Our last few days in Phnom Penh were spent enrolling guides and attending the AGM. Over two hundred girls and young women attended the AGM which was really well done. There were speeches on what GGAC has been involved with and achieved and we got to meet commissioners and the founder of girl guiding in Cambodia along with the minister of women's affairs. A new committee was voted in with some of the young women that have looked after us during our stay which was exciting.
Sunday afternoon we had our evaluation of how this years GOLD project had run. Apart from a few hiccups that couldn't be helped it has been a good project and we have trained a lot of girls. In the evening we went out for a meal with the translators and women that have been helping us during our stay. Some of the girls from Siem reap also attended. We ended up in a Khmer restaurant with a bbq on the table to cook our own food. This was very interesting with some very unusual meat and vegetables coming out, we are not entirely sure what was eaten.
Today we have been packing our bags and having a quick last swim before getting our flight at midnight. We are doing the five year evaluation this afternoon which are looking forward to and we hope some good point are made.
We have really enjoyed our time in Cambodia and hope the girls have gained a lot from the project. We would like to thank everyone that has helped us get here and looked after us during our trip.
Lots of GOLD love
Team Cambodia 2016
We will provide more updates at debrief and keep an eye out on Facebook for all the photographs!
Monday 15 August 2016
Friday 12 August 2016
The frog, the duck and the chicken...
Hi everyone,
We are back in Phnom Penh after 4 nights away in Kampot, where we have had some great training sessions and finished the visit with a fantastic promise ceremony, where we were able to enrol 30 Dragonflies, Guides and Rangers. We loved being part of the Cambodian traditional enrolments, and especially enjoyed being part of the planning team to make the Promise ceremony more innovative, creative and fun. Lots of games and songs were played and shared, and the girls seemed to have as much fun as we did.
We also got to explore Kampot and very briefly, the Next town of Kep where we sampled the famous crab there. We also went on a impromptu pepper farm tour, which was surprisingly interesting, and visited a temple in the middle of the cave, which was older than Angkor Wat!
For our last night in Kampot, we ventured out on to a sunset cruise along the river to see the fireflies. After mistaking many normal flies, and believing we had been conned, we eventually arrived at a small section of the river lined with trees where the real fireflies were lighting it up like a Christmas tree. Team Cambodia were really impressed and was definitely a highlight of the stay. We finished
the evening in a restaurant of a local guide leader, who set up the first ever guide unit in Kampot. It was so lovely to meet her, and a great way to round off our stay.
After the 5 hour bus journey back to the Capital, we were very kindly taken to a beautiful view in a Phnom Penh sky bar by our new Guiding friends, Chinda and Amy. We had some gorgeous cocktails, and took in the amazing view of the city, and we are now enjoying a day off visiting the Russian Market before preparing for the Girl Guiding Cambodia AGM, taking place on Sunday.
In lighter GOLD news:
We have had to get out of the Tuk Tuk a total of 5 times and push in the last 3 days. On the plus side, we have not broken any yet, and managed to fit 8 people plus bags in for a 20 minute journey. A new record for the Team.
We witnessed a chicken trying to eat a frog and being chased by a duck through the middle of the training session. Rachel was in stitches, and was definitely a surreal experience.
Our home stay had 4 cats, all of which liked to nest within our rucksacks
We were once again chased by dogs and had to find shelter in nearest bar. No one spoke English and were very confused about our matching uniform and neckers.
We have managed to mix up our breakfast, and now have Chocco Rice, instead of Sugar Flakes. A real treat.
A praying mantis attacked Helen and a lot of screaming commenced, much to the amusement of the Cambodians.
Some of the team tried Dragon Fruit for the first time. It is not as nice as it looks.
That's all for now. We are taking part in another Promise a ceremony, the AGM and evaluation overthr next few days here in the Captial before rounding off the trip. We have had an absolutely fantastic time, and we can't wait to share all our memories once back inn the UK.
LOGL
Team Cambodia x
We are back in Phnom Penh after 4 nights away in Kampot, where we have had some great training sessions and finished the visit with a fantastic promise ceremony, where we were able to enrol 30 Dragonflies, Guides and Rangers. We loved being part of the Cambodian traditional enrolments, and especially enjoyed being part of the planning team to make the Promise ceremony more innovative, creative and fun. Lots of games and songs were played and shared, and the girls seemed to have as much fun as we did.
We also got to explore Kampot and very briefly, the Next town of Kep where we sampled the famous crab there. We also went on a impromptu pepper farm tour, which was surprisingly interesting, and visited a temple in the middle of the cave, which was older than Angkor Wat!
For our last night in Kampot, we ventured out on to a sunset cruise along the river to see the fireflies. After mistaking many normal flies, and believing we had been conned, we eventually arrived at a small section of the river lined with trees where the real fireflies were lighting it up like a Christmas tree. Team Cambodia were really impressed and was definitely a highlight of the stay. We finished
the evening in a restaurant of a local guide leader, who set up the first ever guide unit in Kampot. It was so lovely to meet her, and a great way to round off our stay.
After the 5 hour bus journey back to the Capital, we were very kindly taken to a beautiful view in a Phnom Penh sky bar by our new Guiding friends, Chinda and Amy. We had some gorgeous cocktails, and took in the amazing view of the city, and we are now enjoying a day off visiting the Russian Market before preparing for the Girl Guiding Cambodia AGM, taking place on Sunday.
In lighter GOLD news:
We have had to get out of the Tuk Tuk a total of 5 times and push in the last 3 days. On the plus side, we have not broken any yet, and managed to fit 8 people plus bags in for a 20 minute journey. A new record for the Team.
We witnessed a chicken trying to eat a frog and being chased by a duck through the middle of the training session. Rachel was in stitches, and was definitely a surreal experience.
Our home stay had 4 cats, all of which liked to nest within our rucksacks
We were once again chased by dogs and had to find shelter in nearest bar. No one spoke English and were very confused about our matching uniform and neckers.
We have managed to mix up our breakfast, and now have Chocco Rice, instead of Sugar Flakes. A real treat.
A praying mantis attacked Helen and a lot of screaming commenced, much to the amusement of the Cambodians.
Some of the team tried Dragon Fruit for the first time. It is not as nice as it looks.
That's all for now. We are taking part in another Promise a ceremony, the AGM and evaluation overthr next few days here in the Captial before rounding off the trip. We have had an absolutely fantastic time, and we can't wait to share all our memories once back inn the UK.
LOGL
Team Cambodia x
Sunday 7 August 2016
6 people in a Tuk Tuk but only 4 bums on seats...
Hey everyone.
We are currently in Kampot province which is situated right next to the sea and a beautiful mountain range. We arrived last night after a 5 Hour bus journey from Pnom Penh, and are getting ready for training for the next 3 days with Guiding groups across the area.
We had really successful training in Siem Reap over two days, where the majority of participants were enthusiastic young leaders and Rangers, and a great day was hopefully had by all. We are excited to be part of something similar here in Kampot, and have been invited to a moving up ceremony for a Dragonfly group which we are especially looking forward to.
We enjoyed exploring Siem Reap, where we had our first cup of tea in 3 weeks! Some of Team Cambodia treated themselves to a foot massage which turned in to a chiropractic back cracking session in the town centre, which was welcome after sleeping on the floor for almost 3 weeks.
In lighter GOLD news:
Jess's white t-shirts have all turned patchy orange in the wash. She is struggling for things to wear at the moment.
The toilet on board the bus was about 3 foot tall, meaning you had to crouch to get in and then stayed crouched. This proved especially difficult for the taller members of the team!
Happy Pizza is no more, much to our dismay in Phom Penh. It was a sad day for all involved.
We have moved out of our half built house in to a hair salon
The toilet is not a squat but not a western toilet, and is facing the wrong way. We are still experimenting with the best/safest ways to relieve ourselves.
After a particularly heavy monsoon, we were seemingly part of a hatching of baby frogs, who croak very loudly all night. We also found several toads in our bedroom.
Tuk Tuks in Siem reap are considerably smaller than in Pnom Penh. Fitting 6 in proves quite a squeeze.
Funerals in Cambodia require amplified mourning music for around 2 full days usually starting around 4am. There has been a funeral everywhere we have stayed so far.
That's all for now!
LOGL
Team Cambodia x
We are currently in Kampot province which is situated right next to the sea and a beautiful mountain range. We arrived last night after a 5 Hour bus journey from Pnom Penh, and are getting ready for training for the next 3 days with Guiding groups across the area.
We had really successful training in Siem Reap over two days, where the majority of participants were enthusiastic young leaders and Rangers, and a great day was hopefully had by all. We are excited to be part of something similar here in Kampot, and have been invited to a moving up ceremony for a Dragonfly group which we are especially looking forward to.
We enjoyed exploring Siem Reap, where we had our first cup of tea in 3 weeks! Some of Team Cambodia treated themselves to a foot massage which turned in to a chiropractic back cracking session in the town centre, which was welcome after sleeping on the floor for almost 3 weeks.
In lighter GOLD news:
Jess's white t-shirts have all turned patchy orange in the wash. She is struggling for things to wear at the moment.
The toilet on board the bus was about 3 foot tall, meaning you had to crouch to get in and then stayed crouched. This proved especially difficult for the taller members of the team!
Happy Pizza is no more, much to our dismay in Phom Penh. It was a sad day for all involved.
We have moved out of our half built house in to a hair salon
The toilet is not a squat but not a western toilet, and is facing the wrong way. We are still experimenting with the best/safest ways to relieve ourselves.
After a particularly heavy monsoon, we were seemingly part of a hatching of baby frogs, who croak very loudly all night. We also found several toads in our bedroom.
Tuk Tuks in Siem reap are considerably smaller than in Pnom Penh. Fitting 6 in proves quite a squeeze.
Funerals in Cambodia require amplified mourning music for around 2 full days usually starting around 4am. There has been a funeral everywhere we have stayed so far.
That's all for now!
LOGL
Team Cambodia x
Tuesday 2 August 2016
The Magical Mystery Tour Continues....
Hi everyone,
Sorry for the lack of updates. We have really struggled for wifi and time, but finally today, on our second day in Siem Reap, we have time to update you on our adventure so far.
After returning from Kandal, we set off from Pnom Penh to Kompong Thom, where we stayed 3 nights with a lovely Guide leader called Sarah, along with her ducks, chickens, dogs, and herd of buffalo! Needless to say it was a bit of a squeeze with all 14 of us in the bedroom, including her extended family. We had 2 really exciting training sessions with lots of enthusiastic young members. We even got to try picking our own rice in the paddy, which proved more difficult than expected, especially given the threat of leeches!
After Kompong Thom, we travelled direct to Siem Reap, where we are currently staying in a Girl Guiding Cambodia camp site a few kilometres from Angkor Wat. Turns out construction hadn't quite finished by the time we arrived, so hanging mosquito nets up was a challenge as the insects and other wildlife had made themselves quite at home in the process. We have explored the city, and the Angkor Wat temples, and we are really looking forward to training tomorrow with Guides and Young Leaders for 2 days on confidence, leadership and team work.
In lighter GOLD news:
We haven't slept in a real bed in 2 weeks
Rachel got stung by an enormous scorpion and everyone panicked! Thanks to traditional medicine, Rachel's foot is still intact.
Amelia found a huge Praying Mantis on her hairbrush.
We eat rice for basically every meal, but we've tried some lovely homemade Khmer food.
Girl Guiding Cambodia have their own Tuk Tuk!
Jess, Zoe and Rachel all ate a cricket! They weren't as bad as expected.
Our sandal tans are coming on nicely.
We walked along the dirtiest track road known to man, and got absolutely covered in red dust head to toe, on a walk tho training.
We spend most of our days avoiding scary dogs.
One of our trainings was held in a half built house that the leader broke in to.
We wore tiaras on the bus for Zoe's birthday and didn't even take them off when we were stopped for a check by road police.
LOGL
Team Cambodia x
Sorry for the lack of updates. We have really struggled for wifi and time, but finally today, on our second day in Siem Reap, we have time to update you on our adventure so far.
After returning from Kandal, we set off from Pnom Penh to Kompong Thom, where we stayed 3 nights with a lovely Guide leader called Sarah, along with her ducks, chickens, dogs, and herd of buffalo! Needless to say it was a bit of a squeeze with all 14 of us in the bedroom, including her extended family. We had 2 really exciting training sessions with lots of enthusiastic young members. We even got to try picking our own rice in the paddy, which proved more difficult than expected, especially given the threat of leeches!
After Kompong Thom, we travelled direct to Siem Reap, where we are currently staying in a Girl Guiding Cambodia camp site a few kilometres from Angkor Wat. Turns out construction hadn't quite finished by the time we arrived, so hanging mosquito nets up was a challenge as the insects and other wildlife had made themselves quite at home in the process. We have explored the city, and the Angkor Wat temples, and we are really looking forward to training tomorrow with Guides and Young Leaders for 2 days on confidence, leadership and team work.
In lighter GOLD news:
We haven't slept in a real bed in 2 weeks
Rachel got stung by an enormous scorpion and everyone panicked! Thanks to traditional medicine, Rachel's foot is still intact.
Amelia found a huge Praying Mantis on her hairbrush.
We eat rice for basically every meal, but we've tried some lovely homemade Khmer food.
Girl Guiding Cambodia have their own Tuk Tuk!
Jess, Zoe and Rachel all ate a cricket! They weren't as bad as expected.
Our sandal tans are coming on nicely.
We walked along the dirtiest track road known to man, and got absolutely covered in red dust head to toe, on a walk tho training.
We spend most of our days avoiding scary dogs.
One of our trainings was held in a half built house that the leader broke in to.
We wore tiaras on the bus for Zoe's birthday and didn't even take them off when we were stopped for a check by road police.
LOGL
Team Cambodia x
Wednesday 27 July 2016
A House on Stilts....
hi everyone!
Wifi has returned to us again so we can fill you in on what GOLD Cambodia has been up to over the past few days.
Day 5 - in a somewhat overwhelming day trip, we went to see the Killing Fields just outside of Phnom Penh followed by the S-21 Museum. It was a really interesting and important day for the team and we learnt a lot about the recent history of Cambodia, however it was a really sad subject.
Day 6- today we traveled to our first Province of the trip, Kandal, where we stayed in a house on stilts in a village made up of majoritively rice farmers. We ran a training session in the afternoon with around 50 participants which was fantastic and everyone seemed to really enjoy the day. As it was our first home stay, we were unsure what to expect. We slept communally in one room on woven mats and were provided with huge communal mosquito nets which made us feel like the real sleepover club! The young leaders also took us through the village to visit two padogas. We were even given dry noodles by the monks to feed the biggest fish we have ever seen! Altogether it was a really fun day and night.
Day 7- we are now back in Phnom Penh for 1 might before setting off for 8 nights away tomorrow travelling to Khampong Thom, Siem Reap and Kampot. We are currently enjoying the showers at Good Time!!
In lighter Gold news:
We were awoken by village singing at 4am and we're not sure why
The squat toilet resembled something out of I'm a celebrity when the moths flocked to the light
We had geckos in the bedroom
We were chased by wolf-life dogs and we were all terrified
We fed noodles to fish in a monk's pond
Our hired van took us on a surprise boat journey across the river
The van also did several deliveries and other locals joined us there and back
All the locals came out to wave to us as we walked through the village
A traditional Khmer desert appears to be rice pudding with black eyed peas and coconut. Unfortunately, No one really liked it.
We managed to fit all 6 of us, two boxes of water and all lour food shopping in one tuk tuk.
Hopefully we will be able to catch up soon,
LOGL
Wifi has returned to us again so we can fill you in on what GOLD Cambodia has been up to over the past few days.
Day 5 - in a somewhat overwhelming day trip, we went to see the Killing Fields just outside of Phnom Penh followed by the S-21 Museum. It was a really interesting and important day for the team and we learnt a lot about the recent history of Cambodia, however it was a really sad subject.
Day 6- today we traveled to our first Province of the trip, Kandal, where we stayed in a house on stilts in a village made up of majoritively rice farmers. We ran a training session in the afternoon with around 50 participants which was fantastic and everyone seemed to really enjoy the day. As it was our first home stay, we were unsure what to expect. We slept communally in one room on woven mats and were provided with huge communal mosquito nets which made us feel like the real sleepover club! The young leaders also took us through the village to visit two padogas. We were even given dry noodles by the monks to feed the biggest fish we have ever seen! Altogether it was a really fun day and night.
Day 7- we are now back in Phnom Penh for 1 might before setting off for 8 nights away tomorrow travelling to Khampong Thom, Siem Reap and Kampot. We are currently enjoying the showers at Good Time!!
In lighter Gold news:
We were awoken by village singing at 4am and we're not sure why
The squat toilet resembled something out of I'm a celebrity when the moths flocked to the light
We had geckos in the bedroom
We were chased by wolf-life dogs and we were all terrified
We fed noodles to fish in a monk's pond
Our hired van took us on a surprise boat journey across the river
The van also did several deliveries and other locals joined us there and back
All the locals came out to wave to us as we walked through the village
A traditional Khmer desert appears to be rice pudding with black eyed peas and coconut. Unfortunately, No one really liked it.
We managed to fit all 6 of us, two boxes of water and all lour food shopping in one tuk tuk.
Hopefully we will be able to catch up soon,
LOGL
Monday 25 July 2016
4 days in and finally got Wifi
Hi everyone!!
We have arrived safe and sound after a gigantic journey of an 11 1/2 hour flight to Hong Kong, a 4 hour stop over and a 4 hour flight in to Phnom Penh. Cambodia is HOT. We have experienced 2 monsoons so far, one including a terrifying thunder storm last night seemingly directly above The Girl Guiding Assocaiton of Cambodia Head Quarters where we are currently based.
On our first day, Team Cambodia met with GGAC staff and volunteers including the former Cheif Commisioner and the current Acting Cheif Commisioner to discuss our plans for the project. We have had a few changes to the programme meaning we are travelling a lot more than previously expected but we are excited to visit all the different provinces and experience Cambodia.
On day 2, our two lovely translators took us to see the Royal Palace, National Museum, a boat ride along the Mekong river and to the Night Market. This was a really fun day and really interesting to see the centre of Phnom Penh.
Day 3 saw our first day of training!! We trained 24 Guides and Young Leaders on confidence, leadership, and team work skills and got a great response from the participants!
Today, Team Cambodia are enjoying a day off and have had our first REAL SHOWER!!! Very exciting, despite the mosquito bites.
In a lighter GOLD update of the trip so far:
We unknowingly ate frog instead of chicken
The bathroom door has locked from the inside, leaving Helen with only 2 pairs of knickers.
We found out deet repels dogs
We discovered a very loud gecko living in the toilet fan
We met a group of French Scouts at The Royal Palace and had a selfie.
Hopefully we will be able to check in again soon!
LOGL
Team Cambodia x
We have arrived safe and sound after a gigantic journey of an 11 1/2 hour flight to Hong Kong, a 4 hour stop over and a 4 hour flight in to Phnom Penh. Cambodia is HOT. We have experienced 2 monsoons so far, one including a terrifying thunder storm last night seemingly directly above The Girl Guiding Assocaiton of Cambodia Head Quarters where we are currently based.
On our first day, Team Cambodia met with GGAC staff and volunteers including the former Cheif Commisioner and the current Acting Cheif Commisioner to discuss our plans for the project. We have had a few changes to the programme meaning we are travelling a lot more than previously expected but we are excited to visit all the different provinces and experience Cambodia.
On day 2, our two lovely translators took us to see the Royal Palace, National Museum, a boat ride along the Mekong river and to the Night Market. This was a really fun day and really interesting to see the centre of Phnom Penh.
Day 3 saw our first day of training!! We trained 24 Guides and Young Leaders on confidence, leadership, and team work skills and got a great response from the participants!
Today, Team Cambodia are enjoying a day off and have had our first REAL SHOWER!!! Very exciting, despite the mosquito bites.
In a lighter GOLD update of the trip so far:
We unknowingly ate frog instead of chicken
The bathroom door has locked from the inside, leaving Helen with only 2 pairs of knickers.
We found out deet repels dogs
We discovered a very loud gecko living in the toilet fan
We met a group of French Scouts at The Royal Palace and had a selfie.
Hopefully we will be able to check in again soon!
LOGL
Team Cambodia x
Saturday 18 June 2016
5 more things we learnt at 3rd Briefing...
Here are 5 things we learnt at 3rd Briefing:
1. In the north, things are sold in vans:
Some southern members of the team were pleasantly surprised to find meat being sold out of vans, and the notion of an egg/milk/potato man delivering around the north. GOLD really is a national opportunity after all!
2. Speaking Khmer is harder than anticipated:
After downloading several language apps, and watching youtube tutorials, we have concluded that Team Cambodia's Khmer definitely requires some practicing. I don't think anyone is going to be returning fluent, but as long as we can say 'Ladies Toilet Please' and 'Help!' we should be okay!
3. Walking Sandals may not be flattering, but they sure are comfy:
After many debates if the dreaded walking sandals are really necessary, some members have indeed confirmed, the comfort factor may override the Action Man look we will be acquiring. Time will only tell whether it is the walking sandals, flip flops, or the controversial Crocs that come out on top.
4. It takes a really long time to get to Cambodia:
After looking at flight times, Team Cambodia have had to embrace the possibility of a 19+ hour flight. With some options detailing flights over 30 hours, we are praying for a kind transition!
5. We are all super excited:
From spending time together as a team, to trying Cambodian cuisine, to planning the sessions we will be delivering in training, the whole of 3rd Briefing definitely got everyone excited for the upcoming trip. Leaving 3rd Briefing with nearly everything organised and ready to go, GOLD is slowly becoming an imminent reality!
We will update soon when flights are booked, and we are officially going to Cambodia!
LOGL,
Team Cambodia 2016 x
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