17 March 2012 (Clear sky)
1 km. That's how long I had to walk to get to the transit counter for Bangkok Airways. We only had 1 hour. Luckily, we were fast. When we got there, we had a good 5 minutes to spare before boarding.
The flight was short. The airport was tiny. We just had to walk down from airplane to get into the airport. Passing the immigration was a breeze. It didn’t take us too long to spot our host with the right card. I had to fight the urge to take a picture of this as I always find this surreal.
We were not the only ones they were picking up at the same time. Another lady, Nid, was on the same flight with us. The journey to the hotel was pleasant with her company while the traffic was relatively smooth.
When we got to the hotel, we were ushered into the waiting area in the lobby. Tea and a local delicacy was served. It tasted like agar-agar with a bean inside. Bunna, the hotel staff, came to greet us. To my surprise, she recognised my face. She asked if I have been to Philippines and if I knew someone from Cambodia. To be truthful, I did not want to disappoint her and just said I can’t remember. It was kinda embarrassing when someone said they know you from FB. It suggests that I have nothing better to do.
We had to wait till 2pm before we got our rooms. Mine was 202. Nice numbers I thought. My friends and I agreed to meet at 3pm to make a trip to Angkor. It was my first time riding a tuk-tuk (USD15) in Siem Reap and I loved the experience despite the feeling of sand going into my eyes and mouth. Our driver was no 4 Som Art. The drivers here were a lot more careful. After having our photo taken for the tickets (USD20), we went straight to the elephant ride (USD20). The ride was not pleasant as my feet were dangling. The elephant kept going too near the edge. Kinda freaky. It was a very hot day. The elephant must be having a bad day, especially having started working since morning.
The ride up was probably 15 minutes. We wanted to see the sunset. Unfortunately, after an hour of really hot sun, the weather changed suddenly and became cloudy. The sun disappeared quickly. We had to make our way back to the hotel as the ground closes at 5.30pm.
18 March 2012 (HOT)
There was no clock in my room! And my handphone doesn't seem to be working the way I want it to be. The time kept getting slower! When I reached Bokor Ballroom, most of the participants were already in place. Two familiar faces greeted me at the door - OR who finally remembered me given that this is our third meeting and Nid of course. Nid commented that I seem to have an easy to remember face when she found out OR and I knew each other. I took a seat at the centre where no one wants, next to Dila. OR took his place next to me. We had an ice-breaking session. At this point, people were already forming their first impressions of these new faces they were going to spend the next week with. Then we were placed in group to share our expectations for the course. Heng went first with his team's expectations. It was quite funny as there were more Cambodians and hence, they wanted to learn how to move away from dollarisation. Next was Samir with his lengthy explanation, followed by Dilla and Sab. I went last. I learnt later that the impression I gave people from this first meeting is of a smart person. I don't think I fancy this image much.
After lunch, we were taken to Angkor Wat. Once again, we had our photo taken. This time, we were more prepared. It was a very very hot day. Good for photos but not for our skins. I was convinced I turned a few shades darker despite not appearing so on photos. The trip started at 3pm and lasted 2.5 hours. We hiked up and down. The guides were good. The host prepared a video cameraman as well as photographer. I felt like celebrity.
p/s: Today was the day I discovered the wonderful Cambodian mangoes. I became greedier after this and had large portion of mangoes on a daily basis.
19 March 2012
It was the first day of our course and it went well. We had our welcoming dinner by the pool, serenaded by traditional dances.
20 March 2012
Today I was impressed by my team during the review and reflection. KK took the initiative to share his experience. I enjoyed talking to him as he shared the history of Cambodia.
At night, Sab, Dila and I went to the night market for shopping and dinner at pub street. As we bargained, I felt bad trying to push down their prices. These people had a tough life. I couldn't bear taking advantage of them.
We stumbled upon Khmer Kitchen Restaurant by accident. I had my fish amok as well as Khmer curry. I preferred the former. It was a really good meal.
21 March 2012
Once again, my team started the reflection of the day. This time we were moved into different tables. I was still made to sit in the centre. Only this time, it was at the front table. Sigh. Next to me was sweet little Hoa, the baby of the team.
Tonight, we were whisked off to watch Smile of Angkor. Sab described the show as a cross between Las Vegas and Dali. It was bizarre. I totally agreed. On our way to the night market, both of us decided we needed to re-plan Siem Reap. We agreed our plan was very good. Dinner was at a restaurant called 8th Street. Can't remember what I ate.
22 March 2012
During lunch, Sab and I made KK sat with us. We really wanted to know more about Cambodia. He was the perfect target.
Sab and I had dinner at Red Piano, where Angelina Jolie had been. The beef loc lac was pretty good but the portion was too big for me.
23 March 2012
Role play day. We had to do case studies. It was not easy and I earned a new reputation. GH declared that this was probably one of the best result they had ever gotten. I do hope it's not just to make us happy.
Farewell dinner was at Le Meridien, at the Palm Garden. I couldn't eat much. Sat with KK, Rayda, Sab and a few others. Samir took the stage, joined by OR (he must have had too much beer) and Heng. Kalpana being a good sport joined them later. We all had a good laugh.
24 March 2012
Set off for Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm and the Silk Farm.
On the way to Ta Prohm, we stopped for toilet break. I realised Medha was missing. I thought she joined the first bus. When we arrived, we discovered that we had indeed left her behind! Not to mention Dila! Luckily there was a van following the buses and took them in. How can anyone left the wife behind?
At Ta Prohm, Sab and GH left the group accidentally. OR and GR realised their boss was missing. They noticed Sab was missing too and they asked if I realised. I told them I thought she followed another group and they said no. The whole thing turned into a joke for us with some being rather guilty for that.
By the time we arrived at the silk farm, the weather had turned nasty. It was pouring heavily, partly dampening our mood. We had to go back early as some of our friends were flying off.
Sab and I met Rayda and Arnie for dinner. We bought our cashew nuts and dried mangoes. Dinner was at Khmer Kitchen again. Then we had a long chat by the pool in the hotel before retiring to bed after midnight.
25 March 2012
I strike up a conversation with an Australian couple whom I met in the lift. The husband was retired from the air force. He was based in Penang for 3 years.
Due to some mixed up, Rayda and his team ended up with us in the same van despite them having to leave on an earlier flight. We said good bye the night before, then good bye after breakfast, once again after checking out, again upon arrival at airport, and again after they checked in. The final round of goodbye was after we passed immigration. That was really many rounds of goodbye. I really made friends with a good bunch of people. Hope it will be continued.
