Author: chyde

It has been a pleasure travelling with such a fine group of students who have embraced the challenges of the Big Experience. Together we have built a house, explored three countries and bartered using four different currencies. Many days were long and difficult and students faced the challenges of travelling in a large group, eating different cuisines, processing a lot of information (sometimes formal and heavy), and self-managing sleep, money, clothing, and relationships. The blog below, chronicles each day’s events and gives a small insight into the experiences we have had. Each student will have their own perspectives and take-away moments along with their own story to tell. As we arrive back into Melbourne and begin to consider more deeply this wonderful opportunity, the real big experience starts now. A seed has been planted and over time the lessons and values learnt will hopefully flourish in our everyday lives.
A huge thank you goes out to all the people behind the scenes who organise this trip. Also to the local guides who shared their passion and knowledge about their regions. Our main tour guide, Billy, was sensational with the rapport he built with the group and the incredible way he painted pictures of politics, history and culture through his story telling.

I have really enjoyed managing this blog – taking and choosing the images to represent the day and showing off the joy of the students and the beauty of the countries we travelled through. Thank you to the readers for following and I hope you enjoyed the small window offered to look into daily adventures.
Thanks also to Soriya Ung who kept everyone healthy and fit. We had minimal sicknesses and injuries due to her care and treatment. She will return an almost full medical kit that may be short a few band-aids!
Finally, a massive thank you and acknowledgment goes to our fearless leader, Robyn Marshall, who was always first to rise and last to bed and in between she injected energy into the group everyday and gave the Temples the best opportunity to make the most of the Big Experience. 
That’s all for the TLC Temples 2017 Blog. We have arrived at Tullamarine safely and are about to take our final group bus ride. See you at the South Road gates!
Chris Hyde, Soriya Ung, Robyn Marshall

The last day of our incredible experience started with the most blissful sleep in we’ve had for the past 17 days. After eating breakfast with a view of the Mekong we began our day with a visit to the royal palace. Here we experienced the vast difference between all three counties’ royal palaces. One room housed over US$35 million with of artefacts and lavish decorations. Some of which included a US$6 million golden Buddha statue and silver tiles lining the floor worth US$6,000 each. After walking around the palace grounds and through the extensive architecture we boarded our bus to the hotel. We then caught the bus to the national museum. The teachers gave us free reign of the amazing bus doing full of artefacts vital to the history of Cambodia. After all of the teachers and students had finished in the museum we boarded the bus towards the Russian market. We had an hour to experience one of the most diverse markets we had visited on the trip. It had everything from car parts to knock off designer brands, watches and even an area where the locals buy their food. As we all stumbled back on the bus now making the realisation the trip was concluding, we stammered slowly through the Phnom Penh traffic to the international airport. Here we had emotional goodbyes with our local guide Rith, and the now famous Billy (or more affectionately, Ricky), who’d shown us around the three countries from the start.

We have just arrived in Bangkok and are prepared for the long haul back to Melbourne.
On this plane ride, we’ve had the time to stop and appreciate the amazing experience we’ve had over the last 17 days. The diverse experiences we’ve had, from building a house for those less fortunate in the remote Plong hill tribe to cruising the Mekong and even seeing the mass graves and the S-21 prison of the Khmer Rouge. This trip has provided us with a plethora of opportunities and experiences that we will take through with us in every aspect of our lives. From eating tarantulas in the streets of Cambodia or taking a tuk-tuk through the built areas of Chiang Mai this really was a BIG experience.
Signing off for the last time – TLC Temples 2017
Liam Synan and Josh Roynic

 

Today was a particularly moving day of the Big Experience, in that we learnt a quantity of information about the genocidal nature of the reign of political leader Pol Pot and his Khmer Rouge. We began the day by traveling to the Killing Fields, the location in which over one million Khmer people were brutally executed by the Khmer Rouge. The dark atmosphere and gloomy nature of the Killing Fields was a truly confronting experience that has ultimately altered the way that many of us view the fundamental values of human life. The inhumanity of the methods of execution and the sheer confrontation of the remainders of the bodies that were buried in mass burial sites was an eye-opening experience for all of us. 

Whilst wandering around the Killing Fields, we not only learnt about the methods of execution, the structure of organisation of the Killing Fields area and the cruel treatment of the victims, we also reflected on our own lives and how it contrasts with the treatment of the victims of this devastating era. 

After a brief period of reflection, we traveled via bus to S – 21, a prison site that was redeveloped from a high-school that ultimately housed over 20 000 prisoners over the course of its establishment and existence. Only 7 prisoners of the 20 000 kept in S – 21 survived, and we were fortunate enough to have one of them there today. The methods of torture that we learnt about and the nature of the cells in the prison was extremely confronting, especially paired with detailed images of the prisoners tied up and being tortured. 

We ended the day with a relaxing boat ride along the majestic Mekong. This was a lovely contrast to the atmosphere of the sites of the Khmer Rouge. Back at the hotel, we had a powerful group discussion about the Khmer Rouge and how it relates to us today – also discussing our individual perspectives and opinions on the locations we visited today. This is something we will remember for a long time. 

TPC & Olivia 

 

We left Siam Reap this morning but not before a memorable visit to Kampuchea House, an orphanage that was founded and is run by Australians. The orphanage has been helping young Cambodians for 10 years including some orphans that are now studying to be doctors, chefs and designers. Although it was a Sunday, some of the orphans wore school uniforms that St Leonard’s fundraising had been used for. We were treated with freshly baked donuts and soft drink. All the kids absolutely loved playing soccer and other games together. 

The next part of our trip involved a 350km bus trip to the capital city of Phnom Penh. During this bus trip, we had the chance to reflect on the past two weeks. After a couple of stops, one that included some of us eating spiders, we thought about some important things we’ve learnt on this trip. Here are our responses: 

Josh R – Before this incredible trip I had the thought in my mind that all of the countries across south east Asia were the same and had the same cultures. I had no idea that regardless of the borders that have been placed across the region these counties still differ so greatly yet are still so similar. It’s been incredible to gain a greater knowledge of Thai, Lao and Khmer culture. 

Alex L – On this trip I have learnt that some areas of Thailand have become refuge for the Karen and Plong ethnic tribes. While visiting these tribes, I learned that to earn money there were many different techniques to make hand made goods. One technique was to make silk materials, this involved individually threading each thread that made up the silk. This process could take up to 6 months to make one sheet. 

Lily – On this trip I have learnt that black bears are often mistreated so that their bile can be used in traditional medicines. This is done by inserting a tube into their gall bladder and slowly taking it out each day making the animals suffer more and more. This problem is being solved by the shutting these bile farms down and an organisation called “Free the bears” takes them in to ensure that they live a happy and healthy life. 

Emily P – On this trip I have learnt that building a house is harder than it looks. When building a house you have to make sure that the bricks that you are laying are straight and not curved because if they are curved it is easier for the house to be knocked down by strong winds and harsh weather. I also learnt how to mix cement and lay it evenly between each set of bricks. 

Ashla – On the trip I have learnt how people live on water on the Tonle Sap lake. During the war many people fled to the lake as it was cheaper and safer. The houses in the water villages are raised on stilts as the water levels rise in the rainy season. Living on water, the most common form of transport is by boat, usually paddle boats or small motor boats. It was captivating how these people live and use the river with their everyday life.  

Emily D – I learnt so much about the stark contrast between our lives and the lives of others. It’s baffling that something as random as the family into which someone is born can all but determine the course of their life: their values, education, culture and health. 

Ashley – On this trip I have learned about the intrinsic values celebrated all over the world as a part of our universal and local cultures.These certain sets of morals or beliefs shared by a group of people may sometimes divide the human race and they may sometimes unite us. Nevertheless, they define the human experience and guide the growth and development of the human race as a whole. In Thailand we visited the Maejon village and learned about their dependence on community and their interdependence. In Laos we visited many temples and learned about the importance of Buddhism and its teachings. In Cambodia we visited the school and orphanage and learned about the value of education. All of these experiences were based on making human connections- all of these values are important in their own right. 
Angelique F – I learnt about temples and their significance for the Buddhist people and the locals. All the intricate details and beautiful designs and in Angkor Thom the temple, Bayon, shows the faces of compassion, empathy, sympathy and kindness. The elements wind, earth, fire and water are also represented. Ta Phrom with the wild overgrown trees and Angkor Wat being massive and telling the story of Khmers. 

Liam – I learnt that the political systems in Laos and Cambodia are very different to what we perceive the world is today. Both countries, though claiming to be “democratic,” vary to our typical democratic societies. Within these countries the leading parties- Laos People’s Democratic Republic and Cambodian People’s Party- being the only parties in parliament. This leads to a sense of dictatorship and oppression in these countries. 

Emma – I have learnt so many things on the Big Experience so far, but the most memorable thing that I have learnt is how different cultures interact with one another and how these different cultures have their own unique characteristics and practices. It has been interesting to observe how the different cultures in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia influence its people, daily life and the politics here. 

Ryan – On this trip I have learned that many areas and many people around the Mekong are being negatively affected by the Chinese and Laotian dams that are being installed. I also learned that the Mekong flows through 7 countries and that millions of people depend on the river for their income, cooking and washing. 

Harrison – I have learnt lots of things about the traditions, cultures and religions of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, especially about the Maejon hill tribe village and how they affect the lives and settlements of these people. 

Jess – Over the course of the Big Experience I have learnt that the people of these three countries do not worry or obsess over the future the way we do in Melbourne but instead live in the moment and enjoy life for what it is in the present. This was extremely evident in the Plong village as even though they did not have the material possessions we do or detailed plans for the future, they went through the day happily, taking in each moment and opportunity as it came. As long as they had their family and culture they were happy. 

Angelique P – I’ve learnt how to properly barter. I never get the opportunity to negotiate the price in Melbourne, as a consequence this has become a wonderful skill. Some tips which both my parents, and the teachers, have given me throughout the Big Experience (to improve my bartering skills) have been to halve the price the shop-owners suggest, and to stand-by this price. Additionally, appearing less interested in the product that you want to invest in is another useful hint—that way, the shop-owners will believe that you’ll walk away if they don’t agree to the price you’ve suggested. 

Tiana – I have learnt that no matter what you have in life people are happy with just family. I never got the opportunity to truly see that people don’t need all these rich and meaningless things because their family is always there for them no matter what so we take it for granted at times. However from being here in TLC I have seen that the children can play with a piece of leaf and still be the happiest kid in the world. Some kids here don’t have a family all the time to lean on when times are hard but they still learn how to enjoy life to the fullest and go to any close relatives or friends they have met in their village. When I get home I want to change the way I look at my life by not going on my phone or laptop as much and actually take in my family and sometimes just sit there not doing anything and try to be the happiest kid like they can be. 

Steph – On the big experience, I have learnt many things, but the most important thing I have learnt is I need to appreciate what I have more. Even though I’ve been to so many disadvantaged countries, I think that the countries I’ve visited on the Big Experience have had a much bigger impact on me because of my age. It’s made me see that no matter how much I think I have it badly that there are people who have less and are still coping. Electricity, sanitation, enough food- all things I’ve taken for granted for all my life are things I need to appreciate more. The Big Experience has helped me realise that my life doesn’t revolve around these material things and I’m really grateful for that. 

Liv – when we traveled to the Opium Museum on day seven we walked around and learnt about how the people who lived in Cambodia, Laos and Thailand used poppy flowers as a resource for drugs. Everybody started to get addicted to the drug and started getting very sick and, in extreme cases, death. After these awful times they realised that they could use the poppies to help the sick and for beneficial reasons.  

Josh B – I have learnt that materialistic things do not necessarily make us happy, as often the people with the least are the happiest. This realisation came to me when I stayed at the Plong village as most people were living in poverty and yet were so happy. Compare this to the developed society we live in today where we take most things for granted. 

Alex K – before I left for the big E I took the small things for granted, for example I wouldn’t think twice about drinking form the tap, not worry about running out of clothes, meals on demand, and having access to a ‘grade A’ education. Now that we have reached the end of the trip, I now have a greater appreciation for those smaller things and understand how lucky we really are to have all of these things at our finger tips. 

Sophie – The Big Experience has taught me that we are extremely privileged compared to many people in the world. It has also taught me to try new things and to be a risk taker. I also learned more about the cultures of Thailand,Laos and Cambodia and that many people in these countries relay on tourism as a source of income. I never thought that I would do some of the things that I did such as bathing an elephant, eating spiders, bartering for goods or building a house in the space of three days! All in all I think that I will walk away from the Big Experience a different person. 

Tom C – The Big Experience taught me to take my opportunities and I learnt that I need to pay more attention and try my hardiest as good things will be resulted in future rewards. It also taught me to be more respectful of other countries religion as I admire the dedication they have for their religion. For example I admire that the monks wake early to pray and pay respect towards their gods. It also encouraged to me talk to different people as you can create good friendships and that I shouldn’t judge just by a snapshot. 

Tom PC – One interesting fact that I have learnt during the Big Experience is the fact that the tourism industry is the second-largest income provider for both Laos and Cambodia. Because of this, tourism provides job opportunities for people like our instructors and helps to allow the country to further develop. This means that trips such as the Big Experience are very beneficial towards the future of the economy of Laos and Cambodia. 

Laura – One of the most shocking/interesting things to me was the difference in ageing. When we visited the school and orphanage it could be observed that the children all looked 3-6 years younger than their actual age. Even the adults are very short and look younger. In the school I talked to one boy who I would have guessed was around seven, this boy was twelve. This was because of the limited amount of food available and so they did not get enough nutrients to fuel their growth. 

Jack – Something that I found interesting was how reliant Thailand, Laos and Cambodia are on tourism. In Laos 80% of jobs are tourism based. I can just imagine life in Laos before there was a lot of tourists. It must have been very hard and difficult to make money and find a source of income. Hearing this statistic really surprised me at first but after I thought about it it made sense.. 

Scott – It was really interesting to learn about all the different temples in the different countries and how different aspects of the temples mean different things. For example at Angkor Wat we learned that the different faces on stone statues mean different things. When the statue’s face is looking down it means sympathy and when the statues face is smiling it means kindness. 

Zac – I’ve learnt that the golden triangle was used for Opium trade and there was a no-man’s land where there no laws. The currency used in this area was gold. Opium has both positive and negative impacts on societies. Whilst it can be used as an effective painkiller, it is very addictive and can lead to death. 

Jared – I found learning about the education in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia very shocking as so many kids can’t pay to get an education and others have to leave as it can be too hard to get to but also interesting about the stories some of the kids shared with us where they have been able to go to university and study medicine and also become chefs at restaurants. Being able to see the kids smiles on their faces at the orphanage made me feel really happy. 

Gen – During our trip we visited many beautiful Buddhist temples in which we were lucky enough to witness and be educated on the daily lives of the monks and nuns who live in tranquil dedication to Buddha. The belief that desire can lead to suffering means that monks and nuns live their lives without many unnecessary material objects and other luxuries as well as not having romantic relationships. Their lives are simple, having two meals a day that are gathered through the donations monks are given each morning as they walk through the streets wearing the traditional turmeric orange robes that have been worn for centuries. Buddhism has been a way for many young Cambodian men to access education and learn English through becoming monks. We have learnt so much about Buddhism during our trip, from the temples to the peaceful lifestyle, and I feel very lucky to have experienced it all.  

 

This morning, after our usual early breakfast, we shuffled quickly to the bus and were on our way to a floating village. We took a beautiful slow boat ride along the lake to see all the houses built from steel and wood and how the families live on the lake. The floating village had a school for the children to get educated and a temple for the families to pray. The kids have to learn how to swim at the age of three and learn to drive boats soon after. Life in the fishing village is tough but there was a clear sense of community with people buying and selling local produce and fish, and children taking advantage of their permanent swimming pool by doing backflips off their front verandahs. 

We then travelled back on to the bus where we were able to have some western food for lunch. Later in the afternoon we went off to a stationary store to spend some of our Walkathon fundraising money on pens, pencils, books, posters, whiteboards, hoola hoops and toothbrushes just to name a few. The goodies were a gift to a local school that has very little help from the government. We arrived to a guard of honour which made us feel like royalty and very special. We wondered how much English the kids could speak and understand. In the hot classroom with no walls, we split up and read books, taught basic English like abc and colours, sang songs and asked them about their daily life. Although English was their second language, they knew a lot more English than we gave them credit for. The soccer game was a highlight for both us and the school children. There was lots of laughter and giggling and we were no match for them as their sheer numbers meant they were too strong. We ended the afternoon by listening to some English songs the kids knew and we all joined in to ‘If you’re happy and you know it…’ We ended our day by having some pizza and a quick shop at the night market nearby. 

Jared & Zac 

 

We awoke early in the morning to the Cambodian sun cascading through the blinds as we all scurried to the breakfast buffet. We were all quite excited about visiting the amazing ruins of the Angkor Thom temples. As we all wrapped up our breakfasts, we all boarded the bus to head towards our first destination and one that will leave a memory for years to come and something that we will never forget. As we approached the gates to Angkor Thom we made a slight detour to obtain our tickets where we did a small funny face competition. When we arrived at the Southern Gate of Angkor Thom we prepared ourselves to be transported back thousands of years to learn about the amazing temples that were built in the 11th century. Bayon was the first temple we visited and probably one of the smallest yet most impressive temples in the city, as it was covered with different carvings of different faces through its rocky supports. Overall, Bayon was a memorable experience as we got to see all of the ancient carvings and the amazing view from the top floor of the temple. As we headed back to our buses, the amazing air conditioning was a great relief from the 33°C weather and the humidity that followed throughout the day. Twenty minutes later we arrived at our 2nd destination, a hidden gem you could say. Ta Phrom was surrounded by overgrown tree roots weaving their way through the ruins of the temple. We visited the “Tomb Raider” tree where a few famous actors shot their block busters. Overall, the first two temples were an amazing experience and we all definitely will come back and visit them again. 

After a very delicious lunch near the famous temple of Angkor Wat, we walked slowly towards the bridge that connected the main land to the small island. We scurried towards the gate with a rush of adrenaline and excitement as we were moments away from seeing one of the oldest and largest man-made monuments in South-East Asia. As we walked through the gate we watched monkeys sit on motorbikes and drinking water like humans. As we entered the ruins of the famous Angkor Wat we were all amazed by the ancient carvings and stories that this temple has to tell. Although we didn’t spend long exploring the maze like structure, what we did see was absolutely breathtaking and will definitely take centuries to forget. 

Overall today was one of the highlights of the TLC trip. We wrapped up our eventful day with a swim in the amazing pool and a leisurely night market stroll and we could go to sleep knowing that we have completed something that most can only dream of. We wrapped up our evening with a reflection of what we learnt in the temples today and what is to come for the students in the TLC Temples group. 

Emily Peck, Alex Kalotihos