Monday, March 25, 2013

Siem Reap, Cambodia

 Heading towards the border.
 The border crossing between Thailand and Cambodia.
Yes that's a casino!  Gambling is illegal in Thailand and it's illegal for Cambodians to gamble but Thai can cross into Cambodia and gamble in Cambodia!  ???
 My first Cambodian meal.
It didn't taste bad but there was still bones in the chopped up chicken.
Beautiful school, medical center and training restaurant.
 Neighborhood near New Hope.
 Having a good time in the sewing center at New Hope.
 Here's where some heartbreak comes in.....this lovely little guy, whom I nicknamed "My Shadow" died just a few short weeks after my visit.
Me in front of New Hope.
New Hope was the benefactor of my Cupcakes and Cocktails fundraiser, thank you so much to all of you who donated.  This school is doing amazing things for the people of Siem Reap.
Most of Cambodia lacks basic infrastructure.  So there is a lack of basic needs such as education, medical care, and jobs.  Despite the country's horrendous past and their current challenges, the Cambodian people seem optimistic and happy.
That was one of my life changing lessons.....here in the US we seem so unhappy with so much and yet the Cambodians seem so happy with so little.
Some of the school's teens during their English lesson.

Children at New Hope's shelter for battered and abused women.  New Hope pays for a 24 hour guard to project the women and their children from the disgruntled spouses.
Facilities at the shelter are very basic.....they could use lots of help both financially and physically improving the shelter.
Crock....the ATM guard!
One of the night markets in Siem Reap.
Lots of seafood.
Now that's what I call fresh.......
The night market is beautiful.
Dried meats.
Night market.
Oh my those egg rolls were fantastic!!!!!
Angkor Restaurant in Fresno has egg rolls that are a very close 2nd to these.
Kari and I in my favorite mode of transport.....tuk tuk.
Cambodian Apsara dancers.
An Apsara is a female spirit of the clouds and waters in Hindu and Buddhist mythology.
 
Tomorrow we are off to Angkor Wat!
 


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