Along the way to the guesthouse, I was informed that I already have another EP waiting for me at the guesthouse already.
Her name was Dieu Thuy from Vietnam. How exciting!! My first foreign friend from another that I will stay with.
When I opened the door, there was already a pretty slim girl unpacking her luggage. She surprised me with a friendly warm greeting " Hi!! My name is Corn.." and showed the action of biting the fruit.. 'like the fruit".
Wednesday, 6 September 2017
Preparing for Aiesec
This was after my second semester of school break, I had only around two weeks to rest at home.
There was basic preparation for my Aiesec trip, which included a few pairs of clothes, shoes, pants and appropriate clothes for teaching. Of course, this is not a luxury holiday, mind you ;)...
WHICH you will soon to find out, you can make the best of your Aiesec journey,
and basic other Malaysian souvenirs, food, and Malaysia items :) Already before I went, there I was calculating, backpacking, spiderwebbing every idea where I could make full use of my 7 weeks there, including; my social strategies, MY NEW LEAF me, budget plans, and of course, holiday destinations.
Remember, you have only 7 weeks to cram what you want to do and learn in a foreign country abroad. JUST DO IT.
Mum also was so worried she even was willing for me to CALL one of the 'buddies' using international call, yeaa... trust the phone high cost over my intuition and survival skills.
Holidays were long and cherished, and I knew this will be the first adventure testing my independence skills abroad.
Taking off
The first few excitement of adventure... I couldn't wait... I was like EEEEYEEEESSSSSS!!
<3 <3 The flight took about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Upon reaching Phnom Penh airport, I quickly scrambled to look my Exchange Participant (EP) buddies, Cam Deluxe and Sophary Oung. There they were, holding signs 'WELCOME MELISSA', sooo excited!!
Driving out of the airport was a new sight to behold!! The roads were cram and dusty with vehicles, the air a little more foggy and thick, the roads and airport facilities were not as developed compared to Malaysia's airport. Some of the residents were even wearing masks to protect from the dust and road gravel around the air.
The whizz of street was filled with smoke, dust and rickety- rough roads where the car went bump bump bump on most of the drive. I stared out in awe with the other EPs from China as we commented on new sights in front of our eyes. Lorries with loads of things passed us and I remember passing a durian store!!
Finally aorund 4 pm, we reached a large and old guesthouse, around in the middle of the city,
Beong Chhouk Guesthouse.
There was basic preparation for my Aiesec trip, which included a few pairs of clothes, shoes, pants and appropriate clothes for teaching. Of course, this is not a luxury holiday, mind you ;)...
WHICH you will soon to find out, you can make the best of your Aiesec journey,
and basic other Malaysian souvenirs, food, and Malaysia items :) Already before I went, there I was calculating, backpacking, spiderwebbing every idea where I could make full use of my 7 weeks there, including; my social strategies, MY NEW LEAF me, budget plans, and of course, holiday destinations.
Remember, you have only 7 weeks to cram what you want to do and learn in a foreign country abroad. JUST DO IT.
Mum also was so worried she even was willing for me to CALL one of the 'buddies' using international call, yeaa... trust the phone high cost over my intuition and survival skills.
Holidays were long and cherished, and I knew this will be the first adventure testing my independence skills abroad.
Taking off
The first few excitement of adventure... I couldn't wait... I was like EEEEYEEEESSSSSS!!
<3 <3 The flight took about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Upon reaching Phnom Penh airport, I quickly scrambled to look my Exchange Participant (EP) buddies, Cam Deluxe and Sophary Oung. There they were, holding signs 'WELCOME MELISSA', sooo excited!!
Driving out of the airport was a new sight to behold!! The roads were cram and dusty with vehicles, the air a little more foggy and thick, the roads and airport facilities were not as developed compared to Malaysia's airport. Some of the residents were even wearing masks to protect from the dust and road gravel around the air.
The whizz of street was filled with smoke, dust and rickety- rough roads where the car went bump bump bump on most of the drive. I stared out in awe with the other EPs from China as we commented on new sights in front of our eyes. Lorries with loads of things passed us and I remember passing a durian store!!
Finally aorund 4 pm, we reached a large and old guesthouse, around in the middle of the city,
Beong Chhouk Guesthouse.
Tuesday, 5 September 2017
Aiesec Exchange at Phnom Penh
During my 2015 Summer break, I was given a huge opportunity to be able to travel to Phnom Penh for my Aiesec Summer Exchange!
This was exciting as I have never even heard of Cambodia's culture or country style in my life, despite culturally interested in many others, and enjoy the idea of travelling. Being exposed to media and all sorts of opporuntities to learn, I have probably read up more about European culture ( Italy, Spain, UK...) , United States, Japan, China, Thailand, and even more,... but have never even heard about this country called Cambodia. Thus, this made my intrest heighten to a higher level when i had to opportunity to travel to this country.
Cambodia is an area, bordered by Thailand to the northwest, Laos to the northeast, Vietnam to the east, and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest. Cambodia has a population of over 15 million. In recent decades, though, the country has emerged as a popular and fascinating destination. The history of the war is still evident but, beyond that, the temples of Angkor and other ancient Khmer sites are a big attraction. The beaches of Cambodia are now rivaling those of its neighbours and there are plenty of adventures to be had in the jungles between it all.
Deciding to do some research about Cambodia's description, I was surprised what hit me. The magazine which I read a few months back of the house of skulls of the tortured, yeaa... this is where I am potentially going.
As retreived in: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/01/0110_030110_tvcambodia.html
As retreived in : http://www.tourismcambodia.com/travelguides/provinces/phnom-penh/what-to-see/5_cheung-ek-killing-field.htm
Besides that, coming across this passage from https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cambodia/terrorism , how could I not be shaken at the thought of visiting Cambodia for my exchange program??
1) Interview with Unimas Aiesec Organization
They will ask you basic questions such as; reasons for going,
a) do you think you can handle yourself without basic necessities for a long period.
b) can you withstand teaching for 7 weeks,
c) and many other sorts of questions which enquire about your survival skills
... and many more of those simple questions, of course, if you r that 'survival chick' like me ;) !!
2) Waiting to get your Aiesec facilitator, your respective country's faci, whom will watch over you during your program in the other country
3) Interview with Aiesec-er from your country of choice
>This is usually through a scheduled time and date following the international GMT, for structured timing, via Skype or video call
> The interviews I had involved were twice, due to rainfall and lightning around my dorm
This was a double bingo strike, as I have managed to receive two countries, Thailand and Cambodia!! Having originally come from Malaysia, and neighboring countries with Thailand, I hopped on my hype and excitement train to Cambodia, a country which I have barely heard of before!
This was exciting as I have never even heard of Cambodia's culture or country style in my life, despite culturally interested in many others, and enjoy the idea of travelling. Being exposed to media and all sorts of opporuntities to learn, I have probably read up more about European culture ( Italy, Spain, UK...) , United States, Japan, China, Thailand, and even more,... but have never even heard about this country called Cambodia. Thus, this made my intrest heighten to a higher level when i had to opportunity to travel to this country.
Cambodia is an area, bordered by Thailand to the northwest, Laos to the northeast, Vietnam to the east, and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest. Cambodia has a population of over 15 million. In recent decades, though, the country has emerged as a popular and fascinating destination. The history of the war is still evident but, beyond that, the temples of Angkor and other ancient Khmer sites are a big attraction. The beaches of Cambodia are now rivaling those of its neighbours and there are plenty of adventures to be had in the jungles between it all.
Deciding to do some research about Cambodia's description, I was surprised what hit me. The magazine which I read a few months back of the house of skulls of the tortured, yeaa... this is where I am potentially going.
As retreived in: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/01/0110_030110_tvcambodia.html
In Cambodia, nine miles (14.5 kilometers) from Phnom Penh, the "killing fields" of Choeung Ek have become a tourist attraction, horrifying and fascinating. Choeung Ek is one of thousands of other such sites around the country where the Khmer Rouge practiced genocide during the late 1970s.
"There are two things you must see in Cambodia," says Scott Harrison, a traveler from Australia. "Obviously one is Angkor Wat. But the other is the killing fields outside Phnom Penh."
In the chronicle of 20th century horrors, Cambodia ranks high. For much of the last three decades, Cambodia has suffered through war, political upheaval and massive genocide.
Recently Cambodia has begun to revive. Its dark past is part of the reason: Tourist curiosity about Cambodia's genocide has become big business.
"Tourism has increased by 40 percent every year since 1998," says Chhieng Pich, economic counselor at the Cambodian embassy in Washington, D.C. "Nearly all tourists that visit Cambodia will go see Angkor Wat. Over 30 percent will visit the killing fields, too."
Few sights in one country can differ more markedly. Angkor Wat, the early 12th-century temple rediscovered in the 19th century (and designated a World Heritage Site in 1992 by UNESCO), reflects a profound spirituality.
The Cheung Ek Killing Field at Phnom Penh is one of the most prolific and historic place in Phnom Penh and stands a cruel reminder of the atrocities inflicted upon the masses of Cambodia. The place has become very popular now as it is the center of all killings which took place in the city and later got christened as the famous Killing Field. The place is really popular as tourists from all over the world come here. The place has really direct links with the horrific past of Cambodia and Phnom Penh.
terrorism
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Cambodia, attacks can’t be ruled out. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by expatriates and foreign travellers. There have been a small number of grenade/bomb attacks and shootings. Most have been linked to business, personal and traffic disputes. Four people were injured following a small explosion in Phnom Penh in September 2016.
There’s a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals, from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria. You should be vigilant at this time.
Digging deeper into Cambodia/s history and background , I found many stomach knot- knitting facts that can easily discourage one to take a visit, whatsmore for 7 weeks!! However, courage overwhelmed me to push my boundaries and take a journey I can never forget .
Pre- Aiesec trip
They will ask you basic questions such as; reasons for going,
a) do you think you can handle yourself without basic necessities for a long period.
b) can you withstand teaching for 7 weeks,
c) and many other sorts of questions which enquire about your survival skills
... and many more of those simple questions, of course, if you r that 'survival chick' like me ;) !!
2) Waiting to get your Aiesec facilitator, your respective country's faci, whom will watch over you during your program in the other country
3) Interview with Aiesec-er from your country of choice
>This is usually through a scheduled time and date following the international GMT, for structured timing, via Skype or video call
> The interviews I had involved were twice, due to rainfall and lightning around my dorm
This was a double bingo strike, as I have managed to receive two countries, Thailand and Cambodia!! Having originally come from Malaysia, and neighboring countries with Thailand, I hopped on my hype and excitement train to Cambodia, a country which I have barely heard of before!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)