Posted in Cambodia on January 29, 2019
After our arrival at the Phnom Penh airport, our group travelled via bus through the city. When we finished settling in our rooms at the first hotel, we walked through the busy and chaotic streets of the capital, and made our way to the Friends restaurant. This restaurant gives the people of Cambodia who have suffered troublesome lives an opportunity to learn useful skills for employability such as waitering, customer service, and cooking. After our meal we headed back to the hotel for bed.
Day One
After our arrival at the Phnom Penh airport, our group travelled via bus through the city. When we finished settling in our rooms at the first hotel, we walked through the busy and chaotic streets of the capital, and made our way to the Friends restaurant. This restaurant gives the people of Cambodia who have suffered troublesome lives an opportunity to learn useful skills for employability such as waitering, customer service, and cooking. After our meal we headed back to the hotel for bed.
The following day, we walked to a store/restaurant called Daughters of Cambodia, which is an organization with the goal of reducing the sex trade industry, and empowering women and men who were victims of prostitution to change their lives, and redeem themselves of the unfortunate lives they have lived before. After the hope-filled experience, we hopped on the bus to S21: a high school turned prison by the Khmer Rouge during the 70s. While an intense visit, it was extremely educational and thought provoking. At S21, the group got to see and listen to an audio tour allowing them to expand their knowledge of the genocide, and also to gain insight on what life was like for both the prisoners, and the soldiers. Following this genocide memorial, the group was brought to The Killing Fields, another memorial for those who died at the hands of the Khmer Rouge. While this experience was sorrowful like the last, it also served as closure for the education of the genocide. After the memorial, the group experienced a long drive to Kep.
At the morrow, we took our bus to the countryside where we took a look at water gates and latrines built during previous trips. One of the community leaders, Thim, then invited us to his house to enjoy some coconuts. Later, we had lunch with the locals and then took a tuk-tuk ride through the town of Kep, appreciating the history of the region while also enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains.
Tony, DWC Team leader
Posted in Cambodia on January 29, 2019
