Written By Garret & Maddie
Hello from Cambodia! We started the week off by saying goodbye to Chiang Mai. Through a magical mystery tour created by our lovely OE Kayla, we walked around uncovering the last bits and pieces the city had to offer us. Many yummy drinks were enjoyed, many blowouts were had, and sooo much laundry was done. We had the best final dinner at a restaurant whose owners we’d grown close to. Then we were off to Cambodia! After two speedy plane rides, and a delicious meal of Shake Shack during our layover, we safely landed in Siem Reap. Our days have been a great mix of time to decompress, and exciting adventures around this new part of the world. The city has been bright and bustling, but we have all found some calm inside of that. Between the serene atmosphere of our hostel, rooms chilly enough to need a sweater, ice cream ready to be ordered down stairs, and a pool we’ve found to be very suitable for mermaid time, I’d definitely say after a couple of days we took to adjusting just fine. On one of our busier days, we took off to see 6 temples apart of Angkor Wat. Although it was a sweaty day, it was also pretty unforgettable. At our last temple we watched the sunset from above, then enjoyed a much-awaited bus ride back home to the hostel. Over the next couple of days we visited different NGOs working to improve the lives of so many. We first spoke with Free To Shine, a trafficking center aimed to educate young girls to prevent sex trafficking. We also spoke with a women’s resource center, which through workshops, counseling, and supplies, supports women in need. Most recently we went to SPOONS, a cafe and NGO that’s purpose is to help young people by training them in hospitality.
What were three of the top highlights this week?:
We visited APOPO in Siem Reap, a nonprofit that trains giant pouched rats, called HeroRATs, to sniff out landmines. Holding them was fun, but the visit left me feeling two things at once. Cambodia ranks among the most mine-affected countries in the world, so it was sad to see how much the war still shapes everyday life here. But it was also hopeful to meet people who are working to make land safe again, and to see how impactful this nonprofit has been.
Another highlight was exploring a temple that’s been taken over by giant parasitic fig trees. Roots spill over the walls and push through the stones, so it feels like the forest is slowly consuming the ruins. We walked around for hours, and I loved seeing the nature and history tangle together.
After hot, busy days, our favorite part was just being together at the hotel, swimming in the pool and heading up to the roof to watch the sunset. It was great to wind down in a comfortable hostel with breakfast just downstairs.
What is something you or the group is challenged by this week?:
The biggest challenge I felt that the group faced was the switch from the beautiful forest/permaculture farm at Panya with lots of shade to the city with tuk-tuks honking, motorbikes weaving past us, and drivers calling out offers every time we stepped outside. There were crowds, shops and restaurants and sometimes I was overwhelmed and I think the group felt it too. I miss the quiet and slow pace of Panya but also it is a good reminder to let our bodies adjust and be mindful of our health.
🌎 What are you most grateful for this week?:
One thing that surprised us about Cambodia is how kind everybody is. From the sweetest tuk tuk drivers, and the most genuine café and restaurant staff we’ve ever met, every interaction has been filled with kindness and connection. That in itself, has reminded us all how important it is to show others how much you care about them. We are all really looking forward to getting back into nature with the floating villages, and can’t wait to share more soon. Goodbye for now!!
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