Places visited: Sisophon, Khralen, Siem Reap and Angkor Wat, Kampong Ch'hnang and Phnom Penh.
Costs of things: Beer (50 cents), Meals ($1 to $5), 6 hour bus ride ($6).
And a chance to help Cambodians - please see paragraph on "DDD" or Digital Data Divide. Please forward this blog to others than may be interested.
Welcome to awesome kicking Cambodia! This is the place of the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat, the buzzing quickly rising capital of Phnom Penh, hundreds of kilometres of unspoilt tropical beaches , a vibrant culture and some of the friendliest and charming people we've ever met. As we experienced the beautiful country-side (and dust!) on our bicycles and met the Khmer people of Cambodia - we instantly fell in love with this country and its people.
Our first experience with Cambodia was to the famous road from Poipet (the border) to Siem Reap. This road is known as one of the worst roads in all of Cambodia - and they aren't kidding! It is basically a dirt road, with occasional spots of rough pavement, with huge rocks and boulders and potholes big enough to swallow a truck. We experienced this road on a pick-up truck
We finally got to Siem Reap - very touristy, loud, and so different from the villages. We visited the amazing temples of Angkor Wat - only 3 days - which allowed us only to see a few of the many that are there. Then on to Phnom Penh - with a short stay in Kampong Ch'hnang, which we reached by express boat on the largest lake in Cambodia, the Tonle Sap. From Kampong Ch'hnang we rode almost 100 kms in one day to tha capital - the road was much much better - it was a dream!
We are now in Phnom Penh - it has an air of both of hope and increasing prosperity and much
However, there is a tremendous spirit in these people and they are now trying to rebuild. But with much poverty and a lack of infrastructure and government support - this is very difficult for many except those that have money. There are many NGOs and other organizations in Cambodia that are now trying to help these people prosper - one of which we were lucky to be invited to visit.
A childhood friend of Adam's is part owner and founder of an company called "DDD" or Digital Divide Data. They give young people with computer skills and basic English a chance to use their skills in the workforce. Since there are not enough jobs, many people with excellent skills cannot find work. This organization, supplied with people from NGOs, offer free 5 to 6 months training (computers and English) and $10 a month for transportation costs. If they do well and pass their exams - they are rewarded with employement. Otherwise, they can then enter the workforce boasting excellent training and work experience. This company offeres services of data entry and academic research, and soon, software develpment. They are in dire need of help - for someone to teach english and/or computer skills - or any other help is greatly appreciated. The help comes at your own cost - but the reward for helping these young Cambodians acheive a simple but satisfying life is priceless. For more information please visit http://www.digitaldividedata.com/About_us/Management_team.asp. There is information on how to contact them if you are interested in finding out more about them.
Our adventure in Western Cambodia ends tomorrow and Adam and I start down south to visit the beautiful beaches and an abandoned French hotel resort town that sits on top of a hill enveloped in the clouds. Stay tuned for more adventures.
1 comment:
Hi Guys
Happy New Year! I can't believe we missed your call!
We were out enjoying our white canadian jungle in what feels like the 100th snow fall of the year. You picked the best winter (unless your a skier) to leave.
Reading your blog is amazing. What an experience!
Travel safe, stay healthy, and write more.
Love Kim and Dan
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