Yesterday we had a pretty packed day. In the morning we went to some other temple (name escapes me at the moment, Charlotte informs me it begins with a "B") It was similar to those at Angkor Wat, only it is slightly older and a lot more ruined. It was cool as you could explore it yourself and climb through all the rubble! We had local tour guides who told us that every other building was a library, I think they were at it.
In the afternoon we went to Tonle Sap lake and saw a floating village. They have floating houses, shops, a school and a basketball court!!! They also had a crocodile farm and lots of children wandering round with snakes trying to get $1 to have your photo taken with them.
On the way back to Siem Reap from the lake we stopped at an orphanage and went in and met some of the kids. It was quite emotional. The orphanage gets no money from the government and relies entirely on sponsors, volunteers and donations. They find it difficult to get sponsors as there is alot of corruption in Cambodia which makes people reluctant to part with their money. The organisation gives the kids three meals a day, a roof over their head, and transport to and from school. Things we all take for granted. They also teach the kids English, an essential skill in this part of the world, give them some vocational training and teach them traditional Khmer dance and music.
The kids put on a Khmer dance show each night which is free to members of the public. Because there are so many kids, each individual only performs once or twice a week. We came back in the evening to see their show, it was very good and afterwards we got a chance to talk to and play with the kids and we made a small donation to the organisation (ACODO). Charlotte had a few conversations with them where as I was a big white climbing frame and punchbag.
We went out for dinner and a few drinks afterwards, really big buckets here, we even got free t-shirts at one of the bars.
This morning we travelled by bus to Bangkok and one of our party got held up at immigration for a while as the last time she was here she didn't get her passport stamped on exiting the country. Thankfully it all worked out and the customs people realised it had been their mistake. We are in Bangkok now, seems cool so far, a bit mental though. We might go and see a lady boy show but no ping-pong shows!!!
Hope everyone is ok, please leave comments if you read this!!!!!
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It sounds like you are experiencing all sides of the culture and not just the usual tourist stuff. Hopefully you took it easy on the really big buckets although some of the photos yesterday look like you have had lots of buckets. We are plotting your course on a map and are looking forward to your next adventures, so it must even more exiting actually being there and doing it.
ReplyDeleteKeep the blog going. We check several times a day and always look forward to the next post.
Dad
Your blog is almost as good as "Ax Men" and "Ice Road Truckers"! And you seem to be having just as many adventures.
ReplyDeleteThoroughly enjoying the daily adventures that you are both experiencing and letting us enjoy with you.
Missing you both and looking forward to the next episode..
(By the way Euan I have a garden project that I am sure you will enjoy being part of!!)
Hi Euan and Charlotte
ReplyDeleteCan't believe you're in Thailand already - very exciting. Cambodia sounds very different and the ophanage visit must have been tough. I wonder what the life chances for these children are. What was the age range and do they ever get adopted?
Take it easy on the buckets!
Little Alfie is learning to bark, he's attacking my feet at the moment - no he's moved onto Laura's leather jacket! He's a lively little fellow and looking forward to a visit from Auntie Shona, Uncle Andrew and Cousin Emma - I hope he behaves!
Anyway - enjoy Thailand - are you going to see any temple dancers? Missing you loads - big hugs to you both. Mum ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ ☻
This is amazing! I cant believe you went to an orphanage, i can only imagine how emotional that would be. I cant believe you are in Bangkok! It just keeps getting more and more crazy doesnt it?
ReplyDeleteIt sounds as if you are experiencing everything they have to offer! Enjoy Thailand, cant wait to hear your next blog!
Missing you both, love you ♥☼♥! xxxxx
☻ <-- Little orphan children.
☺ <-- You guyssss :L!
awesome blog guys keep it up
ReplyDeleteHey guys, thanks for the comments! I thought i'd let you know that the fish feet massage was actually very good quite tickly but your feet are so smooth after!
ReplyDeleteThe orphanage was a great experience these kids are so lucky to have the organisation! The kids ranged from 2 - 19! I got a chance to get to know some of them and their backgrounds; a fifteen year old had been a farmer, another a fisherman and a fourteen year old would wander the streets selling postcards to tourists! On our way home 10.45pm we saw kids going around on bikes collecting rubbish to sell! That was more upsetting!
Anyway i'm off to get a massage all our love take care xxx
Hi Euan and Charlotte
ReplyDeleteWe've just been looking at 'The Flight of the Gibbon' tours in chang mai where you can go on a 2km tour of the rainforest canpoy on a zip line - its looks good fun but the kind of thing that would make me cry!
Hope you are both okay. We are looking forward to the next instalment of your adventures.
Take care - love you loads - Charlotte I don't think you've convinced me about the fish eating feet thing but you are welcome to dip your toes in our pond anytime and show us how it works!
Love you both mum ♥
Yet again fantastic adventures, where can you guys go to next!! we are living the dream with you. Glad you got a tattoo charlotte especially on your butt. I was thinking of doing the very same thing only it would read. "KISS MY"
ReplyDeleteThe orphanage seems to have been and exciting but emonitial experience would love you guys to bring me home a litte baby boy. love you both and keep on trucking!!!! Mum J xxxx