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Thank you.  

To define this trip in one word: amazing... I don't even know where to start... 

      I found Cambodia, as a country, to be very unique. It may have a similar culture to other countries in Southeast Asia, but it stands alone. It stood alone through its recent history and now it stands alone in its diversity, and I'm not just talking about the diversity of people. It's a lot more than that. There are no two places in this country that are the same (Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are like two different countries!) and absolute poverty could be wedged in between complete luxury. Aside form just variety, everyone here is so open, kind and passionate towards the future of their country. They allow themselves to be filled with hope and that's amazing to witness. 
      As for Rustic Pathways, I found everything from the staff and the program to the food and accomodations enjoyable. The staff... that is the staff on our trip, were not only that, but also our friends. They created a comfortable environment in which everyone could get along and where the rules weren't so strict that it limited us from having fun. They trusted us, we were treated like mature, independant people and they didn't baby us; I respect that. 
      The actual structure of our program was very ideal as well. We did many, many interesting things, but the days weren't too crammed either. Despite all the different activities we were able to fit in, we still had downtime which allowed us to relax and bond with one another. The home stay, which was the part of the trip that required the most adapting, was well transitioned into and out of; we didn't go straight to the village when we arrived in Cambodia nor did we end the trip there. We were given a chance to dip our feet in before being completely submerged into this different lifestyle (and they didn't yank us out of the pool either). It was right in the middle and well planned- one of the strengths of this trip. All in all, the program was well-structured, balanced and had enough of all three aspects: NGO's, service and temple-visiting/recovery (as well as some history blended in there). 
      (In addition, we were well accomodated and well-fed. No not in 5 star luxury hotels and restaurants). 
      I'm trying to think of my least favourite aspect of the trip and I'm struggling. The only time I was anything but happy was that half hour in the village when I was frustrated at all the kids... but even that has nothing to do with Rustic Pathways. The only down-side to this organisation is that it can be a bit expensive at times, but, they do offer the opportunity to earn a grant like I did. I can tell you one thing, if all the trips are as good as my own experience, I think that it's definitely worth it. Considering all the activities the different programs include, it's also understandable why the price may be so high. As a result, even that disadvantage is debatable. The only real problem, which has nothing to do with Rustic Pathways, is that your group/the other participants, could really make or break your trip. For us, that was far from an issue; we became closer in these last two weeks than I am with some of the people I've known for years. Unfortunately, the organisation can't limit what kind of person signs up for each program. So, yes, I definitely do recommend Rustic Pathways, you just have to pick the right program that won't attract the wrong people.
      This experience is one that I hope to never forget. I leave with a new understanding of international issues, relationships formed with people who live all around the world, knowledge about NGOs and social enterprises that I can work with in the future, an appreciation for what really matters, a grasp of the perks of simple living and so much more. I will always remember all the inspiring work of the many NGOs in Phnom Penh, the walk to and from the village school every day listening to the young voices screaming "Hello!", and the breathtaking beauty of Angkor Watt, Bayon and Ta Prohm temples. Cambodia was a truly life-changing experience, and I couldn't be happier that I signed up for the trip.

I left an hour ago... and I already miss it. 

LM

       I knew Angkor Watt and all would be amazing, it wouldn't be considered one of the Eight Wonders of the world if it wasn't. But, I will say that I had my doubts; I wasn't exactly looking forward to a day of walking around… it's the end of the trip, we're all exhausted, all we wanted to do was just spend time together talking before we all leave. I was wrong, it was actually really cool and even though I, generally, dislike history, some of the information our guide told us during the visit was really interesting. 
      Okay, Angkor Watt is cool, I've said it, but even though it's supposed to be the best, but surprisingly, it was my least favourite of the three temples we saw. We also visited the Bayon Temple/Smiling heads temple (where part of Transformers 5 was filmed) and the Ta Prohm temple/ tree temple (Where Tomb Raider was filmed). I loved the first because of all the smiling faces everywhere; it was very fun and different. I also really liked the last temple because of the trees; their roots wrap around every stone and it's really remarkable. 
      Visiting all these temples today, in some ways, also made me respect the patience the people who made the temples have… we just spent the last week using a chisel and hammer, we understand how difficult it is, but now, looking at all the intricate patterns and designs on the temple walls (probably made with the same tools), I can't even imagine how long something like that took. It took us 45 minutes to chisel three big ugly holes with a big nail, how long would it have taken them? I can't even imagine. Respect. 

But, overall, they were by far, the three coolest temples I've ever seen (so far). 


LM

Siem Reap is not at all like Phnom Penh. 
      
       As we drove into Siem Reap, we all had our mouths hanging open: not only were we re-entering civilisation, but none of us could believe that we were still in Cambodia. It is not at all like Phnom Penh: it's a lot smaller and has a large amount of tourists. Within 5 minutes of being here, I saw more Westerners than I have during the entire rest of the trip combined. Everything around is based off of service (hotels, restaurants and so on) and tourism attractions. From the massage parlours on every corner to the limitless amount of western restaurants to the skewed ratio of tourists to locals… None of us feel like we are in Cambodia at all. But, as I look around some more and see all the motorcycles, tuk tuks, night markets and so on, that feeling is already starting to disappear. My favourite part so far is that there is so much to do. We just have to leave the hotel, start walking and we would never get bored. 

LM

      Before I get into the summary, I think it's really interesting how little it took to make us happy. I can't even imagine the looks on our faces when our staff told us we were going to drive into town and get a cold drink. Our entire experience made us more grateful for the little things: ice, AC, cold water, running water, my shower, my toilet, laundry, being able to feel clean, beds, electricity and so much more. 
 
      Let's start with the service project... personally, I didn't find the physical work to be as hard as I thought it would be (not that it was anywhere near easy- I was just expecting the worst. I believe it's better to have low expectations and be pleasantly surprised than the other way around). In some ways, I do wish that there was more we could have done and that the people from the village trusted us with more work, but, at the same time, I do understand why they may have been reluctant. 
      This experience also showed me how frustrating the language barrier could get. Such as when we were painting the tables for the classrooms, we had a bucket full of petrol to clean brushes, but, all the kids were sticking their hands in the bucket (not to mention that they kept smearing what I was painting). Whatever we tried to do, they didn't understand that they needed to back away (or they did understand, but just wouldn't do it). That may have been the only time during the trip where I was anything but happy.
      I'm proud of the work we did, but since we only did the length of one side of the school (the back and other side is covered with trees and bushes), I do hope that the next group will cover the front and maybe put a latch on the door we built on our side. I really don't like that we have to depend on the actions of another group of people, that we've never met, to determine whether or not our project is successful. If they do complete the project as we are hoping, then this fence opens up possibilities to many other improvements to the school. Aside from stopping all the cows from coming into the school yard (which stops there from being dung everywhere where the kids are playing barefoot) and that it stops motorcycles from cutting through the kids playing space (which makes it safer for them because careless speeding motorcycles through running, screaming, inattentive kids is never safe), it also allows them to actually build a garden (which they couldn't do before because the cows ate it), and to take the money they were fundraising/collecting to make the fence and put it towards fixing the water pump in their school yard and more. 
      So yes, all in all, despite the challenges and uncertainties, I do think that we were rather successful in our project. 

      As for the home stay... I must say, the bucket shower and 'Turkish toilet' weren't all that bad; it was all a matter of getting used to it and understanding that no matter what we did, we would never feel clean. There was no reason to freak out if we had paint or mud all over us, because it didn't matter. What matters is that we worked hard, we got the project done on time, we're all healthy and we helped other people. That's it. 
      I must say, the food we had during the home stay was amazing. It was the best khmer food I've ever had (not that I've had a lot of it outside of Cambodia, but it was definitely better than any of the restaurants we went to earlier on on the trip). Rustic Pathways had hired a chef to stay with us in the home stay. He got a budget for food in order to prepare all the meals we ate. He would cook in the "kitchen" under the house: a dirt floor where you would sit and start your own fire (see, you don't need a big fancy kitchen to make good food). I do understand though that the villagers don't eat as well as we did when we were there. They don't have as much money to spend on ingredients, as a result, they don't always get to buy chicken or beef or seafood very often whereas we had it practically every lunch and dinner. 
      Overall I am very pleased with the home stay: we learned a lot, reached our goal, helped other people, we finally saw the essentials of life and how to live simply, we got a lot closer to each other and we all had a lot of fun regardless of the little things. I'm really proud of all of us. The service portion of the home stay also showed us to do things ourselves: such as mixing our own concrete and so on. We didn't have fancy tools or even enough tools for everyone for that matter, but it's okay: we used coconut shells as shovels, bamboo and grass as paint brushes, we dug holes with metal rods, we mixed concrete with a shovel on the ground, we chiseled into walls with a big metal nail and a handmade hammer (Flintstones style); I think it's fair to say that we became extremely resourceful. (This also shows how people elsewhere are becoming less resourceful and more dependant on technology and other silly gadgets that they don't really need). 
      When we were leaving the village this morning, I really did feel like I could have stayed another week- I wasn't dying to get to running water and electricity... it was all bearable at the least. 
 
      I think the most important thing for us to understand at this point is that what we just experienced is their reality. It doesn't matter that we are all leaving and that we might be grateful for 2 days, 2 weeks, 2 months, 2 years or even much longer… we are still all going to go back and continue living our lives. They, on the other hand, will stay there living what we did for five days, for the rest of their lives. Regardless of the fact that it may have been rather tough at times, we get to come back and re-immerse ourselves in luxury while they stay there in those conditions. For now, that's crucial for us to comprehend.

LM

      We have come to realise that whenever we are working on our fence project, the village men try to come and do the work for us, acting as if we can't do it right and they can do it faster. Yes, that may be partially true, but we were only slow at first because it’s the first time most of us do anything like this. But by them doing this, we get the feeling that they just wanted the funding for the project and that they are more than happy to do the rest themselves. The problem being that that  destroys the purpose of the project. Showing them that we can do it is part of the process. 
      Another issue (not just with this trip) is that when a particular group of people keep returning to the same area for their service work, that place becomes dependant on their aid. Regardless of whether or not the projects are sustainable, the place, more times than not, will end up not being able to develop individually. On top of that, it messes with the system a bit because we wont always be here to help, which means that when we stop coming, they will stop developing. So through our projects, it's critical that we are not only giving them what they need, but that we are also giving them the tools they need to come up with and fund their own program. I feel that we aren't addressing that enough during our time here in the village.  

LM

I don't mean to sound like your mum, but it's true. 
      
       The kids here laugh, like kids anywhere else in the World, the only difference being what makes them laugh. Here, they spend their days (never short of evergy) running around, playing sports, talking to each other, making up games (with nothing other than a rubberband or a stick) and so much more. Not once did I see any of them cry or even look sad. This reflects their gratitude. But more than that, not once did they whip out their iPhone or spend hours on end staring at their computer screen. That's the way it should be. Not the way our warped society is, the one we have the nerve to think of as "better". That is literally saying that brainwashing your kids with trash is better than letting them learn how to be smart and resourceful enough to know how to use their environment... do you really believe that to be true? Their society might not be as economically or politically developed as other countries' but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t something we can learn from them. 

LM

Are we destroying nature or is it just an obstacle we have to overcome so we can reach our goal?

      In order to dig all the holes for the posts of the fence, we had to pull out grass, cut some roots and break/pull out massive rocks (by massive I mean bigger than twice the size of your head). It’s not like we’re doing it because we aren’t aware that it’s not okay, but it was a necessary step we had to take to finish our fence. On the other hand, it’s not like we cut down a forest (-not that justifying your actions by proving there’s worse is right). The effects on the environment weren't that bad, but they were still there; I had just never really thought about the nature aspect of our project. That shows that no matter what you’re doing you have to look to see how it could possibly affect other things. 

(I am more shocked at the fact that I hadn’t thought about it until now, not that we were actually hurting the environment). 


LM

      I just realised that I haven't looked in a mirror or even seen one since I got to the village. To be honest, it's kind of refreshing. We're caring more about how we affect other people, rather than what we look like, which is how it should be. Now I understand why the kids always want to see the pictures we took of them: that's the only chance they have to know what they look like. I also now realise why they smile so much when I tell them they're beautiful: because they are without even trying. It's natural. That is a stimulating change. 
      The experience reflects what is more important. I mean, a lot of people know that helping others should come before their appearance, but they don't understand it and actually act on it. There is no point in spending 45 minutes staring at yourself in the mirror when you can spend it doing something that matters; something that affects others positively... like what we're doing now. 

LM 

The rest of the Cambodia blog posts (as well as all the Haiti ones) will be completed upon our return from Haiti.
Hopefully, all the posts will be finished by August 31st.