After an arduous but productive week of work at the BTC project, some team members enjoyed a very informative and successful cooking experience at the Khmer Cooking Class, which has been in operation since 2002.  The eight participants, under the expert guidance of a chef and her three sous-chefs, were successful in preparing a three course dinner.  Each participant could choose a starter, a main course and a dessert. Pat busied herself by preparing fresh spring rolls.  Chris, Bryan, Joyce and Vicki preferred to show their talent by executing masterful green mango salads. Widit, Norma and Hellie made deep fried spring rolls. We then shared and enjoyed all these delicacies before continuing the learning experience  by preparing the main course.

Mortars and pestles lined up on the counter, spices and herbs in hand , we were shown how to prepare a delicious Cambodian curry paste from scratch.  While some chose “amok”  others chose “curry”.  No matter the choice, we all were able to prepare a delectable main course with chicken or pork.

The meal was completed with a tasty assortment of coconut milk based desserts which, with the addition of pumpkin or banana, constituted traditional Cambodian choices.

Not only was this a very well planned learning experience, the food was delicious and the sharing and camaraderie were memorable.

Hellie Weller.

Note: this is Hellie’s 84th country but her first with a sweat equity group like this – and she is loving it!

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On Friday we moved bricks inside to get the place ready for Thursday’s opening. Note our young helper!

Two people flew to Phnom Phen Friday.  It is important to see the current history of the Khmer Rouge and the atrocities of Pol Pot. Eleven left this morning to Battambang.  They will have dinner with a Rotary club there and on Sunday go out to see one of their projects. Six are left here for the weekend.

Many had gone to the Khmer Museum here in Siem Reap late yesterday and 5 more went this morning.  Each and every one of them said it was a must see activity here. I spent three hours there on our last trip. I agree. I chose a 2 1/2 hour massage instead.  I needed it.  US$25.

Khmer Theatre

Tonight 4 of us went to a Khmer folk tale theatre – two men, very good.  Will tell the rest of the group about it.

Us at Ta Prohm

Last Sunday we all went out to the Angkor Archaeological Park, leaving the hotel at 7 am.  Unfortunately we missed the sun rising over Angkor Wat – a reason to return.  We had a great guide and managed to see four of the temples.  Amazing structures built mainly in the 12th century.  They are places of worship, not palaces, very elaborately carved. This is also a must see – should be on all bucket lists.  It would be nice to have a second day to see even more of it but our free time is limited. We arrived home at 5, quite wiped, showered and then out for more great Khmer food.  Not too spicy, very well flavoured and cheap ($5US for most meals).

This week was the Water Festival, 4 days, Full Moon. The street in front of us was crazy with traffic and so many motorbikes. Vendors parked nose to tail. Some road sections closed.We watched a few dragon boat heats.  They can only manage two boats at a time.  The big races were in Phnom Phen where the Mekong River is wide.

View from the restaurant balcony next door. Sign bridge, river and motorbike parking!

Night Market sign

More activities coming tomorrow – Maureen Bird