First full day on the ground

Ahrun sousdei.......that is Good morning in Khmer.

Four of the monks from Wat Damnak provided our group with a Khmer language lesson on Monday.  They gave us greetings and how to ask someone for their name.  We also learned how to respond to the greetings and how to respond when asked for our name.  Whilst the content wasn't huge, it took us all a while to get to know how to get our tongues around some of the sounds.  Lots of laughter was had by all as we practised an introductory dialogue - from the first hello, to finding out their name and providing our names. As some of these Monks are travelling with us to house building tomorrow, they have promised to 'test us' on what we have learned.





Markets!!  Time to hit the market!  After an early lunch our team hit the Old Market with a shopping list.  Our aim? To buy products from the wish list at Green Gecko.  Shampoo, soap, toothpaste, laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, wash cloths, scrubbers, kramas and first aid supplies.  We were introduced to bartering and whilst it is not everyone's cup of tea, a number of team members took to it very well.
With the first experience out of the way and the shopping list completed, we had a chance to return to do a little shopping of our own.  A few shirts, pairs of pants, skirts and hats purchased, we continued on into the afternoon.

The War Museum was next on the list.  Here, Dave provided us with a very brief rundown of the history of Cambodia from French rule, through Independence, to the Vietnam War, the impact of the Allied Forces as they joined the Vietnam War, the Khmer Rouge and ultimately the removal of the Khmer Rouge.  A brief run down of about 60 years in Cambodia.  Then into the Museum itself.  The Museum contains war relics from this 60 yer period - largely Russian and Chinese made equipment - tanks, helicopters, jet plane, anti-aircraft guns, armoured vehicles and of course landmines.  Our tour guide was a victim of the war period and has the scars to show it -including remnants of shrapnel still within his body and the loss of a leg.  He provided a large amount of information as we moved through the displays.







Comments

Misti-Starr said…
So proud of all of you. You are all making the world a better place.
November 26, 2019 at 8:56 PM
Unknown said…
Good to see Mr Com still providing an insight for the next generation.
November 27, 2019 at 12:04 AM
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