Cambodia - The work starts and I see more of Siem Reap

"Throw your dreams into space like a kite, and you do not know what it will bring back, a new life, a new friend, a new love, a new country." - Anais Nin

I was picked up from the guest-house around 8am and we walked about 10 mins to the office based in Borey Prem Prey, which means Charming City Tourist Market. The office is based around a psar (market) and there are all sorts of goodies to be found there from breakfast coconut waffles to breakfast lotcha (noodles, veggies and egg), pots, pans, groceries, knickers with pads in to make your bum look like J-Lo and velour tracksuits too hot for any Cambodian climate. 

I would not say it is a tourist market though and whilst the area is quite nice the 'charming city' part is perhaps a little ambitious.


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Houses and offices around the market.

The market.

The office.

The first day I was still shattered from travelling...

"Jet lag is your soul trying to catch up after flying" - Ryan Ross

...so we had some basic orientation and a lovely welcome lunch from the team in the market area. That evening we headed into town for some dinner with the whole team and I started to get to know people better.

"Can we go for a walk, and have a little talk. So I can get to know you. Got a lot of things to show you." - Freddie Mcgregor

It is quite common in Cambodia to share food too, so people may order lots of dishes for all or a dish for themselves, but they are happy to share. People try not to waste food, so if there is anything left, or if you want to try someone's food its fine to ask to do so and share yours too - a lovely way of sharing a meal. After dinner I went for a couple of cocktails to Miss Wongs with a couple of people for a drink or two, before picking up some cheap DVDs to chill out to over the weekend.

On Saturday I slept and relaxed and on Sunday I headed out with a colleague to have a look around town and a swim with a few of her friends at a lodge up the road.

Royal Gardens, on the way into town, facing Raffles hotel.

Raffles.

Garden Fountains.

One of the small pagodas facing the royal gardens and residences.

Royal residences in Siem Reap - right off R6 (like the M1) and close to a roundabout, no gates etc, just right there.

"I'd rather live in a cave with a view of a palace than live in a palace with a view of a cave." - Karl Pilkington

Even the lamposts are ornate - or is this Narnia?

And little statues everywhere.

Sunday we headed to a lodge and had a lovely swim here too.

"Swimming is normal for me. I'm relaxed. I'm comfortable, and I know my surroundings. It's my home." - Michael Phelps

Mock Bayon Temple statue at the end of the pool.

Day 2 was my first Monday and after some long sleep and chill time it was time for more handover, interesting stuff and all doable, but so much to take in I was hoping I would retain it all as I madly scribbled in my notebook. Before leaving the office I got a lovely compliment from one of my new colleagues who sad 'You are much nicer than we thought you would be, I mean you sounded nice on skype, but you are much nicer in person" - great! I am happy with that!

That day we were also joined by three lovely teachers from Ireland, two of whom were there for a week and one of whom has stayed on as staff for most of the next year. They were great fun and we had some really funny nights out and explorations around Siem Reap together.

Day 3 rolled around and my predecessor doing the handover was struck down sick, I was a little daunted, especially as we had guests to show round, but all went well and it also gave me chance to get some of my notes in order. 

"Challenge yourself, jump off the deep end and learn to swim." - Carson Kressley

Before I knew it the end of the week had come around, my new colleagues and those connected with the charity had been so welcoming and I had been out most nights with someone for dinner or drinks and was really starting to settle in. Friday saw my predecessors leaving do and Monday was to be my first real day 'alone'.

Before that I had a weekend to fill, which involved some chill time by a now favourite pool, the River Garden (free to swim if you buy food / drink). 

Saturday evening was a night out with the Siem Reap Food and Beverage Club - who one somewhere new every two weeks, I thought this would be a great was to see town and meet some folks. We went to a place called Nest and ordered dishes from across the menu to share - a great way to try the food in a place. The group was friendly with other NGO workers, Siem Reaps local baker, a retired couple who have lived all over the world and one particularly curious and open character who would have to be met to be understood. 

"You are unique, and if that is not fulfilled, then something has been lost." - Martha Graham

Sunday was more relax time ahead of Monday!

"Stop a minute, right where you are. Relax your shoulders, shake your head and spine like a dog shaking off cold water. Tell that imperious voice in your head to be still." - Barbara Kingsolver