A weekend not to be forgotten..

After having another mad week at the orphanage, we decided that last weekend would take a more laid back approach, perhaps we were to be slightly mistakened...  

Having already experienced the Cambodian 'pub crawl' before starting volunteering, April decided that she was going to enable us to embark on this mad night! What started off with a civilized meal at a hostel known as Mad Monkey, with food that did not contain rice at all, but rather the more western approach of bangers and mash, pasta bake and Greek salad, along with cocktails, we had a good start. Little did we know that April's friends from her travels beforehand were going to pay for the meal (a Cambodian tradition whereby males always pay, this would have been fine had there have not been 6 of us alone, plus a rather large amount of cocktails!) anyhow, we weren't to argue because they don't take no for an answer that's for sure! 

We were then invited to go to a karaoke, thinking that this would add a little bit of cheese to our night and a good laugh between us, we didn't decline! Little did we know that our preconception of some empty, local bar with plastic chairs and drunk Cambodians, was far from the truth. Following a mad journey there -it turns out that fitting 8 into a tuk tuk is possible, especially with the addition of alcohol to the system so no pain could be felt- we arrived at what looked like a high end club, to be ushered into a private room with velvet cushioned walls, our own hostess and a large karaoke screen and microphones for us to sing our hearts out! A few more drinks and we were at it, full pelt to Britney Spears, Beyoncé and the odd addition of Khmer songs, interesting to say the least!! 

After what felt like hours of singing and 6 incredibly hourse voices, we were on to the next stop, a local club called Pontoon... We could have been back home! With a bit of house music to get Rach thrown completely into it, arms flailing and knees knocking like she does, we saw the night away through until the early mornings! Possibly a bit of a 'had to be there moment', it was a night like none other that we have had so far and definitely one that we will have trouble to top! 

You will be surprised to hear that we were both rather sprightly in the morning, not a hangover between us, just a few achy limbs and rather large bags under our eyes, we hadn't a think to complain about in comparison to the states of April and Mel who had most definitely made the most of the night! Rather naively we set off to the post office in order to post home a rather large box, a gulp or two later as well as two empty purses, we left feeling rather deflated thanks to the cost, but hey ho, it's all part and parcel of the trip.

The rest of the day was spent with a bit of much needed pampering, Rach had her first ever manicure... Yes you heard it, her nails have grown!!! Quite an achievement, we are determined that she will arrive home with incredibly long nails! Whilst Mair followed with her toes and nails as well, can't complain, it's a hard life this travelling malarkey.

Sunday was spent at gorgeous pool, after hunting down a rather 'up market' hotel in comparison to what we are now used too, we were finally able to find some rest bite from the temperatures that the days now hold. Since arriving, nearly 6 weeks ago, the temperature has risen from 27 to 34 degrees and boy are we feeling it! Siestas have become a must have that's for sure. 

We finish at the orphanage tomorrow with a party for the kids, any excuse for us to enjoy a bit of cake and coke over rice and water, before heading back to the road and our journey. Over and out for now! 

Balloons, Blisters and 'Beautiful Girl'

Having been at the orphanage for nearly 3 weeks, our only escape from the madness has been the excitement of a weekend away! 

Last weekend we went off to the place of renowned beauty that is Angkor Wat in Siem Reap... After a rather treacherous 9 hour journey on the worlds worst road, on a bus full of locals and having to endure the thrills of local TV at full blast (something nobody should ever have to experience), we arrived with incredibly numb, and sweaty, bums, dust covered bags and an urgent need for a shower and cold drink. The one positive? We had been joined by the girls who we are volunteering with: April, a 28 year old from Newbury who manages to keep us all incredibly entertained (in particular with the horrific blisters she receives every time a mosquito bites her), Beth, from Kent who is also doing a year out before uni like us and Mel, an Ozzie who couldn't bear to leave and extended her stay at the orphanage to a month. Between us we make a right bunch, but we have made some fantastic friends who we all have a laugh with and thoroughly enjoy eachothers company! 

Following an incredible night at Phar Circus, set up by an NGO to help support children in learning English amongst other subjects as well as training them in gymnastics and acrobatics, and music and drama. Turning them into incredible performers after 8-10 years of intense training, allowing them to go into the performance industry afterwards.

 

Saturday started at a sprightly 4am, a honk of some party blowers- it was April's birthday, a surprise which she loved so early in the morning.. Or not!

 

And we set off for Angkor Wat to see the sunset! After a quick hot chocolate and pain au chocolat- very welcome, along with a rendition of the song Beautiful Girl from a drunken Cambodian at full volume, we sat down to experience an incredible sight as the sun slowly (very slowly) rose between the 5 towers that make up the temple.

 

The day was completed following visits to several other temples that make up the vast complex and a nap to prepare us for Aprils birthday night out- an experience in itself which turned into a street party, thanks to the crazy Chinese tourists!! 

 

Sunday began at a much more leisurely hour and a trip to the Floating Village and Market, which is quite literally made of buildings floating on the Mekong river! Although not quite what we expected, it was lovely to have a breeze in the stifling heat, that is becoming more intense everyday, and see something that in our eyes is particularly out of the order. Another crazy drive back to Phnom Penh with our lives quite literally in our hands- the driver seemed to think that going 120kmph over the worlds bumpiest dirt road, was quote okay... we felt otherwise! 

 

Despite absolutely loving being here and finding it an incredibly rewarding experience, we feel that we are ready to move on... The children are fantastic, both in keeping us entertained with their crazy antics, but also with their profound ability and want to learn English. Rachel and I have been fortunate enough to settle in here and make ourselves a temporary home, making friends with the older 'kids', some are in fact older than us, and being a teacher in more ways than one to the younger children. As we go into our last week of volunteering, we look forward to being on the road again and not having to work to a schedule nor cooked for and treated like royalty. We can't wait to move onto the next part of our so far, wonderful journey, but we also know that this place is somewhere that we have had a lasting impact on and will undoubtedly miss. We have been welcomed into the lives and home of 68 children and looked after by mama and papa more than we could have ever expected. 

Drama Drama

So where to start? ...

Having seen all the sights in Phnom Penh, including central market, the killing fields and a museum called S21- where we learned of the atrocities of the Cambodian genocide, the royal palace, and national museum - we decided Phnom Penh was probably the favourite place we've visited so far! So good in fact, that after leaving the city last weekend to start our time at samrong farm orphanage, a 45 minute tuk tuk ride from here, we've come back for more this weekend. But more on that later...

 

 

The children at the orphanage are fab. They're so happy and smiley, enthusiastic to get on with even the worst tasks (including shovelling cow poo in the cow shed- we both stood and admired whilst snapping pictures!), and are just generally a pleasure to be around. So that is all well and good. We did however get quite a shock when finding out what the volunteering involved!

We knew that classes took place where the children,varying from ages 7 to around 20, learnt English at the orphanage itself. We weren't quite ready however when the news was delivered that we would be teaching the classes, and us alone! And to make matters a little bit scarier, we were teaching English with no guidance as to what had already been taught, the abilities of each child, or how to go about it all.

Thankfully this first week has involved shadowing some current volunteers, and has therefore allowed us to establish:

1. There are three classes- beginners, intermediate and advanced

2. Teaching is done for two hours in the morning, between 9 and 11, and then two hours in the afternoon, from 1-3

3. Despite the classes being divided into ability, there are children who have slipped through the net, and have lower abilities than the rest of the children in that class

4. The more games the better!

5. They are on the whole enthusiastic to learn English

So we go into this next week becoming teachers, and will find ourselves later having a planning meeting with the other 'teachers' (volunteers) with ice cream, which is clearly essential to lesson planning!! We are very lucky, that the other volunteers, three girls - two Brits and an Aussie, are all completely lovely and we all get on very well indeed 😊 it is likely we will take on the intermediate class together, which will be a challenge and hopefully a lot of fun!

 

Now we said we'd come back to the subject of this weekend, its been great, despite an event that happened whilst we were here. Having been incredibly cautious since arriving in Asia, the locals still managed to outwit us resulting in Mair being mugged. Whilst crossing one of Phnom Penhs chaotic roads and manouvering through the traffic as you have to do, a passenger on a moped grabbed Mair's bag, causing it to rip leaving her with only the strap around her neck. Bye bye to her camera, currency card and iPhone, along with our new found neccesity, the spork! Fortunately there were many , much nicer locals around who witnessed the event, giving us advice on taking photos of the area, taking note of the time and pointing us in the direction of the nearest police station- all greatly appreciated given our state of shock and shaking hands. On arriving at the police station however, their incapabilities were highlighted. After 45 minutes of painstaking waiting, we left with a police report in Khmer, the local language, and a finger point in the direction of the police station for foreigners. Here we finally were able to get what we needed, a report written in English, in fact one written by ourselves and only stamped by them! After many a FaceTime conversation with Mair's dad and what a saviour he turned out to be, things are on the mend, with a camera already replaced and a new phone soon to be on our way! 

To finish off the day we 'enjoyed' a massage done by local blind people, in some rather sexy blue attire, which looked more like hospital gear than anything else. Walking out with every joint clicked and muscle rubbed/hammered (it was rather a firm massage to say the least) our day was complete! 

That's it for now, back to the orphanage tonight, ready to teach tomorrow- fingers crossed it all goes well! 

Border number 1, Thailand to Cambodia

After having spent our final two days doing nothing but relax on a beach and generally soak up the atmosphere that came with Koh Chang, (despite the startling sights of some beach goers)

yesterday's journey was quite a shock to the system... 

Our day started at a bright and early 5.45am, something neither of us have had to encounter since being in the UK, only for the typical Thai lateness to mean that actually, we could have spent an extra half hour in bed. After meeting our fellow travellers, a overly cheery Canadian guy amongst others, we set off for the ferry, well, incredibly slowly with about 10 other stops on the way- a lack of efficiency tends to be rather a large downfall in the Thai culture. Rach was asleep within around about 2 minutes, no change there then- she has the incredible ability to fall asleep wherever and whenever within seconds! Once arriving at the port, surprisingly early, shock, we continued to wait, allowing a prime opportunity for a spot of people watching! Thankfully, this is yet to be us- give us another couple of months and we'll see if we can get anywhere near this amazing travel attire.. 

4 hours into the journey and we were well and truly packed into our minivan, what should have been an 8 seater turned into a 12 seater with 4 rather large Europeans sandwiched into the back row- we successfully managed to keep our seats to ourselves, despite being the slimmest on the van. Score! 6 hours into the journey and it was time for us to encounter our first border battle! After hearing many a story from our Canadian friend we weren't too sure what to expect, elbows at the ready, passports in our hands and money well hidden- good luck to any tauts who were going to try and pester us- we set off! Only find that actually it was rather an anticlimax, relatively quiet and only a few others around it all ran pretty smoothly! All this despite the fact that the Thai's have no idea how to use signs correctly nor how to queue in the British style. Quarantine successfully avoided and all money still in our hands, we officially had our Cambodian stamps to add to the collection we will eventually have in our passports. Guess what... More waiting! 

An hour and a half later, 2 wees in a bush to avoid the hole in the ground that is called a toilet, we were onto transport type number 3. We ditched our rather luxurious minivan, for a more uncomfortable coach, with every possible squeak and rattle you can imagine! Shock, Rach had fallen asleep, again! 

Another downfall in our journey? The inability to pick up any food! We found ourselves living off ginger nuts, Oreos, crisps, mentos and Thai buns for the whole 12 hours! An eventual wee stop later, we were packed into out second to last mode of transport.. Top speed 50mph, air con that stunk of dust and sticky leather seats, we were in minivan number 2! 

Watching the sunset, and reckoning on a journey being not much longer, we arrived in Phnom Penh... 3 hours later and a 2 numb bums to add to the equation! Shortly after arriving however, and some hardcore bartering done, we found ourselves in our last mode of transport... A tuk tuk too our guesthouse! But heck, since when has it been that easy? Turned out we had found the one tuk tuk driver in the whole of the city which didn't know the city at all!! Thankfully, Rach was prepared with one of Jonathans maps from there last visit, and we were able to direct our driver there, hmmmm, not sure that's how it's meant to work! 

Success!!! After hunting down some shampoo we were able to shower, fill our stomachs with a proper meal, Chicken and Cashew for Rach, Fish Coconut Curry for Mair, along with the classic fruit shakes, spring rolls and fresh fruit to finish! 

Now after a day of sightseeing and taking in the fantastic atmosphere that comes with Cambodian culture, we find ourselves relaxing and planning what's next.. Tomorrow we start our month of volunteering and are hugely looking forward to the challenges, rewards and routine that the experience will encompass us with! 

Paradise Island

We are writing this swinging in hammocks overlooking a calm, clear sea on an island called Koh Chang, just off the south-east coast of Thailand. After what we thought was going to be a horrific journey, we were pleasantly surprised by our smooth arrival! And so far, we have done nothing but relax, gain some tans and drink many a fresh tropical fruit shake. Can we complain? Not at all. 

Following a calm first day consisting of absolutely nothing but walking to the beach, sleeping on the beach and walking back, day two was somewhat more adventurous. 

Making friends with two Israeli guys turned out to be a huge success when we found they had two mopeds and a day to spend with us. We popped helmets on, and set off. Waterfall explorations and a secluded white sand beach completed it, along with the classic mango shakes which were great! We also saw elephants in a sanctuary, and swurved past some baboons who were sat in the road.

Finding a classic 7 11 food store, which wasn't hard as they're at every other step, we treated ourselves to a special treat; frosties for breakfast!! We enjoyed these thoroughly, setting us up for the day :) we have also enjoyed our first bit of chocolate - maltesers, first ice cream- magnums, and Mair ate a fresh fish for dinner, which was caught previously that day. Rachel was fairly disgusted, and didn't try any, especially considering the eye ball was still there!!!

Our relaxation continued, as we enjoyed a relaxed day on a boat... Alas a lot bigger than the one we travelled on in Bangkok. We got to know some of the other people from our hostel, sunbathed lots, and went snorkelling, which was an incredible experience. 

The sea was quite deep, but so clear we could see all the way to the bottom even without a snorkel. Only after we'd made our way into the water, did the Thai men, chuck food into the water right by us, resulting in all the fish swimming around us! We both got nipped, and decided it was time to get out. We did however get a great photo, so the food wasn't so bad in the end. 

Following a relaxed dinner of more incredible Thai cuisine, we are now pleasantly stuffed and ready for bed, over and out for now! 

Tuck tuck, taxi, boat, push bike, feet, and the big city of Bangkok!

How many modes of transport can you get through in one day in Bangkok, with only 1000 baht in your pocket? 

With near enough 30 main attractions, feet can't carry you everywhere! We set off on foot, before being hunted down by what we thought was just another tuk tuk man - "just 10 baht! Where you go today lady?", however we were mistaken. We met a local, who genuinely wanted to give us his advice about where to visit in the city, and the price we should pay (somewhat lower than the prices given by the tuk tuk men) to get there. He then promptly flagged down a tuk tuk, agreed a price, and said farewell, leaving us to get into the tuk tuk. All was fine and dandy, bar the small problem that we didn't actually know where we were headed!

Arriving down a dodgy looking alley, with a boxing ring on our right, a handful of stray dogs and no one around, we eventually found ourselves being ushered into a gorgeous traditional handmade wooden boat, with just us (joined by two girls from the hostel) and an old man who clearly knew the ins and outs of the river like the back of his hand, and had been doing it for years.

After passing several other boats, we made two observations:

1) every other boat had at least four times the amount of people in, each sat shoulder to shoulder, and 

2) everyone had life jackets on

We weren't concerned about the life jackets, and smiled and waved smugly at the other boats, knowng we got a great deal, and even more so knowing the position we found ourselves in was somewhat chance.

We had a great rest of the day looking round various temples (dampened by the fact that we somehow lost one of the girls we were with, resulting in a small search party, and only finding her once we were back at the hostel!), and planning our escape out of Bangkok. 

That evening after relocating to a different hostel down the road, we returned to our previous one for what we'd read about as being a great highlight of many peoples trips to Bangkok: the famous city bike ride, led by Kevin, the hostel owner. It sure didn't disappoint! 

It was a good THREE hours long, starting at 9 and finishing just gone midnight - a ride we figured our Fathers would be proud of. We covered every square inch of Bangkok by the end, and went to bed with sore bottoms - the seats weren't in the slightest bit comfortable - and exhausted.

The many observations, and mad happenings from the ride...

-Mair nearly falling into a canal, amongst seeing her life flash before her on two occasions 

-One way streets were pointed out... Once we were on them, and travelling the wrong way up them!!

-We crossed several train tracks, carrying our bikes as we went

-We went straight through the middle of the Bangkok protests, alas with no violence we hasten to add, therefore making it to the other side unharmed 

-Both having too many near death experiences, often with a tuk tuk on one side, and car on the other!

-Having no warning before crossing traffic and turning down small alleyways

Overall, with our lives in hand and a completely different view of a Bangkok in the dark experienced, it was brilliant, a definite must do for anyone! 

Pad thai, and a donut or 10

Soooo we arrived in Bangkok!! And with its over 8 million population, it certainly hasn't failed to be crazy, crowded and bustling. The plane journey here was something quite spectacular: it was a quick 2 hours thankfully, involving being fed some egg thing with a savloy sausage on the side- which Rachel ate as a dare for $1. It was DISGUSTING. Mair also had some fun taking selfies with the man next door, who was asleep, or so it seemed... He merely had sunglasses on and it was only afterwards we realised be may well have seen the whole scenario. Thankfully he wasn't in the least bit concerned. Phew.   We nearly got killed in a taxi, as the driver, wearing no shoes and on the phone whilst driving (and very casual about the whole scenario) nearly crashed into a tuk tuk or two, coming the wrong way up the street. We made it to our born free hostel quite relieved and exhausted! After having not eaten, and Rachel having thrown up the food she did eat back on the flights, we found some food not far from the hostel. Feeling quite freaked out, as if we'd just landed into chaos with no parents to guide us, along with the famous "tuk tuk for you? Where are you going? Just 10 baht!" at every third step we took, we thankfully got chatting to some fellow Brits who gave us some top tips for Bangkok. We felt better having eaten, and set to planning some sites to see the next day... Only to ditch all plans and head off with some fellow roomates to the famous Koa Sahn road, which on our wander previously had headed in the wrong direction, hence failed to find! Looking around the table with a Chang beer in hand 15 minutes later, we were joined by two Canadian girls, an Australian, a fellow Brit from Essex, and two Americans - this was more like it!! The conversation was great, and the entertainment better: a Thai acoustic guitarist playing old classics, but to top that, two little boys offering us roses to buy every 2 minutes, but to top that, the frequent offering of fried scorpions and other various insect snacks. Did we trythem? No. But we will at some point no doubt! We got up and underwent quite an experience: COLD SHOWER. It was quite an amusing experience for first thing in the morning, and woke us up to say the least! We set out, eating breakfast as we went - fresh mango and pineapple from a local fruit stool, and set out exploring many a wat (temple) and Buddha with a couple of our new formed traveller friends, one from Tasmania and the other American. Lunch was pad Thai, with some quite sticky noodles, and a treat- the one sugary thing we recognised- mini donuts. Mair was a happy bunny! First funky purchase: elephant 'pants' as the Aussie called them- or otherwise trousers. With an only too Bangkok way about them, Rachel's have just one pocket, while Mair was blessed with two. But there we go, they're cool all the same, and very comfy. More hustle and bustle tomorrow, and then we're off on a night bus to Kou Chang, and island down south... If all goes according to plan!