!

I can’t believe I have been here over a month already. There is so much to experience, something new every day. The Cambodian people have a beautiful nature and I look forward to working and living alongside them and seeing what the new year brings.