risk taking, hard work and compassion goes to all of you on the 2011 Cambodia trip.
It was wonderful to see you appreciate Cambodia's rich history and culture and enjoy climbing up through the temples and over the enormous roots of the ancient trees - pretending to be tomb raiders. It was good to see you cook, eat crickets, plant bamboo trees and put together a small house for some very happy families.
I know you were all stunned by the hardships and horrors endured by the Cambodian people in more recent times and will not forget Janne's story about the 4 year old girl looking after the babies!
My fondest memories will be of you, giving so generously to the children we met in the orphanages and schools. You gave pens, pencils & toothbrushes but more importantly you gave your time!
As for my colleagues, the best & the fittest or is it fettest? :)
Looking forward to re-union next year, hope you all have a safe and happy holiday
Ms JCat
Tuesday, 14 June 2011
Friday, 10 June 2011
Some final words.....
Dear All,
Imparting our time, energy, efforts and care to help those not so fortunate in circumstances as ourselves will be remembered by the peoples in Cambodia for many years to come. I think and hope a little bit of Cambodia will remain with you all and I'm not just referring to the red soil that is entrenched to the soles of your boots!
As always leave only footprints and take memories!
Best Wishes
Mr Rowat
Imparting our time, energy, efforts and care to help those not so fortunate in circumstances as ourselves will be remembered by the peoples in Cambodia for many years to come. I think and hope a little bit of Cambodia will remain with you all and I'm not just referring to the red soil that is entrenched to the soles of your boots!
As always leave only footprints and take memories!
Best Wishes
Mr Rowat
Thanks!
What an awesome 6 days spent in Cambodia with an equally awesome bunch of people! Being my first time, I was looking forward to seeing and experiencing all the wonderful things I had heard about the county and it's people. From my perspective as a teacher I couldn't have asked for a better group of young adults to do that with, and of course a couple of older adults too. However, I am a little upset about the number of untruths that have been written about me in previous blogs because that is not how I remember things happening.........
Anyways, thanks to each and every one of you students for a great time, you and the trip is something I will remember with many fond memories and laughter in the future.
Of course thanks also to Ms. J-to-the-C-to-the-A-to-the-T for being an awesome camp mother and Mr.Rowat for the endless water supply, accurate account keeping and hilarious after dinner games.
I look forward to seeing you all after the summer break. Safe travels.
Mr. T.
Anyways, thanks to each and every one of you students for a great time, you and the trip is something I will remember with many fond memories and laughter in the future.
Of course thanks also to Ms. J-to-the-C-to-the-A-to-the-T for being an awesome camp mother and Mr.Rowat for the endless water supply, accurate account keeping and hilarious after dinner games.
I look forward to seeing you all after the summer break. Safe travels.
Mr. T.
Thursday, 9 June 2011
Day 7 Visit to the Killing Fields
The last day of our trip in Cambodia has been the bomb (although we shouldn't say that out loud since we're currently in an airport). We ventured to the Cheoung Ek Killing Fields at 8:30 in the morning, where our tour guide took us around the mass graves. It was harrowing to experience the fear that many Cambodians were burdened with during the Khmer Rouge Regime and the rest of their lives. We visited the Memorial Stupa which contained 17 tiers of 8,985 excavated human remains, including skulls, bones and clothing. Many of us lit an incense stick and purchased flowers to lay at the altars in respect to the victims. We also visited the museum in which we saw the tools of torture as well as frightful photographs of the time.
On a brighter note, we then visited the not-so-Russian Russian market which was like every other market we visited. We all practiced our haggling skills at the market and bought many gifts for our beloved parents, friends and peers.
Now, we will move on to the 2011 Cambodia Trip Awards Ceremony...
Lamest joke of all time award goes to Mr. Rowat.
When Saaz almost fell... "Sizzle almost sazzled!"
Most pointless purchases award goes to Brandon Hough for purchasing 10 pairs of FAKE Raybans in a plethora of colors.
Most money spent and heaviest suitcase award goes to Ms. J-Cat for having a suitcase that weighs 27 kilograms and supporting the entire Cambodian economy by spending a whole lot of money.
Best air-drumming award goes to Artem Zinin who managed to air-drum and entertain everyone everywhere.
Worst bed-mate and grumpiest morning person ever award goes to Yael Illouz who managed to hog the entire bed and almost pushing Hannah off.
Biggest poser award goes to Mr. Tauroa who managed to stop the flow of traffic on the stairs leading down from the temple at Angkor Wat just to strike a pose for the adoring cameras and fans below.
Best planker/lying-down game award goes to Carolyn Reid who almost broke a sacred pillar through her skillful attempt.
Best dinner game award is tied, going to Ms. Catalano's "Which animal and vegetable looks like which teacher" game and Mr. Rowats exhilarating "spoon or fork, a what?" game.
Most unsynchronized dance-ercisers award goes to Lucy Fentiman and Hannah Vince who couldn't stay in time with the Chinese techno and the 90 year old women. (Best, most synchronized dancers go to Leah, Jojo and Yael)
Actually, best dance-erciser in the dance-ercize arena award goes to Smoking Hot Daniel who even in a cowboy hat is still smoking hot and incredibly talented at dance-ercising.
Award for best trip suggestion and the creator of what would become our most fun, rewarding and memorable day was Ms. Mak, who recommended we visit the Temple Cooking School, PACDOC Orphanage and the Volunteer Development Children's Association.
Johanna Martendal gets a special, important award for suggesting a donation by our group to the VDCA English School through the purchase of a student-made painting which we will proudly display at OFS.
Most irresponsible award and best nickname award (credits goes to Jojo!) goes to Saaz "Sizzle" Sahgal who although has two green cards, almost lost both on two different occasions as well as his passport, his temple pass for $20US (which he lost once and almost once again if not for Brandon) and who was late twice in one day (every day)
Best looking in a Bandarf goes to the stunning, Hannah Vince (a.k.a Crystal Chandelier) who never fails to look her best, even when asleep with it covering her face.
Most food ordered and most orders ignored award goes to Daryl Lum, who although was very hungry all the time never seemed to acknowledged by the restaurant staff.
Most money spent on a hotel-phone bill goes to Artem Zinin who managed to spend a whopping $160US in four days on calls to his significant other.
Best 20-questions question goes to Leah Bank who inspired us all and sparked such gripping conversations with her question, "What's your favorite African animal?"
Best celebrity crush award goes to Mr. Rowat who intends to marry "the Hoff"
Cutest person EVER award goes to Ran Young WHO IS SO CUTE! and is an awesome roommate.
Most scared of bugs award goes to Scotty who flailed like a little girl when any form of bug (or anything resembling a bug e.g. leaves, air...) came into close proximity to him.
Most dedicated photographer award goes to Mayank who stunned us all with spell bounding angles and fascinating techniques.
Best meal provider award goes to the Pacific Hotel in Phnom Penh which we recommend to one and all as the meat is truly questionable.
Best Plane outfit award goes to Kimberley and Annapurna who have stunning sponge-bob boxers.
Most unconstructive on a construction site award goes to Brandon, Daryl and Hannah who burst a pipe and broke a bed in an orphanage.
Best posture award goes to Abbie whose shoulders were pulled back the entire trip.
Best pool playing award goes to Tal whose extraordinary skills left us speechless.
Best input as bloggers award goes to Laura and Sacha whose help did not go unnoticed in the blog last night.
Best smile award goes to Moekyo who smiled the whole trip.
... What happens in Cambodia stays in Cambodia ;)
Blog written by the best Cambodian trip group OFS has ever known and will know for many years to come. See you next year and till we meet again. Enjoy!
On a brighter note, we then visited the not-so-Russian Russian market which was like every other market we visited. We all practiced our haggling skills at the market and bought many gifts for our beloved parents, friends and peers.
Now, we will move on to the 2011 Cambodia Trip Awards Ceremony...
Lamest joke of all time award goes to Mr. Rowat.
When Saaz almost fell... "Sizzle almost sazzled!"
Most pointless purchases award goes to Brandon Hough for purchasing 10 pairs of FAKE Raybans in a plethora of colors.
Most money spent and heaviest suitcase award goes to Ms. J-Cat for having a suitcase that weighs 27 kilograms and supporting the entire Cambodian economy by spending a whole lot of money.
Best air-drumming award goes to Artem Zinin who managed to air-drum and entertain everyone everywhere.
Worst bed-mate and grumpiest morning person ever award goes to Yael Illouz who managed to hog the entire bed and almost pushing Hannah off.
Biggest poser award goes to Mr. Tauroa who managed to stop the flow of traffic on the stairs leading down from the temple at Angkor Wat just to strike a pose for the adoring cameras and fans below.
Best planker/lying-down game award goes to Carolyn Reid who almost broke a sacred pillar through her skillful attempt.
Best dinner game award is tied, going to Ms. Catalano's "Which animal and vegetable looks like which teacher" game and Mr. Rowats exhilarating "spoon or fork, a what?" game.
Most unsynchronized dance-ercisers award goes to Lucy Fentiman and Hannah Vince who couldn't stay in time with the Chinese techno and the 90 year old women. (Best, most synchronized dancers go to Leah, Jojo and Yael)
Actually, best dance-erciser in the dance-ercize arena award goes to Smoking Hot Daniel who even in a cowboy hat is still smoking hot and incredibly talented at dance-ercising.
Award for best trip suggestion and the creator of what would become our most fun, rewarding and memorable day was Ms. Mak, who recommended we visit the Temple Cooking School, PACDOC Orphanage and the Volunteer Development Children's Association.
Johanna Martendal gets a special, important award for suggesting a donation by our group to the VDCA English School through the purchase of a student-made painting which we will proudly display at OFS.
Most irresponsible award and best nickname award (credits goes to Jojo!) goes to Saaz "Sizzle" Sahgal who although has two green cards, almost lost both on two different occasions as well as his passport, his temple pass for $20US (which he lost once and almost once again if not for Brandon) and who was late twice in one day (every day)
Best looking in a Bandarf goes to the stunning, Hannah Vince (a.k.a Crystal Chandelier) who never fails to look her best, even when asleep with it covering her face.
Most food ordered and most orders ignored award goes to Daryl Lum, who although was very hungry all the time never seemed to acknowledged by the restaurant staff.
Most money spent on a hotel-phone bill goes to Artem Zinin who managed to spend a whopping $160US in four days on calls to his significant other.
Best 20-questions question goes to Leah Bank who inspired us all and sparked such gripping conversations with her question, "What's your favorite African animal?"
Best celebrity crush award goes to Mr. Rowat who intends to marry "the Hoff"
Cutest person EVER award goes to Ran Young WHO IS SO CUTE! and is an awesome roommate.
Most scared of bugs award goes to Scotty who flailed like a little girl when any form of bug (or anything resembling a bug e.g. leaves, air...) came into close proximity to him.
Most dedicated photographer award goes to Mayank who stunned us all with spell bounding angles and fascinating techniques.
Best meal provider award goes to the Pacific Hotel in Phnom Penh which we recommend to one and all as the meat is truly questionable.
Best Plane outfit award goes to Kimberley and Annapurna who have stunning sponge-bob boxers.
Most unconstructive on a construction site award goes to Brandon, Daryl and Hannah who burst a pipe and broke a bed in an orphanage.
Best posture award goes to Abbie whose shoulders were pulled back the entire trip.
Best pool playing award goes to Tal whose extraordinary skills left us speechless.
Best input as bloggers award goes to Laura and Sacha whose help did not go unnoticed in the blog last night.
Best smile award goes to Moekyo who smiled the whole trip.
... What happens in Cambodia stays in Cambodia ;)
Blog written by the best Cambodian trip group OFS has ever known and will know for many years to come. See you next year and till we meet again. Enjoy!
Wednesday, 8 June 2011
Day 6: Building the houses(Tabitha)
Day 6 was the busiest and most rewarding day in Cambodia. Our main objective for this trip was to build the houses for the tabitha foundation. We succeeded with no major casualties. We drove vans 45 minutes south of Phnom penh. When we reached the village, we saw the families and houses in poor condition. In total we completed six houses. Although it was hard work, we enjoyed being there to see the villagers who were so excited to have us and to have their new houses. Everyone worked very well together and we got the houses done in record timing. However, we did have lots of help from villagers especially hammering the nails. Even the children pitched in. Our lunch was interesting, there were no knives, no ham, no lettuce thanks to your responsible children and last night bloggers. In the end, there was tuna, cheese, chips and vegemite, a delightful combination.
We each gave the blankets to the chosen families and they were very happy. Since we finished early, we got to visit an extra local market where we participated in some old ladies jazzercise routine to funky chinese techno. Lucy and Hannah seemed to have co ordination problems but the rest of us stole the show. For the dinner, we went to FCC and the food was amazing. While we were having dinner, we saw the over sized lizard on the wall. All in all a very good day !
We each gave the blankets to the chosen families and they were very happy. Since we finished early, we got to visit an extra local market where we participated in some old ladies jazzercise routine to funky chinese techno. Lucy and Hannah seemed to have co ordination problems but the rest of us stole the show. For the dinner, we went to FCC and the food was amazing. While we were having dinner, we saw the over sized lizard on the wall. All in all a very good day !
Tuesday, 7 June 2011
Day 5
After a few of us overslept this morning (*ahem* Ms Catalano), we flew to phnom penh in the shortest flight ever. After a little confusion regarding the baggage, we finally got our luggage and said hello to our new bus driver/tour guide. We found that Phnom Penh was very, very different to Siem Reap because of how crowded the city was and how not tourist friendly or calm it was. When we finally reached the hotel we were less than overjoyed at the very cambodian lunch (the rice was amazing, no joke). We then took the bus to the Tabitha foundation headquarters, where we met Jan, the founder of the organization and were amazed by her interesting stories about what cambodian people have been through from the Khmer rouge. This was unexpected as we thought we were just getting an orientation before we started the house building the next day, instead we listened to gruesome stories which helped us understand the significance of what we are going to do and how much those houses will mean to those poor families who have only known sadness. Later on we visited the Tabitha shop where some of us bought unique souvenirs from the foundation such as Ms J-cat's can tab bag.
After this we took the bus to Tuol Sleng, the genocide museum where we were shown by a tour guide horrific pictures and tools that detailed the cruelty of the Khmer Rouge. It was very difficult for the majority of people to witness these depictions of the Khmer Rouge and Pol Pot's regime. FOr the first time during our visit to Cambodia, we experienced pouring rain to the point where the roads were flooded. Due to this we decided to have an early dinner, without first passing through our AMAZING hotel. We went to Friends restaurant for dinner, a restaurant run by children saved from streets of Phnom Penh. The food was surprisingly good (especially the dessert). Everyone enjoyed their meals, and the group was split into two tables. Mr Rowat's table had a very fun game called "The Fork-Spoon Game". In the end it was a fun night for a long day. Can't wait for tomorrow!
Authors: Saaz, Yael, Mayank, Moeko
Day 5
After this we took the bus to Tuol Sleng, the genocide museum where we were shown by a tour guide horrific pictures and tools that detailed the cruelty of the Khmer Rouge. It was very difficult for the majority of people to witness these depictions of the Khmer Rouge and Pol Pot's regime. FOr the first time during our visit to Cambodia, we experienced pouring rain to the point where the roads were flooded. Due to this we decided to have an early dinner, without first passing through our AMAZING hotel. We went to Friends restaurant for dinner, a restaurant run by children saved from streets of Phnom Penh. The food was surprisingly good (especially the dessert). Everyone enjoyed their meals, and the group was split into two tables. Mr Rowat's table had a very fun game called "The Fork-Spoon Game". In the end it was a fun night for a long day. Can't wait for tomorrow!
Authors: Saaz, Yael, Mayank, Moeko
Day 5
Monday, 6 June 2011
Cambodia 2011 Day 4
We started today off with an early wake up at 6:30 and directly after a rushed breakfast our teachers sent us off to hard labour at Arunh School which is sponsored by Caring for Cambodia. Upon reaching there, we were split up into 3 different groups, each being in charge of one of the three: fence making, bamboo tree planting and leveling of dirt piles.
The fence making was a total failure, as members of the group that we will not mention dug too deep and cracked a water pipe that exploded. The leaders of the school didn't want them to continue and damage it further.
The bamboo tree planting was fun but very, very hot. We planted 30 bamboo trees and we had to water each of them at the end. The students in their classrooms were looking through their windows and laughing at our progress.
The leveling of dirt piles was exhausting and tedious. We basically had to spread out dirt from large piles around the school grounds. This took incredibly long and we only managed to level off 4 of the 7 piles by lunch time. We managed to dig into a fire ant colony and the diggers were all attacked by them. It was back-breaking work but was rewarding as we were able to help prevent flooding of the school.
We were filthy and dusty and thus returned back to our hotel rooms to take quick showers then we were off to lunch at Khmer Family Restaurant where we experienced a crazy street performer doing dangerous things with knives.
We then returned to the scene of the crime to take part in the Village Rumble, a scavenger hunt around the village, with the Cambodian students. It started to rain but that didn't stop our valiant efforts. Laura won the Village Rumble with her Cambodian partner and received a high five from the teacher.
After that, we returned to the hotel exhausted, had some time to kill, and then went out for dinner at Molly Malone's Irish Restaurant where we played an interesting game of pool and 20 questions where Brandon admitted to loving George Clooney and Mr. Rowat said he would marry the Hoff because his name began with 'the'. We all enjoyed our dinner and walked back to our hotel.
Duty group 4: Kimberly, Jojo, Brandon and Daryl.
The fence making was a total failure, as members of the group that we will not mention dug too deep and cracked a water pipe that exploded. The leaders of the school didn't want them to continue and damage it further.
The bamboo tree planting was fun but very, very hot. We planted 30 bamboo trees and we had to water each of them at the end. The students in their classrooms were looking through their windows and laughing at our progress.
The leveling of dirt piles was exhausting and tedious. We basically had to spread out dirt from large piles around the school grounds. This took incredibly long and we only managed to level off 4 of the 7 piles by lunch time. We managed to dig into a fire ant colony and the diggers were all attacked by them. It was back-breaking work but was rewarding as we were able to help prevent flooding of the school.
We were filthy and dusty and thus returned back to our hotel rooms to take quick showers then we were off to lunch at Khmer Family Restaurant where we experienced a crazy street performer doing dangerous things with knives.
We then returned to the scene of the crime to take part in the Village Rumble, a scavenger hunt around the village, with the Cambodian students. It started to rain but that didn't stop our valiant efforts. Laura won the Village Rumble with her Cambodian partner and received a high five from the teacher.
After that, we returned to the hotel exhausted, had some time to kill, and then went out for dinner at Molly Malone's Irish Restaurant where we played an interesting game of pool and 20 questions where Brandon admitted to loving George Clooney and Mr. Rowat said he would marry the Hoff because his name began with 'the'. We all enjoyed our dinner and walked back to our hotel.
Duty group 4: Kimberly, Jojo, Brandon and Daryl.
Sunday, 5 June 2011
Day 3
Today was a late start and we headed of to sight see some of the amazing temples in Cambodia joined by our tour guide Mr Son.
On the bus ride we viewed an amazing man made moat and a group of hungry monkeys.
First stop was Angkor Wat temple, which is on the Cambodia flag. It was incredible,and for many it was the first of the "7 wonders of the world" they had visited. The carvings were beautiful and we all learned a lot about the temples history.
Then we went to Ta Prohm temple were Tomb Raider was filmed unfortunately Angelina Jolie was not there :( But the viewing was fantastic and the trees with their overwhelming roots were ultimately protecting the structure of the temple.
The last temple was the Bayon temple which included the 54 towers which represent the 54 provenances of Cambodia. We were able to observe many stone carvings which showed the history of the 11th century.
Throughout the temple viewing various members of the group decided to "plank" on different parts of the temple. In the end Mr T "owned" Brandon, almost breaking a temple pillar in the process.
For dinner we got Tuk Tuk's (which are four seated carriages pulled by motor-bikes) to the Banana Leaf restaurant where we watched the tennis match of Nadal vs Federer until Nadal won the first set. Afterwards we went to a night market where we ate crickets and received a fish spa treatment which ticklish and relaxing (Y) (Y) then got Tuk Tuk's back to the hotel.
Authors, Duty Group 3 : Lucy, Ye Chan, Tal, Ran Young
Day 3 Photos
On the bus ride we viewed an amazing man made moat and a group of hungry monkeys.
First stop was Angkor Wat temple, which is on the Cambodia flag. It was incredible,and for many it was the first of the "7 wonders of the world" they had visited. The carvings were beautiful and we all learned a lot about the temples history.
Then we went to Ta Prohm temple were Tomb Raider was filmed unfortunately Angelina Jolie was not there :( But the viewing was fantastic and the trees with their overwhelming roots were ultimately protecting the structure of the temple.
The last temple was the Bayon temple which included the 54 towers which represent the 54 provenances of Cambodia. We were able to observe many stone carvings which showed the history of the 11th century.
Throughout the temple viewing various members of the group decided to "plank" on different parts of the temple. In the end Mr T "owned" Brandon, almost breaking a temple pillar in the process.
For dinner we got Tuk Tuk's (which are four seated carriages pulled by motor-bikes) to the Banana Leaf restaurant where we watched the tennis match of Nadal vs Federer until Nadal won the first set. Afterwards we went to a night market where we ate crickets and received a fish spa treatment which ticklish and relaxing (Y) (Y) then got Tuk Tuk's back to the hotel.
Authors, Duty Group 3 : Lucy, Ye Chan, Tal, Ran Young
Day 3 Photos
Saturday, 4 June 2011
Day 2: Sightseeing and Visiting
Waking up to a beautiful day of sunshine, things could only get better from yesterday. Cooking at the Temple CLub was enjoyable as Mr. T was bullied by the main chef. Surprisingly, the food we ended up making was edible. :) Turning up late to the orphanage started off the bad luck of the day, as later Hannah destroyed a bed, so we did try to compensate by giving them lots of gifts. The school was next and we all seemed to have as much fun as the students. At the school, we saw the art room, and a lot of the drawings were made by one boy. The quality of his work can be quite aptly described as the new Michelangelo of the canvas. Ending the day with a meal at the Red Piano, we were all full and tried to barter with the tuk-tuk as orders by Mr. Rowat.
On a serious note, we all seemed to understand the circumstances the children were in after today, and a lot of people were shocked by the poverty we saw today. And the most touching thing is how little the children had, yet how much they could give back.
Authors: Duty Group 2 Annapurna, Abigail, Hannah, Artem
Day 2 Photos
On a serious note, we all seemed to understand the circumstances the children were in after today, and a lot of people were shocked by the poverty we saw today. And the most touching thing is how little the children had, yet how much they could give back.
Authors: Duty Group 2 Annapurna, Abigail, Hannah, Artem
Day 2 Photos
Day 1: Welcome To Cambodia!
It looked like a nice beginning to a nice trip, The plane was delayed, luckily we had a frisbee to keep us company. But then security apparently considered it a weapon and decided to take it away to check it in as luggage due to it being a liability. We eventually arrived in Cambodia and from there things only escalated (Eg. Mr. Rowat found out he can't count past 20). After dropping off our bags and settling in we went out for dinner and we all had a really nice meal. When it came to leaving however MR.T could not locate the bus until a student spoke up and said it was around the corner... Mr. T hung his head in shame and walked on. This could only be the beginning to a very unforgettable trip...day one is finally over.
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