Tears, Travel & Tiredness

It feels weird writing this as some sort of “day one” blog post as due to jet lag and an extensive 14hrs or flying, I feel as if I’ve been travelling to Cambodia for days! However, I have arrived and we are all safe.

Its been a huge emotional rollercoaster the last day and a half- probably due to the 30 or so hours I was solidly awake for.

When I woke up Saturday morning, I’m pretty sure I woke up crying. Every bit of my body didn’t want to leave my family... or my cats! I must’ve cried from 4am - 8.30am as everyone said how fresh my face looked, until I told them it was moisture from all my tears😂 Saying goodbye to my family for this length of time was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do, yet, somehow I got past it and got on the plane.

We travelled with Thai airways for our first flight, the longest one. The plane and the air hostesses were absolutely gorgeous, polite and everything was free (including the alcohol which we weren’t allowed to drink as we have a dry placement)... of course! The only time we get free gin and wine is when we can’t drink it!

I think I came off better than most with the food as I had a “no dairy” dietary requirement meaning I basically got lots of chicken and a (not so full) English breakfast.

Both airlines filled us up with so much food that when we arrived for lunch, none of us could imagine eating rice... but we had to.

After lunch, we met our potential counterparts, they’re all so lovely but there is a huge language barrier that stands in our way. I have to admit, due to this, I got a little anxious and worried that my counterpart and I wouldn’t connect as it was seriously hard to get a conversation between us. However, after thinking about it for a while, I invited her to come and play cards, although it didn’t help that she thought I meant play with a cat downstairs ... which we all know I would’ve preferred! Instead, she came down and we taught each other our languages, laughing at what I got wrong, explaining her language whilst exploring ours. I now feel more comfortable, outside my comfort zone.

Finally, we went to dinner tonight with everyone. My CP Invited me to join her table which I was over the moon for , a bit more bonding time. They were all laughing at a joke and I have no idea what it was... because none of them spoke any English. In light of this, they included me as much as possible, trying to get to know me and laughing at miscommunication. Although one thing I’m not laughing at is how much rice I’ve already eaten on day one.

---

Technically today, the 10th of July, was my first day although my mind can’t comprehend how long I’ve actually been here. We got up at 5am and headed to the restaurant for 6.30... breakfast was rice and Meat which was a whole new breakfast experience ... although I had an Iced coffee which was incredible!

Training day has been pretty dull, as expected, we all just sit in a circle and listen to people talking whilst sweating and chugging our water.

We had lunch which was an entire fish... quite daunting having a little face staring at you whilst you’re eating. I was on another fully Cambodian table so I didn’t have much of a conversation but it’s enjoyable.

Our hotel is beautiful, we’re actually allowed in the pool which we were told was strictly forbidden due to a bit of miscommunication on our England training days. I had a massive Geko on my door which disappeared in seconds and Im slightly worried as I haven’t seen it since...

Whilst everyone went into the market, Charlotte and I cooled off in the pool. All of a sudden, a downpour of rain, thunder and lightning! It was a magical moment, yet I didn’t want to risk bringing my phone in!

Cambodia is beautiful, the people are so kind and we’re all having an amazing time! Only 5 days left in this gorgeous hotel with the pool, then we move into our host homes! My counter part and I are getting on so well, it was really surprising and heart warming when she came back from the market and gave me a huge cuddle.💗 We‘re also conversing more and I’m starting to learn Khmer quite well!

I cant wait to start our project and move into our host homes. Until then, Chomreab lea!

Ps: Still haven’t been bitten (touch wood).