Katy Lost in Cambodia

HAPPY TIMES

As my last few posts have been a bit heavy I’ve kept this one light in both subject and words : )

Here’s a bit about my recent break away from the office and computer to spend time with the AFESIP residents.

Birthday Celebrations in Siem Reap - the guesthouse I stayed at made me a cake with 2 chickens on it..

I have no idea why?!

On the 7th July, all the residents from Kampong Cham and Tom Dy traveled up to Siem Reap to stay with the girls at Siem Reap centre – around 200 girls in total. AFESIP’s shelter model means that the girls live and train at the centres, only venturing out accompanied for a family visit or for external medical care if required. Hence a 3 day trip is a rare and very exciting event.

Walking up to the magnificent Angkor Wat temple. Cambodia's biggest tourist attraction by far and a monument of culture and heritage that all Cambodians are rightly very proud of. Entry free for the Khmer as it should be.

It’s occurred to me before when showing some of the residents pictures on my camera of me in Spain/France etc that the concept of travelling from country to country is something almost innate to us and something which they cannot   relate to. Obviously none of them own a passport, most of them wont know what one is. Personally, I struggle even trying to imagine how this reality would alter my perspectives, views and concept of the world….can you?

Descending the towers of Angkor Wat temple looking down towards all the girls

Head of finance - Mr. Rith

Bayon Temple built 12th CE by Jayavarman VII

After the heat exhaustion of walking round the temples, we went to laze down by the Lake.

Mmm fried crickets anyone? All the residents LOVE these. 2 big plates full was a massive treat. Sadly Katy will have to be really lost and at starvation point before this becomes appealing!

On the second day we went to the Kulen National Park for picnics and swimming in the beautiful waterfalls.

After the waterfalls we went to visit a Pagoda up on a hill side – an experience I would never have had as a traveller.

In the pagoda, incense was lit, prayers were chanted and offerings were made to Buddha. I wondered what the each girl was praying for.

THE ORACLE! We stumbled across this guy, sat at a table full of miniature Budda's, elephant tusk trinkets and even some animal skulls. Now if I'm going to get my palm read, I want it to be by the guy dressed in white sat up a mountain in Cambodia who hasn't cut his hair for the past 50 years...

Luckily one of our donors who was there is Khmer and was able to translate. Apparently I am going to be a great leader in the future - so watch this space...(of course, leader of what I have no idea. Could be the local brownies?!)

We walked up to a monk sat in a shrine on a hill top and prayed whilst he chanted. It felt pretty spiritual actually.

And now to more local and equally happy events. Comedy and sex trafficking aren’t 2 topics you are likely to come across in joint partnership  – however – a certain young gentleman I used to work with at Seven Squared used his talents to make people laugh whilst raising money to help both me and AFESIP on Wednesday 14th of July.

I awoke to 3 e-mails and 2 texts from friends back home who had been to support the event RAVING about both James’ skill and charms as the compere and the quality of the night as a whole. Tickets raised over £400 and then one inspired friend did a whip around at the end!! An additional kind donor upped the final total to make a tidy £600. Wow. I feel like Thank you is not a big enough word.

Mr. James Hickie in action. Unsure if any booking agents are reading this blog (Lindsay Howarth?!) but if they are, snap this man up now : )

Seriously, since I began on this journey – it really has opened me up to seeing and appreciating just how many outstandingly amazing and generous people there are in this world.  I feel privileged to know these people and hope that whenever they are in need of help in the future they will stick me at the top of the list so I can try to begin to repay their kindness.  People may admire what I have done but it would have remained a utter dream if it was not for these people and their support. A massive heart felt thanks to James, everyone at Seven Squared and the friends who rallied their friends to come down to the event

K xx

Photographic evidence that the comedy was indeed funny and a beautiful pic of my wonderful friend Duncan. Made me smile lots!