Reflections

Now that i have became semi-Cambodia, I am proud to say that i have learnt a lot from this trip and it has been nothing but exciting and eventful. It is eventful in both senses - positive and negative. However it is fruitful in only the positive way , at least for me, i have grown to be more mature and definitely more responsible. Most importantly i immerse myself in a completely alien culture and emerging out this culture with a more dynamic personnality.

I can still vividly remember the anxiety that overwhelmed me in the airport. And also my desire to get my hands on the remote control in a movie called "The Click" and all i wanted to do is to fast forward the 16 days. For the first time in my life i actually enjoyed my Burger King meal....

Looking back the 16 days in Cambodia, I really tried my best to appreciate everything in Cambodia and keep a open mind to try out any new stuff.(apparently i keep my mind a bit too open and that cost me 35USD) I am really fortunate to be one of those lucky people to really do the well. It was an enormous joy. In the first week, i thought i get accustomed to the enviroment quite well. I have this innate confidence in my immunity system.(it failed me in the last 2 days though) The team also went on with its programme and functioned efficiently. Everything seems to be working out. We are able to help the villagers built WELL and toilet. We managed to cook some decent food with the help from oyster sauce. We bathed with all kinds of insects above our head. We fought sandflies with all the courage we could muster. Even though it maybe the first time doing a lot of things for many of us, we pull it off in the first week.

Of coz than comes the R&R, which is pretty much like heaven to me. The visit to the museum gives me a new perspective to Cambodian history and culture. It also answers my doubt as to why Cambodia is so under-developed.

When we go back to the village in the second week, thats when all hell break loose, people start to fall sick. The real test came when divya was down. Like Meng said, we pass the test with flying colours and not forgetting a little reward of kaya for him. On that night, I did not appreciate the gravity of the situation until i realise she is unconcious. I am really sorry that i laughed when i heard the "she is an indian" line. However i am juz glad that nothing happened to divya. The next big incident which i must reflect on is my little motorbike accident. It is very lucky that the situation did not exacerbate into some serious trouble. One thing i learn dearly from this incident is that one must always think of the consequences. I have always knew abt it but i guess i learnt it the hard way this time.

The last few days of R&R is not as fun as i expected it to be. Afterall i fell sick on the last 2 days was a big blow for me. It is also a pity that we were not able to better understand Angkor Wat which could help us to understand Cambodia culture better.

This trip is totally mind blowing and wonderful. And i am so thrilled to get to know all the people in team. I will treasure the friendship forged through 16 days of hardship in cambodia.