Special Guest Post - Darcy

After a successful day of traveling to Cambodia we arrived at the Tea House Resort - a picturesque location.
Day 2 of our trip held our first journey to LaValla School. We departed the Tea House on our faithful Tuk Tuks (my driver was named Map), navigating us through bustling yet poverty stricken streets, with road rules being beyond questionable.

Upon arrival at LaValla School we were greeted by around 50 smiling faces! All the students were asking us "What is your name?" and "How are you?." After a brief introduction and briefing we were given time to spend with the students, showing us activities they enjoyed - I played an extremely confusing version of uno, loosing continually.
We were also provided with lunch at LaValla - rice, a pumpkin stew and a vegetable broth, followed by a banana jelly. The students took great pride in serving the food and attempting to communicate with us at lunch.
After only being at LaValla for a short time everyone agreed that the students at the school truly inspired us, as some of them had been abandoned by their family or were living with debilitating diseases - yet they all showed such joy in all they did and not once complained. Making us truly appreciate how lucky we really are.

After leaving LaValla we attended our first market, The Central Markets - for most of us this was our first experience with bartering. Surrounded by expanses of clothes, bags, jewelry and shoes Meg showed amazing confidence in the face of any deal, out bartering every local easily!

We also visited Wat Phenom, a temple in the heart of Phnom Penh, very beautiful and ornately decorated.
This was followed by a tour along the Mekong by Mr.Cornwall to significant buildings, particularly influenced by the Khmer Rouge, along this walk many locals were dancing and playing games all of which we joined in on and had a laugh.
Dinner was at the beautiful Titanic restaurant, with all students and teachers accepting the task of sticking to the Cambodian Menu. At the restaurant the Amok (a traditional dish) was served in a coconut, traditional dancers were scattered around the room and we were looking out across the Mekong.
After this we made time for a quick look around the party like night markets before heading home with the challenge of groups of students finding the cheapest Tuk Tuk home.

Back at the hotel we all enjoyed a refreshing swim before getting in bed.

All in all our first day in Cambodia was extreeemely enlightening, hot, humid and intriguing!