February 18, 2015: Weekend Fun and Back to Work!

The last five days have flown by. Our weekend included a half day road trip to Kampot with a visit to the fish market, lunch at The Rusty Keyhole (famous for its ribs) and a foot massage at seeing hand massage (provided by blind masseuse). Our drive back to Kep was highlighted by a karaoke session to "Dancing Queen" lead by Chelsea. Back in Kep, everyone took time walking the beach, hiking in Kep national forest, relaxing at Spring Valley Resort and another massage for some. Dinner at the Spring Valley Resort included traditional Khmer food in a street vender format (an interactive eating experience enjoyed by everyone). I understand the passion fruit punch was a particular hit. Sunday was spent on Rabbit Island hiking the shoreline, sun worshiping and massage. Great relaxing day on the island.

We are now three days into week 2 and both teams have made amazing progress with pits dug, concrete pipes installed and back filled and brick work complete. The concrete finish is continuing at both sites.

Bill, Evy, Liz, Tom and Betty are working at the home of a local family and are treated with fresh coconut and bananas. Liz, one of our teachers on board and resident animal lover, has been tending to the farm animals, and conducting impromptu lessons and reading time with the children (a special experience for all involved).

Bill and Tom have worked tirelessly and creatively through the 35C temperatures and difficult ground conditions to dig the latrine pit. I understand the pit has an interesting spiral staircase. Betty and Evy have been busy laying bricks, applying and finishing concrete.

The second latrine is being constructed by Lynda, Lindy, Jeries, Chelsea and Don at the women handy craft project in Odong. The project provides training in various crafts (weaving, jewelry making) and an opportunity for the women to earn income. Our efforts are guided by our smiling and quiet contractor referred to as Uncle (or Po, his Khmer name). He ensures the site is ready for us each day and quietly guides us through our paces ensuring an acceptable finish. The digging of our pit was a team effort with everyone taking a turn in the pit.

Don Brimacombe
DWC Volunteer Team Leader
Cambodia. February 2015

Saturday, Nov 22: Visit to Kampot and Bokor National Park

Today was our first official day of rest and relaxation, and we decided to visit Kampot and Bokor National Park. 

We drove along the southern coast to Kampot, which is famous for their peppercorns and pork ribs. You could definitely see the French colonial influence in the architecture throughout the city. 

In the first half of the day we drove up the mountain to Bokor National Park and took in a variety of sights - I mean a REAL variety! First we saw the huge Lok Yeay Mao monument, which was built within the last few years and is said to protect travelers, fishermen and hunters. Our next stop was to see the Popokvil waterfalls, where you could essentially walk or climb all around the falls to see it from different vantage points. We also saw the casino, Chinese temple, Catholic church, and the abandoned hotel casino ruins. It was quite a mish mash of sights but we got to take in a great view from the mountaintop and the old hotel casino ruins were really neat!

Once we made our way back down the mountain we went into Kampot and had lunch at ‘The Rusty Keyhole’ for "the best ribs in Cambodia". We ordered the 1.5 kg order of ribs to split amongst our group of six people; the restaurant challenges customers to attempt eating this meal – for one – in less than an hour, we definitely weren’t going down that road though! 

After our bellies were full, we walked through the market to check out the multiple displays of wares and food, and to track down some of the famous Kampot peppercorns to take home. 

There were all sorts of fish and other sea creatures laid out on tables or sitting in buckets of water, as well as a variety of meats, vegetables, and fruits available. 

We were on the hunt for durian fruit in particular, which is said to have a very pungent odour, but had no luck since it is currently out of season; we did, however, get to see the durian statue at one of the traffic roundabouts in Kampot. 

We made it back to Kep just in time for a dip in the pool before sunset and then headed out for dinner near the hotel, most of us could barely keep our eyes open through dinner since it had been such an eventful day – good thing we still have one day of some serious rest and relaxation on Rabbit Island planned for tomorrow!

Sarah Armstrong
DWC Team Leader

Cambodia, November 2014