A Taste of Cambodia

Trip Start Jan 22, 2008

Trip End Apr 16, 2008

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Flag of Cambodia Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Sunday, February 3, 2008

So we left Bangkok and have had a whirl-wind time here in Cambodia. Thus far, we visited 5 New Hope schools (some floating schools) that cater to the 'country-less' Vietnamese children; Place of Rescue (orphanage); 'S-21' (Tuol Svay Prey Highschool) - which was the security prision used for interregation and torture of educated profesionals prior to being sent to the Killing Fields (1975-78); the Killing Fields - where Cambodians slaughtered fellow Cambodians during the Pol Pot Era; and their famous Angkor Wat (largest temple in the world).

We've included a number of photos which highlight a bit of our time while here. We were fortunate to have made contact with individuals prior to leaving Canada. "Kim" from the floating schools has been exceptionally helpful and filled with compassion for the Vietnamese children that she serves; and "Sokhan" who is the director at the orphanage - she too, has a heart of gold - the Place of Rescue also caters to AIDS families, 'grannies' who have been left on the streets due to no remaining family, and, of course, the many children (about 130 or so)

(Vietnamese) Floating School on Basac River

. It was suggested that we buy apples for the children at the orphanage as this is seen to be quite a treat.

As you can see we are in the presence of royalty as we happened upon a visit with the Queen of Bhutan while at S-21. It was a very emotional day filled with many low points due to the history that the Killing Fields and S-21 have burdened this country with. And then a high point with having spoken with the Queen and her young son, the Prince of Bhutan.

We are currently waiting for our VISAs to get into Vietnam so we can continue with our journey. We will catch up with you all soon. Take care.

Post your own travel photos for friends and family More Pictures

Cambodia Artisian in Siem Reap	Emotional Visit to the Killing Fields	Just a Cute Little Boy at the Orphanage	Kids will be kids - wherever they are
Living on the Tonle Sap River	Lunch with students at Kim's house	Norm and the "Grannies" at Place of Rescue	Norm's new friends at school
Queen of Bhutan visits Cambodia	Sharon reading a story to the class on the river	Sunrise at Angkor Wat	The joy that a simple apple can bring
The things you see on the streets of Phnom Penh	Visiting a woman living with AIDS

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Comments

kseaward on Feb 3, 2008 at 01:49PM

Cambodia
Hi NormandSharon: How are you doing? It's always heart wrenching to see children/people in difficult situations. If we think about it the kids/grannies you visited are those who are getting help. What of those who are not getting help? When I saw the youngster with the sticker on his head I had a great laugh. I wished I had done that to Norm when we were kids. Of course back then it would have been a Chiquita banana sticker because that was the only fruit with stickers.
The pictures of your visit are great. I suppose you can now bill yourselves as 'Royal Photographers of Bhutan.' I hope you mentioned to the Queen that you are headed her way in a few weeks and expect royal treatment!
How long are you expecting the visas to Vietnam to take? Are you visiting other parts of Cambodia? Where in Vietnam do you hope to go?
There's not too much new on the home front. The kids wrote exams this week so they had some days off between exams. I don't know if I mentioned we finally booked Cuba? Other than that it's the grind!
Enjoy yourselves. Good to hear from you!
The Halifax Seawards

murphyj on Feb 3, 2008 at 06:07PM

Cambodia
Hi Norm and Sharon - Thank you for the update ! Great pictures and description of your trip - almost feels like we are along for the ride ! We really enjoy hearing about your experiences and adventures - must be both exciting and rewarding . Look forward to the next chapter ! John and Eva.

ldowney on Feb 4, 2008 at 09:15PM

Pictures
Thanks for the pictures. You look like your having a great time. You missed a nice big snow storm. It's already melting away. Look forward to reading your next entry. LD

kayecallaghan on Feb 5, 2008 at 02:25AM

pictures
Hi! looks like you guys are having an amazing time. Great pictures. Looks good and hot there,unlike here where it snows everyday.freezing rain tonite. Take care.

kayecallaghan on Feb 5, 2008 at 02:30AM

cambodia
Hi, Great pictures, Looks like you guys are having an amazing time. The weather looks nice and hot,unlike here where it snows everyday. Take care.