Top 10 impressions of Cambodia from a first time visitor (in no particular order).                                        
10). Tuk Tuks.  Everywhere.  Fun to ride, invigorating, make you feel like you’re part of the scene.

9).  Tourism.  It’s a big deal.  All kinds of people from everywhere.  It’s certainly huge in Siem Reap.  

8).  Energy on the street.  It’s palpable.  People are on the move with a purpose . . . on the thoroughfares, in the stores and restaurants, or partnering with us on projects.

7).  Commercial construction is visible everywhere.  Lots of signs of investments with new resorts, hotels, shopping centres and restaurants being built.

6).  It’s really hot here.  Didn’t imagine working in temperatures hitting 100 degrees F.

5).  Everybody who drives a vehicle has an innate radar system.  Cars, trucks, buses, tuk tuks, and millions of scooters share the uncanny ability to avoid collisions with each other and pedestrians, even with vehicles weaving in and out of lanes, or driving toward you in your lane.

4).  Great choice of quality dining establishments.  Who knew there would be so much variety of culinary experiences, from enjoying local favourites cooked at curb side to high-end steak houses.

3).  There are no chubby Cambodians.  Tourists yes.  Cambodians no.

2).  There are dogs running loose everywhere.  Small to medium sized, often looking pretty skinny.  Not interested in being patted.  Have not seen any dog being patted by a local.

1).  Gentle people.  Kind, friendly, helpful, gracious, grateful.  A delight to meet.

Haven’t mentioned anything about temples.  They deserve a separate category of their own.

Rob Leek – Rotary Club of Picton, Ontario, CANADA

We arrived at BTC before the hired workers, ready to go! Much more painting today and more efficient after we convinced them not to water the paint down. Four watery coats take far longer and so much more work than two decent coats.  Getting there. The garden crews worked hardest if you measure it by sweat produced.  Go Team! Paul Truelove assisted the culinary team for our great lunch.  It is very hot especially in the sun so we did not do a full day today. Pace is important.  Tonight’s dinner was a Korean style BBQ grilled at our tables.  US$7 – it has gone up since last time.  Traffic and congestion is getting worse – maybe a sign of improved prosperity?

Lunch at Bakong

Gardeners at work

We left at seven for Bakong Technical College where we got good group photos then were straight to work.  Today we were brushing down concrete walls inside a large new classroom and cleaning concrete off all the rebar that provide the security in the windows.  Some started a base coat on the outside walls which had already been brushed of loose bits.  Three little boys were helping with the painting.  Then we started painting the rebar with grey oil-based metal paint – warning, this stuff eats right through the styrofoam bowls we were trying to use.  We switched to plastic glasses until Ronnie Yimsut came back with china bowls.  One team were working on the landscaping while Paul Truelove worked with the kitchen staff on a great lunch including large fish caught that morning in the school’s ponds.

We then went to visit two other projects where we did work in 2013.  Mr. Tong continues to run a wonderful school for the pre-school children whose parents work in the dump.  There is also enrichment after school for others and a sewing class – six machines. His training as a buddhist monk brings such strength to what and how they are taught.

Our last stop was the new location where a couple who have four children have taken in 39 orphans or abandoned children.  What a success story!  Four years ago they were evicted from their previous property but now have full ownership of a plot of land and with help from a Gofundme group organized by an American Rotarian they now have a beautiful new complex. What wonderful people they are!

It makes us feel good to be involved in such success in a country that had been so devastated.

I will post one picture today and if it works will try more tomorrow.  Band width seems limited.

Maureen for the group

Group at BTC