Silkair took us from Changi in Singapore to Siem Reap in Cambodia in a short span of 2 hours. It was Yong Zheng's first flight, and I think he enjoyed it pretty much.
Upon arrival at Siem Reap in Cambodia, we cleared immigration and security checkpoints, collected our bags and headed out to meet our local guide, Mr Noy. He brought us to the silk farm to see how the locals reared silkworms and harvested their cocoons. The hand operated weaving machines required experienced and meticulous workers.
Following the visit to the silk farm, we went to Lucky Plaza to shop for groceries. We purchased sufficient supplies for two breakfasts and had ice cream before heading off to the Boys' Brigade Learning Centre (BBLC).
On 19 June 2011, we practiced our songs and balloons sculpturing presentation in the morning. Sean led us in the singing, while Wen Wei played the guitar. At about 10am, we left BBLC for St John Church to pick up some volunteers from there.
We were headed for the villages on the outskirts of Siem Reap that afternoon. There is a feeding centre organized by St John Church which provides a free meal for children on Sundays. After a time of singing, Bible story sharing, and frantic cooking, the Boys helped with the distribution of the food. The children were exhilarated to receive candies and balloons. It was quite a sight to behold.
On 20 July 2011, students from the surrounding villages came to BBLC for their English lessons. However, they were greeted with a surprise. The Boys had a towel bunny making session with the students, and we played games together afterward. Musical chairs, blow wind blow and pass the message were top favourites.
On 21 July 2011, we visited the ancient Khmer temples in Siem Reap. The day started with the temple Bayon. It was an educational experience to hear Mr Noy talk about Hindu stories featuring epic battles between good and evil. The walls of the temple had bas-relief panels depicting the daily lives of ancient Khmers too. Sculptures ranged from state propaganda like Khmer alliances with the Chinese army, to mundane affairs like fishing, cock fights, pig fights, and the delivery of babies by midwives.
After lunch, we visited Ta Prohm. This temple was left in the condition in which it was discovered. Most ruins were engulfed by trees and this gave the place a rustic and charming feel not found in the other temples.
Finally, we visited Angkor Wat. This Hindu temple complex was once dedicated to the Hindu God, Vishnu. Today, statues of Buddha brought by the monks residing there populate the place. Climbing to the top of the tower was kind of scary for people with a distaste for heights, but the view was worth the fright.
We were treated to a Khmer buffet dinner in the evening. I don't mean to be rude, but the Khmer music played by a live band sounds pretty much like the ones we get at our Chinese funerals. I guess we use similar instruments.
On the final day, 22 June 2011, we visited Akira landmine museum to learn more about the recent history of Cambodia. The visit was followed by a time of shopping at the old market and central market before we left for the airport.
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