It's the end of another college year
and to celebrate we all went to Siem Reap. This year we were unable
to go in large buses as a visit to Phnom Kulen was included. Phnom
means mountain and this one is too steep for a bus.
8 minibuses set off from the college at
4.30 am. Trainees had little sleep due to excitement and being up at
2.00 to prepare the picnic. Some had never been to Siem Reap before
so this was a very special day for them.
Phnom Kulen was beautiful. Such a
memorable experience to swim under the waterfall. It's something I've
always wanted to do. The current was strong, hard to swim against
(especially in clothes) and I was nervous at first because the spray
makes it hard to breathe. Sitting under the fall with the water
pounding on my back like a natural massage was amazing. The
laughter of trainees having fun all around me was very special.
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| I am smiling but those rocks are very slippery! |
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| Trainees dressed as indigenous people, an attraction for tourists |
Lunch followed and then a walk up to
the pagoda and sleeping Buddah. The view was incredible.
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| over the rickety bridge |
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| Lunch. Rice with a variety of dishes |
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| Coconut seller. This drink was very refreshing on such a hot day |
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| Sleeping Buddah |
Banteay Srey temple was our next stop.
Famed for it's carvings, this is a really beautiful temple as you can
see from the photos.
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| Victims of landmine accidents make music to earn money |
Back on the buses for a visit to Angkor
Wat. It was great to walk round with trainees as those who have been
there on school trips know a lot about the towers and carvings.
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| So happy on his first visit to Angkor Wat - a dream come true. |
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| Enjoying being a tourist - first time ever on a horse |
Singing and laughter on the return
journey was a reflection of how much everyone had enjoyed the day. On
the way back, we stopped at a village renowned for it's cakes.
Trainees and trainers stocked up on gifts for their families.
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| Plastic bottles provide the percussion to accompany the songs |
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| Take my word for it - this is a cake shop - a very popular one! |
