After an adventurous weekend (read about it here), we returned back to New Hope for our last week of school. I think our feelings were bittersweet - it was sad to see the old volunteers go (and know that we only had a week left), but so happy that we felt more at home in Siem Reap. It was great to meet the three new volunteers as well.
Over the week, we ate at Father's Restaurant again, as well as heading out to tapas once more, Viva for Mexican food, and trying some street food. On the Tuesday, we headed out to the temples once more which was a great way to spend our lunch break. We got to have a good look around at our own pace (not that we were rushed when we were with the others, but we knew that we'd seen the main temples and could cross them off our to do list, so we looked at some of the smaller ones).
On the Thursday, we took the day off school to visit a floating village. In the morning, we rode into town for foot scrubs and pedicures at Master Feet (just off Pub Street) and they were absolutely incredible. My feet felt so soft after and it was really relaxing having a lie back and a good old gossip after the hectic week and a half in Siem Reap. After our spa sesh, Sarah and I headed to the markets for some fruit, before heading back to Golden Village where we tried dragonfruit (bit of a let down - not much flavour!) and two other kinds of Cambodian fruit. I can't remember their names, but they were lovely. Be adventurous with the fruits in the markets - they are very cheap and also very sweet.
In the afternoon, we headed out to the floating village Kompong Phluk. It was very interesting to see such a different lifestyle. Although I'd seen photographs of similar places, actually seeing a town on stilts and another made fully out of boats was so fascinating in person. We had been warned against visiting floating villages due to scams that often operate within them, as well as the village being very touristy, however this village was fantastic and I would highly recommend a trip out there. Our little boat was very old and rusty however we felt very safe. Our guide was knowledgable and informative so it made for a great afternoon.
When we made it back to Golden Village, we had about ten minutes to change before a group of us headed out to see the circus. We grabbed food from a street vendor on the way and then rode to the circus, which is situated behind the museum on the main road to Angkor Wat. Although it was an impulsive decision, we were both so glad that we went because the skills were fantastic. The best $15 I have spent in a long time. I would describe it as Cirque du Solei but with a funny twist. It included skipping with a flaming rope, massive flips and spins and a message about including those around you.
The actual circus company was an NGO, or non-governmental organisation, like New Hope. The company was called Phare and provides training to children in a circus school (they actually exist!) called Phare Ponleu Selpak. It was formed by an art teacher and some of his students after the Khmer Rouge, and encourages young people to "learn, express and heal themselves through the arts." Read more about PPS here.
We were farewelled from the school absolutely beautifully, with a song from some of the older students as well as lots of hugs and letters from the younger ones. It was quite emotional however I know that we will be back.
Our final night out was absolutely fantastic, a huge party at Temple Bar and Angkor Wat. It was such a great end to a fantastic two weeks. Next stop, Phnom Penh!
Tips for Siem Reap
1. Book your bus tickets in advance if you plan to go to Phnom Penh. We managed to get the last two seats on the bus by booking the day before and apparently we were very lucky.
2. Shop around for tours as you can easily get duped. Ask where you are staying if they organise tours as they may be able to get you a better price, but also be aware that they may be asking for a much higher price than other companies. Our $25 trip to Kulen Mountain was advertised in a travel agent for $95.
3. Always know where you are going as on our final night in Siem Reap, the tuk tuk driver started driving in a completely different direction to where we were staying. He started going the way we were telling him after we threatened to get out, and while I don't think he had malicious intentions, we could have got very lost!
Laura xx
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