Far from home - 5 months in Cambodia

Travelogue by Pirmin Ramel, 30 years, Switzerland

Background:

In 2009 I started a cruise in Southeast Asia. What I did not know at this point: this trip would change my life. I was fascinated by this part of the earth. The way of life of these people pulled me out of the synagogue. Back home, I realized I want to go there again. I sacrificed a lot of my spare time to learn more about Southeast Asia to experience.

Three years later ...

In November 2012, I was thirty years old. For my birthday I wanted to experience something very special. After more than ten years working in the hospitality industry, I had also become a little tired. I decided myself to make a special birthday gift: something for myself alone - a break away from it all.

I started in the summer of 2012 with my planning: Experiment break. The goal was quickly found, Cambodia. Finally, I have long concerned myself with, so it was time for everything I had read to experience in real life. On the internet I came across the organization Projects Abroad. At Projects Abroad I signed up for two projects. The Khmer project and the social work project. I wanted not only five months lying on the beach, but press me too active. Here to do something good, seemed perfect for me.

For October, I had planned the Khmer project. November and December (incl. Birthday, Christmas and New Year) I was traveling alone and had been picking holidays. In January I was able to participate in the social project and put me in an orphanage with countless children demonstrated.

The end of September 2012, then went off. From the cold Switzerland faraway Cambodia. The flights and a room in a house on the shore for the first few days I have booked myself. To start on the first day with my project, I was too stressful. I did not regret my decision. So I could cure my jet lag, culture shock and digest the first time look at that slouch on the streets of Phnom Penh. On Sunday, before the beginning of the Khmer project I was met by an employee of Projects Abroad by tuktuk and moved for the next four weeks, my apartment property of Projects Abroad. I was received by the other volunteers was friendly and equal amazed that we had our own cook. They cared for us daily with fresh typical Khmer dishes and had all sorts of issues always open for us.

The Khmer - Project:

The aim of the Khmer project is to experience and understand Cambodia. We were a group of three, which was optimal in order to be chauffeured by tuktuk from A to B and acoustically to understand all the information. The first morning we were greeted by our guide in reception and fully informed about what to expect the next four weeks. Every day it was supposed to start 08:30 clock in the morning to learn more about the Khmer Empire. The first week we dealt with Phnom Penh, the capital itself and its surroundings. We have numerous attractions such as the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, the National Museum visited Amazing learn from the history of Khmer and discover exciting places. The visit to the Killing Fields and the former prison S-21 was then but a very emotional day for all participants. Knowing that tortured by the Khmer Rouge, thousands of people have been killed and buried, touched me personally. Unfortunately, this is not the last sad moment of my trip, because soon happened Something froze the wild goings of the entire population, I will get to that later. A day trip took us at the end of the week on an island on the Mekong River. By ferry we were together Tuktuk geschippert on the island "Koh Dach". Pure nature was waiting for me on this small island. There are no cars on the island. The streets are more like a trekking path, and it is considered adventure, this be explored by tuktuk. On the bumpy ride right past coconut trees, mango trees, rice fields, pagodas and wooden house we met again on children who ran to the street and shouting, waving us: "Hello! What's your name? ". In a typical Khmer house, our tuktuk stopped. A small woman in colorful clothes greeted us and led us in stormy her house to show us their self woven silk products and of course trying to sell. The production of silk goods is widespread and next fishing the main source of income of the islanders. Life here is very simple and limited opportunities in all respects. Because someone had bought from our group of woman wearing a silk scarf, the joy was so great that we were spontaneously invited to lunch. For this purpose, but had only a strolling rennendes Chicken believe it. The little son of the family seemed practiced hunting in the chicken and probably also in the disassembly. It tasted fantastic, of course. The subsequent return trip took longer than expected, three elephants blocked the road and it was waiting hip. The fight by the traffic jungle we then managed yet and were on time for dinner back at the apartment.

The project also includes a language course in the language Khmer. Once a week stood oral language training on the schedule. Already a few words helped me to lower prices in the markets or tuktuk rides. In addition, the locals are very impressed when you try to speak a few words of Khmer with them.

The first weekend had arrived and I had time for myself. I decided to explore the area and let me go by moto-taxi to Central Market, the largest market in the city. Here is everything - I mean EVERYTHING. Clothes, jewelry, furniture, paintings, medicines, mobile phones, souvenirs, food (live and cooked), etc. It was not long before I was approached by a friendly and very curious group of students with: "Hello, what's your name? Where are you from? ". These questions must be answered several times a day here in Cambodia for better or worse. Since I was impressed by the curiosity of young Cambodians, I spontaneously invited them to a round of cold Angkor beer and frog legs. At 11 dollars for all together pretty cheap for our Western standards. Were held very interesting discussions about Buddha and the world. I was able to experience the pure joy of life and enormous warmth of Khmer for the first time.

The second week was themed Angkor Wat. Monday morning at 06:30 clock we took a bus going towards Siem Reap. After seven long hours we arrived in the afternoon in Siem Reap. In the apartment of Projects Abroad I could relate my room for the next few days. The house is on a small side street with no name, very familiar and comfortable. The children of the neighbors seem to already know about the volunteers. The noisy welcome confirmed this. At the same time two girls from France stayed in the apartment who completed a multi-month social project in Siem Reap. Thanks to my knowledge of French I made friends quickly with them, and there was plenty to talk about Cambodia travel available to chat the next few hours. In the evening, the two then showed me the infamous Pup Street, a kind of small Ballermann in Siem Reap. At the subsequent two days, the gigantic temples were on the program. We visited on a day depending Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, the two largest temples of Cambodia. On the way back we visited Hin.- and other sites, somewhat smaller but no less interesting. The size and beauty of this unique buildings and ruins can not be put into words. You just have to see! Schwindelfrei should be partly have very steep stairs to be addressed. The unique view makes one but then forget all the trouble. Postcards designs are guaranteed! To really visit all installations, you should allow for several days because they are scattered up to twenty-mile circumference Siem Reap. The next day we went early in the morning go by motor boat to the floating villages of the Tonle Sap Lake. Driver of the boat was about a twelve-year-old boy. In a pagoda on stilts we put on, we became aware of many children. There was the possibility for two dollars ten write books to buy to give to the children then. Was observed interesting to see how the children are abgedüst after the handover to return to bring the books unobtrusive to the seller. In another stop I could pay a quick visit to a floating school. The many bowls of metal in front of the school to serve the students to get to school by boat. In a floating market, we have strengthened with fresh mango and grilled fish and then made our way back. In the evening, found at the property a farewell party held for the benefit of two French women. Thus had laid on our last evening.

Another highlight was the trip just after returning from Siem Reap. By motorbike, we left Phnom Penh, crossed beautiful landscapes and arrived in a small village in the middle of nowhere. A typical Khmer house on stilts was our home for the night. The owners are the parents of an employee of Projects Abroad. They were very welcoming and provided for our well-being. A little away from our new home, I discovered a small party in the middle of the only street of the village. The music was turned up all the way, danced and skipped to sing. As a curious traveler I watched the goings up close. This remained the locals did not go unnoticed, and I was a welcome participants of this spontaneous party. I was welcomed with fresh pineapple, grilled shrimp and lukewarm rice wine in a circle of revelers. When I asked why the celebration was repeatedly given me in response: "because we're in the mood for celebration." In the evening I was able to try out the delicious cuisine of the lady of the house. She recommended expressly to eat of the fish dish and not the meat stew. I decided anyway for meat. After dinner I mentioned can now confirm Dog tastes quite good. The next day me the art of rice planting was taught. First it was thirty minutes by motorcycle through the wilderness to the infinite expanses of rice fields. With just a few characters I tried the rice farmers then to explain how rice is planted properly. Knee Deep So I stomped foot by foot through the mud and put all five centimeters a new plantlets in the swamp.

Given the sweltering heat and the size of these fields, this is very hard work. The numerous snakes make the pleasure is not pleasant. Back at the hotel I wanted to free myself from the dirt and asked for the shower. I was shown a huge pot with rain water and a scoop dishes - so this is a shower after Cambodian Art J. Freshly washed afternoon we explored by bicycle the environment. Several smaller temples and pagodas, which are overgrown with trees and shrubs along the way. As we drove past a school, but it was over with cultural sightseeing. Europeans in this remote region seem to be a rarity. Accordingly, I was also welcomed. The fear of the many children had vanished quickly. The teaching was unceremoniously interrupted because the teachers were interested in our visit. Of course, each of the children wanted to greet me personally; proud with the words: "Hello, my name is ...! What's your name? ". After an hour of playing football with three balls, 50 children and 38 degrees in the shade we headed back on the way to the evening to be back in Phnom Penh.

At the beginning of the third week, we traveled by bus in the five hours away Kampong Chnnang, which is known for the production of all kinds of pottery. I moved into my room in a simple guesthouse and relaxed the rest of the day in a quiet nearby park. I enjoyed fried noodles from the roadside food stall and looked at her all the Khmer -bendlichen aerobics. The next day took us to travel by tuktuk further into the depths of the province. We reached a small village, where I tried to create a simple clay pot using centuries-old method. What looked light, turned out to be difficult manual labor. The owner had to hold back her laughter in my attempts to make pottery something. A small bowl, I then managed yet.

Back in Phnom Penh was waiting for us next day a cooking class. Our chef instructor led us to buy only at a local market for fish, meat, vegetables and herbs. The smells and sights in these markets are very used to and like so many visitors hit on the stomach. In the cooking school, each participant could cook his court under guidance and could / had to eat itself. A total of five different dishes we could prepare, including amok, the national dish of Cambodia. A small cookbook gave it as a gift to to delight your loved ones home culinary. With full bellies we went back to the hotel, and I let off the evening on the rooftop terrace of the hotel.

Unfortunately, I found out the next day the terrible news of the death of King Sihanouk of Cambodia. At a stroke, the eternal smile of people seemed to be silenced. The horror was the people in his face. All flags were lowered to half mast, shops and restaurants closed. To give me an idea of ​​what is happening, I visited on Saturday evening the Royal Palace. I was deeply affected by what I saw that night and felt. But thousands of monks and people gathered in front of the Royal Palace. There have been numerous laid flowers. According prayed and cried and so many lit incense sticks that the environment nearly disappeared in the smoke. This ceremony dragged on for days. Despite the sad circumstances, this was a moment of positive remains in my memory. It was fascinating to witness how much these people their faith and love of life related to their king.

The fourth and last week we made our artisan act. Under professional guidance I put shadow theater figures made of dried cow hide ago. It turned out to be very costly, requiring accuracy and time-consuming work fine. With millimeter-precise tools small patches are punched out exactly according to pattern. However, I could make my own art work and then take them home. On the weekend we had the opportunity to experience such a shadow theater performance in the first row.

On the last day of my Khmer Apsara project, a dance school we were shown. Including dance along. Children and young people here have the opportunity to learn the art of Apsara dance. Also here we were invited for the sold-out performance at the weekend with dinner. This highlights the Khmer project was completed. I said goodbye to all the volunteers, and left my accommodation for the next ten weeks.

For me, this project was a perfect preparation for the previous two months as a backpacker. I was able to gain a deep insight into the lifestyle of the Khmer. Thanks to the language course I was even possible for me to agree quite well with the locals. In addition, the life is more fun when you can exchange a few words with the seller at the market stall, the service in the restaurant or the tuktuk driver.

Ten weeks alone as a backpacker traveling in Cambodia:

I quartered me the same ten weeks in a budget hotel located in the city center. All activities and excursions I started from there. To be mobile, I rented a motorbike. The first week I spent in Phnom Penh. I explored the city by bike, walking along the lively river promenade, tried the infamous Happy Pizza and enjoyed one or the other back and foot massage. During my project, I had acquaintances closed with some Cambodians. So I was the coming days and weeks rarely alone, always accompanied by one or more Khmer. And every day I met new interesting people. The Khmer are very open and helpful towards strangers and visitors interested in their country. They also see it in any Europeans a chance to apply their English and improve it.

Special highlights of my trip through the Khmer Empire were the following:

Coastal region in the South: Dreamlike islands around umSihanoukville with pristine sandy beaches and unforgettable sunsets. Barbeque parties on the beach with a cold beer, fresh fish and seafood. Water and quad Touren.Kampot & Kep, two sleepy coastal town that are still little affected by tourism. The best crabs around the country - "crab market" in Kep.Battambang in the Northwest: Visit the Buddhist monastery Phnom Sampeau. My first tattoo by a monk after the "bamboo tattoo" Art. Visit the sole owner of the land operation incl. Tasting. Bat-invasions. The legendary bamboo train. Overnight in a foreign family house. Elefantenreiten.Siem Reap: Multi-day tour of Angkor Wat and the surrounding grounds on horseback. Nights in a floating village. Invitation to a Cambodian wedding. Jeep ride in a national park in the footsteps of wild animals. The National Circus of Kambodscha.Ostkambodscha, Ratanakiri: Week-long trek through the middle of the rain forest, sleeping under the open sky. Bathing in numerous waterfalls. The rare Irrawaddy dolphins. Luxury accommodation for less than 8 Dollar.Mein birthday party at the Karaoke - Party Boat: all my new Khmer friends and their friends I have invited. The boat was pretty crowded with 87 people and the party was a great success; the andauerte.Die until dawn New Year's Eve: a New Year's party in the jungle rather than in the southern province of Koh Kong Found. A great place to dance under the palm trees in tropical heat to deafening music into the new year. The event was probably a secret, it was absolutely awesome as the only tourist among hundreds of revelers Khmer.Die many visits to thank families across Cambodia. Through my many new Cambodian friends I had the opportunity to get to know the simple life of the locals very intense. I was greeted always open and always felt from the first moment as a member of the family. Also, I had a deep insight into the rural realities, unfortunately, the poverty of these people is still very large. The luxury of the city is far from it. The time with these people and children were particularly impressive moments of my trip!





The Social Project:

The last leg of my trip I spent in the orphanage CPCDO that Projects Abroad had organized for me. So I have quartered me for the past month back in the apartment of Projects Abroad. After a short consultation, I could relate the same room, as before. During the first project I was very happy because I came back to enjoy the delights of our top chef. The whole property is divided into five separate apartments. Each apartment has its own cook and a further Khmer Miss which provides for the cleanliness. The large roof terrace with sofas and hammocks invites you to linger. The toilets are western standard. There is no hot water, but at these temperatures need no one.

On the first morning me a Projects Abroad staff showed the orphanage shown and introduced me to the very friendly and loveable director. Daily waited a driver with his motorcycle front of the property to me. Safely through the traffic chaos he brought me back to the orphanage and again. Monday to Friday: 08:00 bis 11:00 clock and 14:00 to 17:00 clock had my periods of use. As a new volunteer, I was of course quickly discovered by the children and also equal loudly greeted with the usual words: "Hello, what's your name". The kids aged 5 months to 18 years are absolutely cute and adorable. You feel gratitude for the presence and the time it spends on them. They quickly lose their shyness towards the volunteers and never miss an opportunity to deal with this.

At the same time, a young Australian in the same orphanage worked. Since it is professional teacher, we split the work, and they also took the same task is to teach the children the first words in English. The children show a great willingness to learn. By concentrating it looks slightly different, making the teaching lively. There is a local school that the children attend part-time. Unfortunately, the smaller ones have there not the possibility to get English lessons. Thus, the joy is great that we volunteer to teach them English. I have my role as a teacher of course perceived, but in French for the over-14-year-olds. Several of the young students were very interested and were also quite a few words of French. Thus I took the chance and tried to extend them with material already learned.

Each day has been individually designed and mostly spontaneous. Time has been played and sung drawn and tinkered times. I have new games daily proposed, which were played with enthusiasm immediately. "Gangnam Style" at that time was of course an absolute hit with the kids. Several times we danced together to the song. The dancing kids from CPCDO you can find on YouTube. Here is the link to my video: (note the small macho front left).

I have a number of companies in Switzerland contacted and informed about my plan prior to departure. Among many refusals were also found three generous CEOs who were willing, toys, colored pencils, balloons, etc. to donate. I thus had the opportunity to surprise the children each week with other gifts. Also I brought often fresh fruits such as bananas, mangoes, pineapple and mandarin oranges. Local fruits are to get on the market at very low prices, provided you negotiate well with the seller.

A particularly exciting day for the children was organized by me "color day". The kids had huge fun to embellish a big gray wall with colorful drawings. Finally, a makeup competition was still from it and all were colorful face.



To my amazement, I received last week a package from Switzerland. Another company had agreed to make a donation. I could give a farewell incredible 15 kg toys and thus once again prepare a huge joy to all the children. At the end of my social project I organized a small farewell party. With music, photo shoot, drama and wild water balloon battle. It had delicious grilled chicken and energy drinks for everyone - the kids have so otherwise too little energy J. It broke my heart to let these wonderful kids back and say goodbye. I would really like to have stayed longer. I learned by a student from the orphanage that one month as a volunteer is actually too short. I can confirm this myself when I had built up a relationship with the children slowly after two or three weeks, I had it had to stop. A use of at least two months, I would vote for the future.



The last week:

After the farewell party at the orphanage we had to leave the room and say goodbye to Projects Abroad. I have experienced a super organized and very varied time with Projects Abroad and want to thank you again for that at this point, especially among employees in Cambodia! Six days left to me now still under the sun, and I realized at the near end. The time was too short to say goodbye to all the new friends. On the last day I had to take me to the tuk-tuk to the airport, but it was necessary five tuktuk. Because it wanted to say goodbye to over a dozen Khmer by me personally and traveled to the airport. Once there, waiting for me once a group of students to say goodbye. An insane farewell ceremony just for me as I have never experienced in my country! There are quite a few tears flowed!

The break from my everyday life was truly worth it in every way. Cambodia was sort of balm for my soul. I am in love with the country and people, and for me is clear: I will soon be possible to travel back to Cambodia, of course, to visit my proteges in the orphanage.

Who knows, maybe we'll see you soon in Cambodia - my next flight is already booked !!!



Volunteer and backpacker 2012 - 2013

Pirmin