End of it all

So right now we are in Phnon Penh, but back tracking we left Siemriep yesterday. The night before we left we saw a cello concert by a man who has re-opened a children's hospital that was shut down after the Khmer Rouge. This children's hospital is one of the better ones in Cambodia. It is also almost all run by Cambodian people. Also in Siemriep we all got a chance to attend a semi-traditional wedding. The reason it is semi-traditional is because of some of the changes the brides have made to make the wedding more personal. In a traditional wedding the bride does wear about 10 dresses but each of the dresses colors means something different, now days brides get to choose whatever colors they want and it doesn't mean anything.
Now, today we got another very interesting chance to do something most people will never do. We got to visit the United States of America's Cambodian Embassy. During this we got to sit and ask questions and get some answers and also hear about what the Ambassador is starting to do to make Cambodian peoples lives easier. We also got a tour of the Embassy and a picture with the Ambassador. The security in the Embassy is astounding.
After the Embassy we went to another market and shopped for some last minute gifts for people back at home. After this we got to go take a Cambodian cooking class. Each of us learned and made spring rolls and fish Amok. Amok is the traditional food of Cambodia. After making our food we got to eat it and see how it tasted. Each of us also got a cook book so we can make all of our family's new styles and traditional Cambodian meals!
I know for me it is bitter sweet to go home. I love it here and am sad to leave but I know when I get home it will feel nice. Now we are all off to say our last minute goodbyes to Arn and Seyma before heading off and flying home. See everyone at Watkinson!
-Maggie
P.S. Lauren and Rebecca want me to ask for both of there dogs to be at Watkinson when they get there!

Temples, Waterfalls, Ice cream and more.

On july 1st we started the day by tuk tuking to the village. When we arrived several of the items for building the latrine had already been delivered. We started out by digging the perimeter of the latrine to be, the boys did the majority of the ground breaking while the girls helped fill the trenches with sand. Once the outskirts were dug and filled with sand we laid big rocks on top. The weather was extreme as usual, but we made lots of progress. After a little bit more of playing with the children (mostly with baloons) we headed off to see sayma (arns girlfriend, our groups close friend) promotional video for her new cd. After a lengthy lunch we headed off to go see Banteay Srei one of the many temples. It was a 2 hour tuk tuk ride, but the weather was nice and it was a beautiful temple with many intricate details. After that we headed to the land mine museum, where we learned about the history of land mines. especially the ones remaining in Cambodia. We started off July 2nd with an early rise to go see Phnom Kuhlen and the Holy River. Patrick, Dan, Ryan, Karen, Riege, and I went swimming at a elegant waterfall. Swimming was followed by a long hike upon another mountain. Where we saw another graceful waterfall. Our day was then completed by another trip to the Blue Pumpkin. (After diner every night the group has made a tradition to go to this delectable ice cream shop) A few of the groups personal favorites are vanilla brownie, raspberry yogurt, and dark chocolate. They also have a mouth watering bakery. It is our cherry on top of a glorious day in cambodia.
p.s comments are greatly appreciated.
Yours forever and always,
Sage <3

Photos from siem Reap

A last series of photos beginning with our lunch at a Cambodian rest stop about 130 kilometers south of Siem Reap.

This is Man Men tuning up for a song. we have been serenaded as we approach the village each day - a real treat.

Patrick and Sage tutoring some of the younger kids.

A little volleyball with a new net at the village.

Little explanation needed.

Tony, our tuk tuk driver, helping with some translation during an English lesson in the Friendship Hut.

A load of sand arriving as part of the materials for an upgrade to the old latrine.



Moving rocks and sand as part of the construction for the refurbished latrine. And lastly, cooling off under the falls at Kbal Spean north of Siem Reap.

Siem Reap Continued...

Yesterday, we left the hotel at four in the morning, and traveled to the Bayon temple to watch the sun rise. Waking up at 3:30 was a bit rough for the group, but it was definitely worth it. After sunrise, we were able to explore the temple and learn about its history from Lauren's presentation. We then left for the Elephant Terrace and the Leper King statue at Angkor Thom. The elephant engravings were impressive, as well as the Leper King statue, which is a national icon. We then returned to the hotel for an optional breakfast, followed by a mandatory (and much needed) rest period. At around 10:30, we left to go see a shadow puppet workshop, however the students were on their lunch break, but we still saw their work and learned about how it was created. After that, some of us decided to go back to the hotel and rest, while others went out to lunch. In mid afternoon, the group left for the village to play with the children. Some of us played volleyball, while others played games with the younger children. The adults of the village decided that the community could benefit from a second latrine. This latrine would be more acessable for everyone in the community, and would promote better health. The group decided that this would be a good investment for the village, so the chaperons went out and bought supplies. Within the first hour, a truck arrived with sand in the pouring rain, which the boys helped shovel out. We hope we can see the completed latrine by the end of the week! After dinner, we were finally able to get some rest.
-Rebecca