Author: Philip Walsh

Today was our first full day in Laos and the contrast in energy between Laos & Cambodia was very clear to all. Our guide, Lae, told us that Laos P.D.R. stands for “People Don’t Rush” and it is very true of the vibe in the city of Vientiane.
This morning we woke up with our bodies feeling tired, yet we were excited for the upcoming events for the day. We began with a yummy breakfast at our first hotel. We then packed our bags and headed to our glamorous, air-conditioned bus and were driven to our first stop of the day – Wat si saket temple. We arrived with lots of spirit and enthusiasm, which was heightened by the sounds of loud Laotian music being piped over the loudspeakers. Before we entered the temple, all of the ladies were asked to put on traditional Laoation skirts because of a festival that was beginning today at the temple. There was a lady selling tiny little birds that she had trapped and for $4 Ana set some free (‘coz she’s a good lass – but also because it was good luck). We took a group photo with some teenage monks who were helping to set up for the festivities in the temple. It was also very strange to see a large military presence in the temple. They had set up bunks and were sleeping around the temple so that they could be on patrol at the festival.
 

We then headed back to our glam bus and cruised through the streets of Laos and stopped at Vientiane’s Arc de Triumph (a small, Laotian replica of the original) and walked up 200 steps to see the beautiful view of the city of Vientiane. The next stop was at a nice shopping centre – where most things were either fake or the same price as Australia.

 

We then stopped for a “choose your own adventure” lunch, to then set off on a 4-hour bus ride where we had a ‘lil karaoke sesh. We passed scenic mountains and beautiful rivers, and got an idea of what our next few days would bring. Our hotel is set alongside an abandoned US airstrip and Veng Vieng is well known for the giant hot air balloons that take off from the airstrip.

 

We had an hour to settle in before we took tuk-tuk trucks to dinner. We enjoyed a family dinner on a table for 30, where we were able to bond and regroup. Then we headed back to the hotel to play cards and have an early night in order to prepare for our big day of bike riding and kayaking tomorrow.

Blogged by Milani Butler and Jemima Padley

   
    
    

 

     
    

Today started with a bang in Kep. Ms McGuire and Miss Werba took a group of early risers for a pool side boot camp session before breakfast.  They all cooled down after the workout with a refreshing swim in the hotel pool. Some students took the opportunity to have a sleep in, instead of getting a workout and had a relaxing morning. 

Breakfast was short and sweet and we all gathered pool side for another swim in the pool to cool off before we packed our bags, ready for our 3 hour journey back to Phnom Penh to catch a flight to Vientiane in Laos. 

We arrived on scheduled and all went very smoothly. We collected our luggage and headed to Lane Xanh Hotel. Check in was a breeze so our new tour guide Lae took us for a quick walk around the neighbourhood. We arrived at a French patisserie and took the opportunity to taste a variety of French foods and drinks. 

Everyone was tired after the days traveling, so it was back to the hotel and straight to bed for most of us. We are looking forward to our tour tomorrow of the Laotian capital, visiting Wa Prakeo home of the emerald Buddha and 18th century temple of Wat Si Saket. 

The Internet service is rather slow here, so if you don’t hear from us for a day or so? Please be patient, we will up date and upload some more pictures as soon as we can.

Goodnight 

Pagodas 

  
 

We set off from our Kampot hotel early and headed Off to Mt Bokor National park where we saw a massive Buddha under construction. The views were amazing and it was enjoyable to just relax, sit and observe the landscape out in front of us. We could see Vietnam in the distance across the ocean. We saw this as a great opportunity to take some photographs while we inhaled the sea air.Mount Bokor’s temperature was much cooler because of its high altitude. We all embraced the opportunity to cool down after experiencing one of our hottest mornings to date.

We then checked out an old and empty Catholic Church. The church was built in stone and was covered in a rich moss, which had turned a bronze colour. We followed a mildly steep and winding path that led us to cliff face with amazing views. We sat and pondered for a while as we admired the magnificent views.

We then boarded our bus and travelled to the deserted Grand Black Palace. We were in awe of this massive construction that had been built by the French and unfortunately was never completed structurally or inhabited. This was where we had a take away vegie fried rice lunch, followed by some fruit. We all explored this mansion and climbed the stairs and imagined what would have been if it was ever finished. There were many balconies, bathrooms, bedrooms and many stairwells, which created a platform for us to further refine our photography skills.

We headed back down the mountain and headed off to the to the pepper farm. There we learned about the making of Kampot pepper and its quality taste from the high levels of quartz in the soil. We also walked around the farm and even tried some pepper straight off the tree. It was interesting to note that the workers at the farm were all volunteers. They farm used all natural, organic methods to grow their pepper

From there we had a relatively short drive to seaside town of Kep. Soon after arrival we headed down to the pool and cooled off after the hot day and had some down time.Then we hopped back on the bus, and headed to ‘Crab Kitchen’ in the village. We wandered around the town after eating some scrumptious food before heading back to the hotel. We split up into groups of 10 and reflected on the highlights and lowlights of the trip.

Then we headed to bed after a long day.

Blogged By 

Tom Galloway and Josh Cherubino

   
  
    
    
      
    

    
    
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We started the day off slowly with a well deserved sleep in to prepare for a tour around the beautiful Royal Palace of Cambodia. The Royal palace contained many extravagant temples and pagodas made of silver, gold and diamonds. The gardens surrounding the place were beautiful and well looked after, constantly being trimmed and nurtured by many gardeners. The Royal palace provided us with a great taste of how the Royal family of Cambodia live.
After the tour we made our way back to our hotel to pack, and we then set off on an estimated three hour bus trip to Kampot. Our road trip was cut short and soon resulted in much disaster for us and our previously happy bus driver. One hour into our journey to Kampot our beloved party bus decided that it didn’t want to go any further. We were 30 km’s away from Phnom Penh and over 100 km’s away from our intended destination. 

We were stranded in the lush Cambodian countryside for a grand total of 3 hours. Our happy and chirpy driver went to work on his bus only to find out that it was beyond his mechanical capability, he was devastated as the bus was also his mobil home whilst working away from his family. We were all relieved when another bus arrived, we quickly transferred all our luggage to our new our bus, completing a smooth transition to then be well on our way. 
We arrived at Veronica’s Kitchen for dinner at about 9:00pm where we all ate plenty of yummy Cambodian food. Feeling tired and with a full belly we eventually made it to Kampot Diamond Hotel at 10:00pm. We were all so keen for a good night sleep but no, no the blog was still to be done!, the three bloggers soldiered on and with the help off the legend himself Mr Walsh were able to write a ripper blog. 
Today’s blog by – Jake Harrowell , Rachel Heath and Luca Micallessi

   
    
    
    
    
   

Today we visited the killing fields that were very confronting to see and learn about. It was horrific to learn about the ways in which people were killed and tortured. The ways people were tortured were ruthless and disturbing. The Khmer Rouge regime run by Pol Pot, started in 1975 and ended in 1979. Our new tour guide Mr T gave us insight to what life was like living in the time of the Khmer Rouge. We saw the sights of multiple mass graves containing hundreds of deceased people. The most confronting being the graves of hundreds of infants and women who were killed by getting their heads banged against trees, not to mention other form of execution. We all observed in silence and with heavy hearts as we paid our respects to all the victims in the Khmer Rouge Genocide. 

We then visited the S-21 prison, Tuol Sleng which was a once a school and Pol Pots regime turned it into a prison. The prison was once filled with many innocent people whose lives were taken from them. They were totured up to seven times a day without proper treatment, and kept against their will in chains and confined to their cell. Out of the thousands of people who once entered the prison only seven managed to escape. Out of the seven survivors, two are still alive today; their names are Chum Mey and Bou Ming. Chum Mey’s family were all killed in front of his eyes but being a mechanic is what saved his life, he was used to fix the type writers and was given food in return. He was imprisoned for three months and twelve days. Our visit to Tual Sleng Prison was a confronting experience to say the least, but will remain with us forever. 

We then went to the Russian market which was bustling with people and smelt like chicken and miscellaneous spices. We believe that they call it the Russian market because everyone is rushin’ to make   a bargain, actually the Russians used to trade at this location.  After checkn’ out the market we got on a boat and cruised down the Mekong river, it was really relaxing and the views of Phnom Penh as the sun set were beautiful.  We then climbed aboard a few Tuk Tuk’s and enjoyed a friendly race to our next destination. We arrived to the place where we went out for dinner which was a ‘non for profit’ restaurant,   There was  to a shop also trading there called Friends ‘N’ Stuff which sold many recycled items. 

Today was a jam packed day of activities and a roller coaster of emotions. We were all ready for a well deserved sleep .

By Emmy, Lizzy, Ana, Tom and Meg.

   
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
 

After a slight sleep in (our alarm broke) the group checked out of the hotel and were prepared for the exciting seven hour bus journey taking us from Siem Riep to Phnom Penh. During this journey we stopped off for lunch and enjoyed some traditional Cambodian food. It was amazing to experience how fast a restaurant can service 33 guests so quickly. 

After a few more bumpy hours in the bus, we arrived at the Skun market, or more commonly referred to as the spider market. Walking off the bus with great anticipation we were greeted with many very young sellers offering us their fruit, and offering us their spiders. Mr Walsh was the first to experience the spiders (unwillingly). Two tarantulas were placed on his t-shirt by a school girl who was keen to get him to buy her pineapples. Yes, you guessed it; he did buy her pineapples and some bananas. Some of the brave few from our group decided to not only hold a spider but they tasted the culinary delights of deep fried tarantula, a taste and texture hard to forget. 

After the markets we were on the home stretch to Phnom Penh. On arrival to our new hotel, we were able to find out who our new room mates would be for our short stay at Town View Hotel. After settling into our hotel we ventured out and crossed the busy streets of the city and eventually made is safe and sound to our Thai restaurant. We ate dinner as a family and a delicious meal was had by all. We walked along the river side for a short way and then headed back to our hotel.

To finish off the day we were able to relax on the roof top of our hotel in the pool over looking Phnom Penh before getting ready for the big day ahead of us. 

Blogged by Matt Krstic and Matt Hinde

   

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

‘Reflections’

Cambodia 9th-14th November 2015
1. Nothing yet has really surprised me drastically, as I’ve visited many 3rd world countries before, but after spending 3 days building a house for and interacting with the villagers; it really awakens you to how deprived some families are, even of simple things like good health, shelter & food. However, its grounding to see that these people that have next to nothing, are some of the happiest people you will ever meet. —Lani Butler

2. For me this is my first time going to a 3rd world country, even though I have traveled to many different countries. I was very surprised when we visited the village these past three days, to see that they lack in food, healthy water and protection from weather. Seeing the children every day brought a smile to my face, this trip is such an amazing experience for everyone and I can’t wait to see what the next couple of days will bring – Max King 

3. This trip is my first time visiting a third world country. The first few days have been exciting, but also very confronting. Visiting the village, and interacting with the people of the village will be something I will never forget. I am amazed at how happy all of the people are, yet they don’t have anywhere near as much as we do. I was also surprised that the language barrier didn’t stop us from making friends with the local people of the village. This trip has already been an amazing couple of days, and I know that the rest will be even better. – Rachel Heath

4. So far this trip to Cambodia has really changed the way I think. I’ve learned that there are so many people living with next to nothing but are still the happiest people I’ve ever met. I’ve realised I take many simple things in life for granted and I should appreciate what I have. The night markets have been incredible and I’m quickly learning how to barter. I’m really excited about the next few days we’re spending in Cambodia. – Nina Coghill 

5. I am so lucky, the way I live and have a great education. I don’t have to worry about lack of food or resources since they are all supplied for me. Up to now the trip has been very confronting for all of us, when we see what the kids have in the village, they play with stones and sticks to entertain themselves. Our worlds are so different compared to them. I have loved sharing smiles with the village children, and helping them live a more sustainable and healthy life. The change of environment has challenged me since I constantly feel a weak and tired, but I’m dealing to help me cope with that. I have also learnt not to take anything for granted and to be happy with what you have instead of always wanting more and better things. Also having our devices at home is great since then we can really connect with the country and other people in our group. Opening our eyes more. I have really really enjoyed seeing elephants and having a dance party on the bus!!! I miss home but I am really enjoying this once in a life time experience -Marelie Koot 😊

6. I think that the people here have very hard lives and that they are very resilient. They seem to not value the same things as I do, and I found it very interesting how they would marry and have children at such young ages. Comparing our lives, I’m so lucky that I live in such a wealthy country and I am safe, health and have the ability to get an education. -Eleanor Chadwick

7. This is the first 3rd world/developing country I have visited and the diversity is very similar to what I have been told e.g big hotels and leisure clubs where the wealthy go and next to them they have poor shops and slums. In the village where we built the house I was surprised at how happy the kids were even with little to do or play with. Whilst out here I haven’t thought about home because there hasn’t been much time to. -Sam May

8. Cambodia is a country like none other that I have ever been to, the country shows off the diverse nature of people’s emotions and captures imaginations. There are a few things that I have learnt in the short time I have been here, one of these is how fortunate my peers and I are- the fact that some many of the population makes less than $1 a day and that we all go to such a fortunate school just makes be think more and be grateful. The other main thing I have learnt whilst I have been here is that their history of unfortunate events and how a country can rise from the ashes makes me see how easy Australia has had it so far. I loved this place as soon as I got off the bus. – Cooper Green-Shiel

9. There is so much to say about Cambodia. It’s a very poor country and people are surviving off very little but are all still making the best of what they have and it didn’t hit me that hard until the tour guide shared his story. Being in Cambodia has opened my eyes to how lucky we are in Australia and when we finished the house for a lucky family and gave them gifts it was so nice to see their reaction overwhelmed with joy. Overall in my short time in Cambodia so far I have enjoyed every second of my time and appreciate how lucky I am but my favourite moment so far has been wondering through the different temples. -Luca Micalessi

10. From the short period I’ve spent overseas I’ve experienced more than I have in my past 15 years. As soon as I walked out of the airport I experienced a massive culture shock, the way of life was so different and made me realise just how lucky I am. before this trip I couldn’t come to grips with a country being in such poverty but during the house build it really hit just how poor Cambodia was and what simple pleasures I took for granted. After hearing our tour leaders story of his life and the hardships he’s had to overcome I understood that happiness isn’t determined through money but rather through a strong community, family and friends. – Matt Krstic 

11. I’ve been overseas before, but in the short time I’ve been in this country, I’ve witnessed how fortunate and lucky we really are. During the house build, I saw in person really how poor the families are, and building this house for this one lucky family resembles winning the lottery for them. When the locals helped out building the house, it showed how unselfish and kind everyone is for each other and that money isn’t the true form of happiness. I’m trying to soak every moment of this memorable, life changing experience in and the hardest part of this trip so far has been the constant sweat from the punishing humidity. – Matt Hinde

12. I have already come to a conclusion during this big experience that I should be very fortunate for what I have since this country and its people have a hard time surviving. Bargaining in the markets was a bit of a challenge because I had to completely ignore people who were trying to sell their stuff (especially children) to signify you are not interested. However, I managed to do well and reduced the price to a very low price. I have learnt a lot of Cambodian phrases and words by studying their language and asking the people what something is and also applying them during the trip. This skill has reminded me the importance of learning a different language. So far I have enjoyed most of the experience and have bonded well with both peers, teachers and the Cambodian people and hope to keep the amazing journey from now on. -Daniel Choi

13. I have been overseas many times before, but never to a third world country. I thought I was going to be prepared for what I was about to witness here, although there are some eye opening experiences that we have already had that I hadn’t expected. I now realise how thankful I am to live the life I do, I am now more grateful for the little things my parents do, for example going grocery shopping so we always have food in the fridge. The most challenging part of this trip so far has been building the house. I never realised how challenging it is to build a simple house in extremely hot weather with limited materials. It was definitely an eye opener for how the Cambodians have to live on a day to day basis especially in the village areas. My favourite part of this trip so far is just how close some of us have gotten, it’s so much fun going out to dinner and going around the markets in small groups and it definitely forms new friendships. – Frances Peck

14. I have never been overseas so this trip so far, has been very different for me and out of my comfort zone. I still sometimes believe that I’m still in Australia even though the culture and society is vastly different. The most challenging part of this trip would be seeing all the unprivileged children and poor families. As I am not surrounded by this usually it is a new perspective I have on the world and my lifestyle. It does make me appreciate all the things I have in my life and how lucky I am to be brought up the way I was. The best part of the trip so far, would have to be either playing with the children in village that we built a house for or the night markets. The reason why I enjoyed the night markets as it is a new experience for me as I have never been to one or bargained before. However the children faces when we arrived in the village put a smile on my face as they would be so excited to see us. – Charlotte Hayward

15. Coming to Cambodia and seeing how the people here live has showed me how fortunate we are in our every day lives. I’ve noticed that most houses are only 1 story, the occasional double story looks to be only 1 or so rooms and nearly everyone owns a motorbike. This is so different compared to how Australians live and I think it shows a big difference in the way our governments govern our countries. My favourite part of the trip so far has probably been the night markets and building the house in the village. The markets I love because it’s so different to Australia and you get a taste of a different culture, you get to bargain and experience new things. The village I love because it’s not something you would normally do when going overseas and it’s also something you get to do with your friends. You get to give a well deserving family with barely anything a brand new house which gives both you and them a smile. – Amy Galston

16. I’ve experienced poor countries before but the culture shock here has been astonishing. Seeing all the families that cope with the really tough living situation is inspiring and motivational and hearing people’s stories is showing me that even if you start at rock bottom, you can always pull through. – Lizzy Kormany

17. I found the culture really confronting, seeing so much poverty everywhere and so tightly packed. The food is great and I learned that you have to be ruthless when bargaining. Tom G 

18. Cambodia has been great expirencing a different lifestyle and culture has been confronting while interesting during the trip. Markets and walking around the streets has been very fun while educational. Jake H

19. Cambodian lifestyle and culture is very different to what we experience in Australia, everything is chaotic and fast but it all works out. The markets are good fun and I’m learning new skills. Josh C