January 4, 2012

An early bus picked us up at 7:00 and took us to the bus stop where we got on a big tourist bus for almost five hours. Our destination: Kampot, Cambodia. Kampot is much different from Phnom Penh. There are stunning mountains here, the food is much better, and everything is so green.

The first thing on our list after arriving was helping to teach English and drawing at the Chumkreil Language School. The kids didn’t know much English, but it was fun being there. After that, we picked up some traditional Cambodian swimsuits (a scarf-like towel called a “kroma” that is wrapped around your waist--only the teachers and Stephen wore them, and it wasn’t the most enjoyable experience for the rest of us to see). The villa where we are staying is paradise. Right up to the river, the cabanas are on stilts. The water was so refreshing; we went swimming/jumping/diving off of the deck, and then took rides on the paddle boats. I think I speak for everyone when I say today has been the best so far.

Later this evening, we had dinner on Cambodian time (eat your food when you get it; it could be five minutes, it could be an hour, depending on if they forget or not), then watched The Flute Player. It’s the story of a man who was involved in the Khmer Rouge, but has moved to the USA to teach classical Cambodian music. I think it is wonderful that somebody is making an effort to bring back Cambodian music in Cambodia and in the US. Shortly after that, we were off to bed.

--Martel