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Have arrived safely after two long and tedious flights. I could not sleep or get comfortable due to frequent bouts of turbulence and a full flight. Due to the inclement weather in England we were late departing, but fortunately were able to make up lost time en route. The connection between the two terminals at Singapore was easy and quick, aided by the fact my luggage was going all the way before I needed to collect it. Amazingly it arrived and was waiting for me in Siem Reap whilst I was doing legal things - ie buying a visa. a tuk met me and I was here very quickly.
The welcomes have been amazing and it feels good to be back. The first vol I met was Japanese Tok, we had been here together last year too, unfortunately his health has deteriorated and he looks very old and shaky. I thimk he has been advised/told not to put himself through so much by coming again. I struggled to sleep on Fri night which surprised me, so Sat was taken easily. However, I did manage to deliver Alan's birthday presents and do some necerssary shopping - a coffeepot and coffee. I was invited to a Grace House staff meal for some departing Aussies, so was reaquainted with the staff from there too - everyone very pleased to see me! We dined well - frog in ginger and eel, I tried both, although the meat was fiine I hated the bones in my mouth and having to get rid of them. The Khymers eat all, but I couldn't manage that! We ate at a cafe that is owned and run by another Non Gov Org, so all the cooking, waiting etc is done by the children who have been brought up and educated by Green Gecko - it is an orphanage as well as a school. I sensibly came back at about ten with a New Zealander, but the other vols partied all night. Antonia, from last year also arrived yest, so everything does feel familiar.
After a lazy morning I have been out to Grace House this afternoon, to see the progress that has been made there and to take part in the Games activities the kids come for. Many of the children young and old were there and many remembered me, so that was good too. I'm also initiated back into bike riding again and enjoyed it, except for the sweating it caused. Tonight we are going into town for a meal, as most of the vols leave this week, but I do not as yet know whether many more are expected.
It seems a little cooler than last year, but a lot more rain has fallen. The river is top level already and I didn't see that happen happen until Oct last year. The roads are already in a dreadful state, even though they had been repaired after last year's rains. However, no rain has fallen since my arrival, although the storm clouds have gathered ominously but then gone away.
Grace house has developed amazingly and since my departure in Nov a kitchen has been added, a safe house for women and children suffering abuse in their home, a weaving hut and one for growing mushrooms. this has given employment to two people and hopefully soon they will be selling the produce to a local hotel. From the kitchen 24 meals are given to the most deprived children and the the local and vol staff too. Three ladies cook - now on a work surface rather than the floor and they have a gas fired ring plus a sink for washing up. About 40 meals produced a day - pics will soon be taken of it in use.
Just back from tonight's meal at a stall in the market - yellow noodles and veg 1 dollar plus a 1 dollar can of Angkhor beer, so still solvent!
Siem Reap seems much busier than last year, at this point too, many backpackers about and a few older tourists. Still much investigating to do, but a good start made.
Love to all, enjoy x
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Meryl Hi glad you arrived safely, just found this blog so I also wrote on last years. Dry and pleasant here with some sunny days.Spoke to Verna and she had an emergency visit to the dentist as she lost 5 teeth in Guernsey eating a scone. But I think they enjoyed it. Cornwall seems ok for the moment. Jons mum had a scare and at first said things cant carry on as they are but then started to back track, Nola wanted to tell them about our proposed move but I said no they need to make a decision based on their needs. Even if we do move , they cant rely on us all the time. Boring Sunday as usual here so I must organise myself to do things at the weekend. Am envious of you but dont know if I have the courage to do such things. Went to Brogdale on Fri and enjoyed myself. The nursery trees were disappointing tho, I was going to buy one for Nola and Jems wedding anniverary but was not impressed. Bangkok was 30 degrees so not too hot. Enjoy your stay, when do you start work? x Meryl