Cambodia - Kingdom of Wonder [Part 1]

Cambodia - Kingdom of Wonder.

Have always marveled at the Khmer empire, that once covered most parts of the vast land of Southeast Asia.

After graduating from University (FINALLY) found some time to visit this amazing tropical country, and also kick-starting my 2 weeks of travel in Southeast Asia.

This trip was quite impromptu, booking the flight less than a week prior to departure, and prolonged my stay to the maximum, where I flew back only the day before my reservist.

Day 1 - Krong Siem Reap

Took Malaysia Airlines for this trip. The flight was early, having to reach Changi Airport at 545am, and had to transit for 1.5hrs or so in Kuala Lumpur International Airport. But overall, it was a comfortable experience considering the price I paid.

Landed around noon at Siem Reap International Aiport.

When I stepped out of the plane, I thought my plane landed on the doorstep of a resort!

I did not imagine Siem Reap International Airport to be this beautiful. The marshmallow-clouds amidst the clear blue sky, my mood went straight into holiday mode while walking to the arrival hall.

After clearing the customs, which took probably max 30mins, I went to pick up my newly purchased backpack. To my horror, there was a huge slit right at the front compartment. I was lucky it contained only disposal bags and ziplock bags. I then went to file a report on mishandling. I was thinking whether this could be a start of a series of unfortunate events but was determined not to let this mishap spoil my mood for rest of the journey.

Grabbed a Tuk Tuk to head to the main city, Krong Siem Reap. Dropped my backpack in the hostel, and then went to grab lunch along Pub Street.

I was too hungry and finished the meal before snapping any picture. Actually, most of my meals went without pictures. Lunch was recommendations by the local whom we bought the local SIM Card from. Something like coconut fish or something which she wrote on a piece of paper for us to show the waiter.

After lunch, it was already 330 pm. Decided to explore the town, walking away from the touristy areas, which is something I always tend to do whenever I am traveling. The serenity and experience of a truly local life are what excites me everytime I travel.

After walking for 45 mins, a school emerged in the middle of shophouses.

Initially, I was just prying outside the gate, snapping photos of the school children who were enjoying their break time. But the curiosity building inside me was about to explore. So I just 'psssssss....' one of the kids, and asked them if there was a teacher around that was able to grant permission to visit the school.

In the end, I was invited to not only tour the school. But to teach the kids English?! After understanding more from the teachers and students, apparently, this was a primary school set up by volunteers. Every day after school hours, volunteers, both locals and foreigners, would come to the school at 5 pm to provide free lessons to students.

Students need not attend this school to be qualified. They can be from neighboring towns, with no age limit as well.

Students were split into 3 classes, based on their language competency. It was very heartwarming to see the students' enthusiasm and drive in learning English. I asked a middle school kid why did he want to learn English, and he said it will provide him more job opportunities in future, with the ability to interact with foreigners and understanding of English will put him at a head start and secure a better job because more foreigners are setting up business in Cambodia.

Wow, globalization.

I am wondering if this boy is the student discipline master, where he has a pace stick (more like a wooden rod that's carved to shape like one) and giving commands to the students to get in line for their exercise.

Above is the very welcoming Cambodian teacher with her 2 grand children attending English lessons as well. She saw me snapping away, and asked me to add her on Facebook! Of course, I willingly obliged. They were the final 3 to leave the school, before getting onto the same motorbike and commuting home for dinner.

I then continued exploring the area, with a heart so full of the kids that were determined to create their own future.

Before long, the sky was getting dark. I was walking along the river and chanced upon a pushcart brimming with locals. One thing about me when I travel is that whenever there was a local crowd, I will queue and have what they have. I have no idea what I was eating, but it was so delicious that I had to return to the same cart the next 2 nights.

After dinner, it was touring the local night markets that were flooded with tourists. We then headed back to Pub Street for drinks, to rest from a fruitful day of local exploration and bask in the atmosphere, before heading back to the hostel, preparing for yet another early morning 4 am trip to Ang Kor Wat to catch the sunrise.

#cambodia #backpack #travel #volunteer #siemreap