No rest for Mt Scopus Cambodia team 2010!
After breakfast we were dressed in modest clothes so we could visit the royal palace. Upon arrival, two team members were pulled aside as their shorts were too short and they were supplied with traditional pants to wear for the duration of our visit.
The palace grounds are magnificent and the blue flag flying meant that the royal family was in. We learnt a bit more about the history of Cambodia and why the king chose Phnom Penh as its capital. The royal family also has a private royal forest to walk through on the palace grounds!
Even though we thought it was not possible to need to shop anymore, our team proved us wrong as they launched themselves with gusto at the Russian Markets for one last time. Laiden with gifts and souvenirs we headed back to the hotel to drop off our purchases and load ourselves onto a fleet of tuk-tuks for an action packed city tour. Dodging traffic and street vendors, we traveled convoy style over bridges, past embassies, around Wat Phnom, along the water front and back to the hotel.
The whole team can be very proud of what they have achieved - both in their community and service work and the support they have given local industry through their excellent shopping efforts.
All that is left to do now, is have some lunch and pack up our luggage for our last bus ride to the airport.
Final update from Singapore Airport.....
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Day 7 Shabbat in Phnom Penh
Shabbat is out now so it is time again for the daily blog update!
Last night we walked home from Chabad House (1.9km in 24 mins) after a beautiful shule service and a huge meal with Rabbi Butman, his wife Mashie and his two cute children; Zalman and Mushka. It was something very different from what we have been experiencing in Cambodia. We only just managed to get to their home before Shabbat, as the bus got lost (the streets seem to numbered in an ad hoc fashion) and the rain poured down. As quickly as they could, the boys put on teffilin before all of the girls said the bracha over the candles. It was really nice to have everyone participating and Rabbi Butman and his family were very impressed with our knowledge and willingness to get involved. Chabad Phnom Penh is in the building that used to house the U.S. embassy so it was a particulrly impressive building - especially by Cambodia standards!!
After a well-earned sleep-in and a cake at breakfast to celebrate Steven's birthday, we were off to Chabad again for Shabat morning services and lunch, with the expected hot and humid walk through the city streets. Our students shared a new shabat experience but they were able to take part in all aspects of the day as Shabbat is a shared experience world-wide. The boys were called up to the torah and the girls had an opportunity to kiss the torah as it came around the shule. Braham even led the musaf service!
The Rabbi and his wife were very hospitable and both commented on the beautiful behaviour of our students and the joyous singing voices of our girls. The hot walk home did not really turn out as expected. By about 2pm, while were were still enjoying lunch, the skies opened up and a torrential downpour flooded the streets. Fortunately, by the time we left, the rain had eased and we only had to jump puddles and negotiate one flooded street on our walk back to the hotel. The rest of the day was spent relaxing in the hotel before our last magnificent Cambodian dinner courtesy of our chef Ken.
After dinner, we had tine for our final journal entry and an overall reflection session before we all needed to go and pack up our rooms. the girls are spending the evening socialising while the boys are watching the soccer with great interest! Our last day in Cambodia tomorrow, and our day is still jam packed with things to see and do.
Last night we walked home from Chabad House (1.9km in 24 mins) after a beautiful shule service and a huge meal with Rabbi Butman, his wife Mashie and his two cute children; Zalman and Mushka. It was something very different from what we have been experiencing in Cambodia. We only just managed to get to their home before Shabbat, as the bus got lost (the streets seem to numbered in an ad hoc fashion) and the rain poured down. As quickly as they could, the boys put on teffilin before all of the girls said the bracha over the candles. It was really nice to have everyone participating and Rabbi Butman and his family were very impressed with our knowledge and willingness to get involved. Chabad Phnom Penh is in the building that used to house the U.S. embassy so it was a particulrly impressive building - especially by Cambodia standards!!
After a well-earned sleep-in and a cake at breakfast to celebrate Steven's birthday, we were off to Chabad again for Shabat morning services and lunch, with the expected hot and humid walk through the city streets. Our students shared a new shabat experience but they were able to take part in all aspects of the day as Shabbat is a shared experience world-wide. The boys were called up to the torah and the girls had an opportunity to kiss the torah as it came around the shule. Braham even led the musaf service!
The Rabbi and his wife were very hospitable and both commented on the beautiful behaviour of our students and the joyous singing voices of our girls. The hot walk home did not really turn out as expected. By about 2pm, while were were still enjoying lunch, the skies opened up and a torrential downpour flooded the streets. Fortunately, by the time we left, the rain had eased and we only had to jump puddles and negotiate one flooded street on our walk back to the hotel. The rest of the day was spent relaxing in the hotel before our last magnificent Cambodian dinner courtesy of our chef Ken.
After dinner, we had tine for our final journal entry and an overall reflection session before we all needed to go and pack up our rooms. the girls are spending the evening socialising while the boys are watching the soccer with great interest! Our last day in Cambodia tomorrow, and our day is still jam packed with things to see and do.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Day 6 Lighthouse Orphanage
Today marked the end of the Community and Service component of our 2010 Cambodia experience and it proved to be a highlight for many team members. After breakfast we loaded the new bicycles onto a tuk-tuk and all of the clothes and gifts onto the bus, and headed out to the Lighthouse Orphanage.
We were instantly welcomed by over 100 children who took us by the hand and offered us hugs and games of soccer. We could have played with these gorgeous children all day, but we knew that first, we had an important job to do. Out team was presented with three huge piles of soil and the instructions to cover the front area of the orphanage with the soil and flatten it out so the area would not be so prone to flooding. The task was made easier, as every one of our students was helped by one of the orphanage children to carry the soil to the designated areas. Friendships were instantly forged as our team of 20 worked literally hand-in-hand with the Lighthouse children.
Many students reported that this was the best part of the trip as they were able to make real connections with the children and work together to make their lives a little bit better.
Sophie and Chelsea thought that this experience was one to remember. The smiles on the children's faces were so touching , and not only did we make their day but they too made ours. When talking to the children it was very surprising, as the extent of their English was brilliant. After working hard the children and we were rewarded with playing games and getting to know each other more. When leaving the children, the special bond we had was proven, as to how upset we all were to say good bye to each other.
After lunch we went to visit the Central Market for some more serious bargaining and then back to the hotel for a quick dip in the pool before getting ready for Shabbat.
Tonight we will be trying something special in the form of a Shabbat service and dinner with the recently opened Chabad Phnom Penh.
We were instantly welcomed by over 100 children who took us by the hand and offered us hugs and games of soccer. We could have played with these gorgeous children all day, but we knew that first, we had an important job to do. Out team was presented with three huge piles of soil and the instructions to cover the front area of the orphanage with the soil and flatten it out so the area would not be so prone to flooding. The task was made easier, as every one of our students was helped by one of the orphanage children to carry the soil to the designated areas. Friendships were instantly forged as our team of 20 worked literally hand-in-hand with the Lighthouse children.
Many students reported that this was the best part of the trip as they were able to make real connections with the children and work together to make their lives a little bit better.
Sophie and Chelsea thought that this experience was one to remember. The smiles on the children's faces were so touching , and not only did we make their day but they too made ours. When talking to the children it was very surprising, as the extent of their English was brilliant. After working hard the children and we were rewarded with playing games and getting to know each other more. When leaving the children, the special bond we had was proven, as to how upset we all were to say good bye to each other.
After lunch we went to visit the Central Market for some more serious bargaining and then back to the hotel for a quick dip in the pool before getting ready for Shabbat.
Tonight we will be trying something special in the form of a Shabbat service and dinner with the recently opened Chabad Phnom Penh.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Day 5 brought to you by Chelsea & Morgan
The Cambodian Team awoke at 6:45am with a big day ahead of us all. We boarded the bus with all our gloves , hammers and hundreds of water bottles and headed to a remote village to help those in need.
Upon arrival the team got split up into 4 groups to build the houses raised by our team and organized by the Tabitha Foundation. As the sun rose and the sweat dripped, the nails just kept on coming. After hammering all the bamboo floor boards, it was now time for the challenging part - the tin walls. It was hard work and the help received by the excited families was greatly appreciated.
After we all together completed the 4 houses, we had a thank you ceremony with the grateful families. Not only did we hand over the houses, but we also handed over a blanket to each family as a housewarming gift. After seeing all the children and adults' smiles and excitement, our hearts were touched and we were reminded what we were here for. It was a truly rewarding and special experience and something that we'll never ever forget.
Following an intense conversation had by Mr Morris and the girls, Eytan, Josh F and Moshi, on the bus it was time for a much needed refreshing swim, so as a results the girls and Mr Morris all jumped into the pool with their sweaty clothes on and a fun time was had by all!
After we had cooled down we headed to Tiny Toones: an organization for street kids where they can come and learn not only languages but arts, music , computers and break dance and hip hop, where Romy, an ex-collegian of Mt. Scopus is a volunteer. All the kids were amazingly talented and we were privileged enough to be taught some moves and share some of our own dancing. Everyone enjoyed this activity greatly and also another one of Ken's delicious dinners at the hotel. It was an exhausting but unbelievable and memorable day.
Both us and the rest of the team are looking forward to the helping at the Lighthouse orphanage and Chabad House experience tomorrow.
Good night
Morgan and Chelsea
Upon arrival the team got split up into 4 groups to build the houses raised by our team and organized by the Tabitha Foundation. As the sun rose and the sweat dripped, the nails just kept on coming. After hammering all the bamboo floor boards, it was now time for the challenging part - the tin walls. It was hard work and the help received by the excited families was greatly appreciated.
After we all together completed the 4 houses, we had a thank you ceremony with the grateful families. Not only did we hand over the houses, but we also handed over a blanket to each family as a housewarming gift. After seeing all the children and adults' smiles and excitement, our hearts were touched and we were reminded what we were here for. It was a truly rewarding and special experience and something that we'll never ever forget.
Following an intense conversation had by Mr Morris and the girls, Eytan, Josh F and Moshi, on the bus it was time for a much needed refreshing swim, so as a results the girls and Mr Morris all jumped into the pool with their sweaty clothes on and a fun time was had by all!
After we had cooled down we headed to Tiny Toones: an organization for street kids where they can come and learn not only languages but arts, music , computers and break dance and hip hop, where Romy, an ex-collegian of Mt. Scopus is a volunteer. All the kids were amazingly talented and we were privileged enough to be taught some moves and share some of our own dancing. Everyone enjoyed this activity greatly and also another one of Ken's delicious dinners at the hotel. It was an exhausting but unbelievable and memorable day.
Both us and the rest of the team are looking forward to the helping at the Lighthouse orphanage and Chabad House experience tomorrow.
Good night
Morgan and Chelsea
Day 5 - House Building
It is the evening after the house building and everyone has taken a moment to reflect on what we have achieved over the past 5 days in Cambodia. Please enjoy and stay tuned for the blogspot update from Morgan and Chelsea.
Steven: Learning about other people's cultures has made me learn more about my own culture.
Olly: The Killing Fields was mind blowing.
Zack: The Killing Fields reminded me of Yad Vashem but it had a different meaning to me.
Josh B: The Killing Fields was very interesting but not as upsetting as I thought it would be as I did not really feel a connection.
Ashley: There have been many funny, serious and interesting moments.
Adam: I like the squat toilets.
Dean: Today I had the best visit to a happy house ever.
Jesse: When we went to visit the school it made me appreciate what I have as they have so little.
Eytan: I really enjoyed the house building - it was spectacular
Jake: I found the Killing Fields to be a real eye-opener to the sufferings of the Cambodian people.
Joshua F: Bang! Bang! Bang! Repeat (impressions from the house building)
Moshi: I lost 10 kilos from sweat today!
Ashlee: We went through a lot of injuries but it was all worth it to give these families a home.
Daniella: Even though we don't share a language, the simple smile on a child's face or the ability to join together in dance brings joy to us all.
Sophie: I liked everything we have done and it makes me want to come back and help everyone. It has been fascinating to see how these people have coped after their holocaust and I have thought how it compares to us.
Morgan: I thought it was a truly rewarding experience and it gave me such a good feeling to know that we were giving these families a home and changing their lives.
Chelsea: The rewards and smiles are indescribable and I will remember it forever.
Alyssa: It was a real privilege that we got to build houses for people in need.
Ella: All together, it was an amazing experience to have the feeling of an accomplished house with families smiling.
Talia: It is amazing to think that just one day's work for us can have a great effect on families for the rest of their lives.
Steven: Learning about other people's cultures has made me learn more about my own culture.
Olly: The Killing Fields was mind blowing.
Zack: The Killing Fields reminded me of Yad Vashem but it had a different meaning to me.
Josh B: The Killing Fields was very interesting but not as upsetting as I thought it would be as I did not really feel a connection.
Ashley: There have been many funny, serious and interesting moments.
Adam: I like the squat toilets.
Dean: Today I had the best visit to a happy house ever.
Jesse: When we went to visit the school it made me appreciate what I have as they have so little.
Eytan: I really enjoyed the house building - it was spectacular
Jake: I found the Killing Fields to be a real eye-opener to the sufferings of the Cambodian people.
Joshua F: Bang! Bang! Bang! Repeat (impressions from the house building)
Moshi: I lost 10 kilos from sweat today!
Ashlee: We went through a lot of injuries but it was all worth it to give these families a home.
Daniella: Even though we don't share a language, the simple smile on a child's face or the ability to join together in dance brings joy to us all.
Sophie: I liked everything we have done and it makes me want to come back and help everyone. It has been fascinating to see how these people have coped after their holocaust and I have thought how it compares to us.
Morgan: I thought it was a truly rewarding experience and it gave me such a good feeling to know that we were giving these families a home and changing their lives.
Chelsea: The rewards and smiles are indescribable and I will remember it forever.
Alyssa: It was a real privilege that we got to build houses for people in need.
Ella: All together, it was an amazing experience to have the feeling of an accomplished house with families smiling.
Talia: It is amazing to think that just one day's work for us can have a great effect on families for the rest of their lives.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Day 4: Tabitha orientation, Killing Fields, S21 Prison
A day that was both moving and confronting as we started to learn the real reason we are here. We started the day at the Tabitha Foundation where we were introduced to a woman who had survived the Pol Pot regime and is now one of the women in charge of group orientations for Tabitha. She spoke about the ordeals she had faced during the war years and the help provided to her by the Tabitha Foundation. She also explained some of the rules that we have to be mindful of when we enter the village tomorrow. We have rules that include to remember not to handle the children, to finish everything we eat and not to make a fuss if we hurt ourselves as this is disturbing for the village people. She said "If you hammer your finger by accident, just stick it in your mouth, suck on it for 5 mins and then get back to work" (good in theory, but will it work for our kids?).
Our next port of call was the Killing Fields. Students were silent as they heard the tales of suffering and sadness that befell the people of Cambodia. There were terrible stories of man's inhumanity to man and many students were at a loss to understand it. Students were very repectful and asked our guide many good questions.
The next stage in developing an understanding of the experiences of the Cambodian People, involved a visit to S21 prison - a school that was shut down so that it could be used as a prison by the Pol Pot regime. Many students saw the similarity between our own school and the school that now holds the S21 prison. The main comment that was heard throughout the morning came in the form of a question to try to understand how a city could turn on its own people. Students will have many stories to share with you .
Due to the intesity of the morning's activities, the afternoon was spent relaxing by the hotel pool.
The extra money that had been raised (over and above the $6000 target) went towards purchasing 13 new bicycles for the children of the orphanage and after much searching around town, Braham turned up with the 13 bikes tied to the roof of the bus with string.
All of the bikes were lowered from the roof and once the students had packed them away, we spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying a boat cruise down the MeKong River.
After another yummy Ken Kosher meal, we headed out for a river walk where our boys managed to join a game of soccer with the local boys. We put up a good fight but unfortunately had to walk away defeated. Great fun was had by all!
Our next port of call was the Killing Fields. Students were silent as they heard the tales of suffering and sadness that befell the people of Cambodia. There were terrible stories of man's inhumanity to man and many students were at a loss to understand it. Students were very repectful and asked our guide many good questions.
The next stage in developing an understanding of the experiences of the Cambodian People, involved a visit to S21 prison - a school that was shut down so that it could be used as a prison by the Pol Pot regime. Many students saw the similarity between our own school and the school that now holds the S21 prison. The main comment that was heard throughout the morning came in the form of a question to try to understand how a city could turn on its own people. Students will have many stories to share with you .
Due to the intesity of the morning's activities, the afternoon was spent relaxing by the hotel pool.
The extra money that had been raised (over and above the $6000 target) went towards purchasing 13 new bicycles for the children of the orphanage and after much searching around town, Braham turned up with the 13 bikes tied to the roof of the bus with string.
All of the bikes were lowered from the roof and once the students had packed them away, we spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying a boat cruise down the MeKong River.
After another yummy Ken Kosher meal, we headed out for a river walk where our boys managed to join a game of soccer with the local boys. We put up a good fight but unfortunately had to walk away defeated. Great fun was had by all!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Day 3 Bus from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
We got on the bus at 8:45am and off again at 5pm and here is what we did in between:
First stop was the oldest bridge in cambodia built in the 11th century;
second stop was this beautiful water garden with hammocks to relax in (a real hit with Jesse, Eytan and Dean!);
third stop was a spider farm where a couple of students almost refused to leave the bus and Moshi reported that he has now deleoped arachnophobia but only of very large spiders like the tarantulas we saw today;
fourth was a trip to the famed Russian Markets for another serious shopping session. We all came out with something to show but Josh F proudly proclaimed that he managed to make it out of the market spending only $1 and that was on a bottle of much needed water!
We are all now settled into our new home for the next few days at Hotel Castle in Phnom Penh. We are very luck to have our chef from the 2009 ntrip, Ken who cooked up another super dinner where Jake was heard to say "This is the best vegetarian (kosher) food I have ever eaten!"
After a long day on the road, it is off to bed for the team.
First stop was the oldest bridge in cambodia built in the 11th century;
second stop was this beautiful water garden with hammocks to relax in (a real hit with Jesse, Eytan and Dean!);
third stop was a spider farm where a couple of students almost refused to leave the bus and Moshi reported that he has now deleoped arachnophobia but only of very large spiders like the tarantulas we saw today;
fourth was a trip to the famed Russian Markets for another serious shopping session. We all came out with something to show but Josh F proudly proclaimed that he managed to make it out of the market spending only $1 and that was on a bottle of much needed water!
We are all now settled into our new home for the next few days at Hotel Castle in Phnom Penh. We are very luck to have our chef from the 2009 ntrip, Ken who cooked up another super dinner where Jake was heard to say "This is the best vegetarian (kosher) food I have ever eaten!"
After a long day on the road, it is off to bed for the team.
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