Day 4 Battambang

Another tiring day comes to a close, and what message we take from that is to appreciate all that we have because some are not as lucky.

We woke up bright and early for a 7:30 depature. Already feeling the heat of the Cambodian sunwe headed toward CHO (Child Hope Orphanage), turns out it wasn't an orphanage as expected but and Organization that assists the less fortunate in learning basic English, life and computer skills and converational language. After an introduction with the director who outlined the intentions and goals of the organization and quick tour around the class rooms, we were off to work. It begain as chaos (organized chaos of course) but after a good half hour of hammered fingers and wood splinters we begun to get the hang of things. Were not saying we are professionals (well Adam thinks he is) but we can definately start DIY jobs at home. Most of the walls were up when the real fun started, PAINTING! White shirts became brown and clean skin became incredibly dirty, well thats the whole fun of it, right? At last our masterpiece was completed, brown walls with colourful windows looked back at us, our tradie skills were definitely up to scratch!

We were then whisked away in tuk tuks (Gaby a bit hesitant due to hurting her leg on the first night on the exhaust pipe of a motor cycle) to some of childrens homes to meet their families and take in their living conditions. This was truely eye opening due to experiéncing how poverty sticken this third country really is. Just sitting in their houses or what is classified a house in Cambodia (two rooms often shared between 5 kids and parents). We all had a greater appreciation for all we have back at home.


The day was not over yet, as a goodbye dance from the children was still to take place. Our personal "ïf your happy and you know it clap your hands" most of us still have it stuck in our heads! Then to conclude our day at CHO we presented the director with soccer balls and a pump kindly donated by the Reagan Milstein foundation and over 100 soccer tops from Maccabi Soccer to the children in most need. Our duties were fufilled and must we say it was so rewarding!

Sightseeing was still on the to-do list for today so we visited the bamboo train tracks, we personally thought it was more of a ride. Seriously these things were going down hill at a very fast pace, I was scared for my life!

To end a memorable and most challanging day we have yet experianced here in Cambodia we had dinner at a vegan and kosher restaraunt. We didnt hold back, it was pretty much all you can eat, Adam demolished 4 tofu burgers, along with a large drink and a bowl of fried rice, thats what you call a meal, well more a hearty meal.

Goodbye for now, Gaby, Adam and Romy.