Monk Y-Nol at the Wat Damnak taught us many phrases in Khmer to help us get through the time in Cambodia from finding out the prices of items in the market to where to toilet is.
- Dah bong koon der anah? - Where is the toilet?
- Dah weir thly pon nan? - how much is it?
- Dah nyak sokeusby day? - how are you today?
After the outstanding lessons, we ventured once more out into the organised chaos of the streets contained within Siem Reap. After a scare involving a rolled Tuk Tuk, safely away from the busy road, we were chauffeured to a pleasant little restaurant called the Blue Pumpkin. Fortunately none of these were served.
The food was, however, lovely, but a little too Western. We dined on hamburgers, chicken sandwiches and green curries whilst Kirby enjoyed a freshly picked coconut fresh from the vine. The air conditioned upstairs area was a great relief from the astonishing heat outside.
Lunch was followed by a shopping challenge involving a few small groups given commands to buy various goods for care packages for as cheap as we could get them. These included simple things that we take for granted such as tooth brushes, soap, combs and pieces of fabric.
The sights and smells of the market were nothing like in Australia. Vibrant silks were hung from the corners of each stall, pig carcasses strewn from hooks, row upon row of gleaming knock off watches. It is a truly an assault on the senses.
Following the market venture, we again took the Tuk Tuks, this time to the war museum. This was a far different experience to the joyful markets.
We learnt a lot about the civil war and the reign of Pol Pot from our guide, an ex soldier and land mine survivor, whom stills bears the shrapnel in his upper thigh and shoulder.
So many utterly disturbing atrocities were committed during Pol Pot's reign, and it is honestly amazing that nearly every Cambodian will greet you with a smile when they have so little and have been through so much.
As we speak or type, we are relaxing on the rooftop lounge area, waiting to go out for tea. This is to be followed by a night market where lots of money will doubtlessly be spent so, expect gifts upon our return.
This issue of the blog was bought to you by today's bored students, Jack Hughes and Daniel Wyatt.
Is is really great to hear about your adventures and hope you are all learning something new, I hope you get some great bargains for the people you are visiting. At least now you all know how to ask about where a toilet is. To Jack Hughes you should not be bored in a new country there must be lots to see and do.
ReplyDeleteChristine Sutton
I hope you have a great day starting your project work. Will be good to check the blog tomorrow and get the next update and maybe some photos.
ReplyDeleteCheers Ger