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Do You Feel Lucky?!?

Posted by April on (Updated: )  |  Leave a comment

The kids had dance class this morning at Couper’s little preschool (yes, please take a quick moment to reflect on there being a dance class in Siem Reap, Cambodia; when we moved here there wasn’t even a mini mart!) Anyway, my mom who is visiting for the week, and I went to pick up the kiddos and take them to lunch. Because it was an ‘all about the kids’ day and because I was curious, we went to the brand spanking new Lucky Mall in downtown Siem Reap and ate at Lucky Burger! The first fun bit was how many girls it took to take an order, I counted 6 working on our order alone, but you can be the judge…

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The food actually wasn’t too bad, I mean it was no Mickey D’s, but the kids liked it and it was a nice break from their standard fish and rice (which Couper averages about 14 times a week!) We even got ice cream afterwards and had to keep reminding ourselves we weren’t in America…that is until we came outside, hopped in a tuk tuk and bounced our way home…I think that was when I felt the luckiest!

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Hotel Review: Pavillon d’Orient

Posted by April on (Updated: )  |  Leave a comment

First I have to apologize, I am supposed to have my finger on the pulse, but this little gem of a hotel managed to allude me for over a year! However last Monday night Brandon and I had a nice little rendezvous as we checked it out. First things first, it is located in a pretty out of the way place which is why I think I had never noticed it in my wanderings. It is off road number six, but well past Psah Lure and on the back road to the temple. The bad news is that it is a longer drive to get into town. The good news is that the hotel knows this and to make it a little easier they offer complimentary tuk tuk’s from their hotel to town from 6 to 10pm. So really, how can you complain when you can get a free ride. The distance to town is really the only drawback to this hotel, otherwise it is just fantastic! With beautiful gardens that evoke the same oasis quality we are often getting recognized for, the Pavillon feels like a lovely escape as soon as you walk through the front gate. The lobby is open air, and while I do wonder how they handle the rainy season, this time of year it feels cool and serene. The staff were lovely and polite and seemed genuinely happy to be working there. When asked about her boss the front desk woman went on and on about how hard he works and what a good job he does, I think staff loyalty says a lot about a place and they were obviously fans of the manager. The rooms are big with a French feel. The bathrooms have showers and bathtubs and all the rooms have a balcony. The pool is nestled in the gardens and has a lovely waterfall you can hear from the balconies. When I first arrived there was a rather rowdy volleyball game happening across the wall and while I’m all for local ambience it proved to be a bit much for even me, but with the doors closed the noise was shut out and peace and quiet ranged. We had dinner in the restaurant that night and the food was very good, another plus when you’re a little ways from town…just stay in! I had the spaghetti and other had friend rice, curry and ginger chicken, all enjoyed. Breakfast the next morning was also good, though a touch French for meJ I did get some bacon though so I was happy! The final touch was when we checked out we got small necklaces with our Chinese symbol on it. All in all it was a great escape and I am looking forward to having our guests stay.

Rating: Socks Off
Upside: The big airy rooms and the huge bathrooms as well as the personalized service.
Downside: On the other side of town and no restaurants or shopping nearby.
Insider Tip: Tuk tuk’s are free from 6 to 10pm so go in for a night on the town on them. Café Indochine is under the same owner so you get a 10% discount if you eat there!

Pool and Garden
Pool and Garden

Restaurant
Restaurant
Deluxe Room
Deluxe Room
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Star Light Star Bright Angkor Wat I See Tonight

Posted by April on (Updated: )  |  4 Comments

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Some kids get to go to the movies, some kids get to go to ice cream, our kids get to see a 12th Century UNESCO World Heritage site lit up with hundreds of lights.

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This evening we were invited to a preview of the Angkor Wat Night Tour, a chance to visit Angkor Wat after the crowds have left with strategic lighting allowing for an amazing perspective. On February 9 the Angkor Wat Night Tour will officially begin, featuring dancers, performers and other ‘shows’ as you wander along a designated path through the temple. Tonight, the performers were rehearsing, but Brandon, the kids and I got an inside look at what will be on offer in February. The temple looks beautiful and it is a magical experience to see the stars above the Angkor Wat spires. It is also a nice change to be able to wander the halls of Angkor Wat without sweating profusely.

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If the company arranging the night visits keeps visitors to a minimum and keeps their shows at a high quality of performance and taste then this could be a truly unique experience. We will be heading back after the 9th to see if crowds are being kept away and if the show manages to hold the magic, and not lose it in a landslide of polyester. Here’s hoping that this tour continues with class and culture and our kids can continue to have a night under the stars and spires at Angkor Wat.

Information: To book contact Journeys Within Tour Company, the show opens February 9, but preview nights are available beforehand.

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Expression through photography in Siem Reap

Posted by April on (Updated: )  |  Leave a comment

A Student’s Reflection…..by Srey Bopea
Dear Melissa,
I am very happy when I enter to study about taking photos until this time.  First when I study I did not know about:  How to edit photograph, how to use a camera, how to use photoshop, how to take photo about bad picture to good picture, how to put the picture on computer, how to put film in a camera.  But everyday I have understanding a lot about camera and taking pictures and I know how to edit photograph and how to use camera and other pictures that relate to taking photos.  I want to be a good photographer in the future.

Photo 1:  Photo of a white spider lily


Photo 2:  Bopea’s sisters in their family rice field

PhotoShop as an enhancement to photographs….

When you walk into any photo service center here in Siem Reap, you are guaranteed to see workers editing traditional Cambodian wedding photographs at the speed of light.  In no time, they can “clean up” any photo, take out earrings and details with a blink of the eye.  I decided to introduce PhotoShop to my students as an enhancement to the already existing photographs using Vignettes and lens corrections.   After I showed several examples of Vignettes and lens corrections, I asked each student to choose a photo from the previous week’s shoot so that they could learn how to utilize these tools.  They each choose which effect they liked on their photos.

Photo 1:  Student:Chamnap

A fellow temple boy practicing on a roneart.

Photo 2: Student:Veth
This student creates a Vignette and uses a lens correction accentuating the atmosphere.

Photo 3: Student:Hen
Hen is very imaginative and wanted to express this in his photograph.

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Village life

Posted by Kristina on (Updated: )  |  Leave a comment

One of Siem Reap’s many squatters’ villages is a short walk from the Journeys Within B&B. JWOC built its first wells there and I went to check it out with Brandon and some volunteer students from Loyola Marymount University. Brandon wants to get a business started that the JWOC scholarship students can run themselves, so we went into the village to research business ideas and assess the need for different services.

There are places blocked off where potential roads will go if they’re ever built, but for now the village is connected by a sequence of dusty tan trails. Some structures are built with corrugated metal or wood and seem relatively sound, while others are thatched with palm leaves or draped with tarps.

Because of the nonprofit projects most of the villagers have seen Westerners, but it’s still a treat for them when we arrive. They all know how to say “hello” and as soon as they spot you a harmony of hellos hits you from all angles. Groups of kids rush over wanting to show you things, while the shy ones gather to watch from a distance. I was just another giant white lady with a camera, but with this kind of welcome you would’ve thought I was Brangelina.

The kids love to get their picture taken and they’ll follow you around in hopes of getting their chance. Their favorite part is seeing themselves on the photo playback screen and they run away giggling as soon as they see their faces on the monitor.

As we walked back to the B&B—a short distance from poverty to luxury—I tried to imagine living without a toilet or electricity and what it must be like to put what little money you have into a “house” that could be destroyed any day.

What really resonated with me was the overall mood of the village. For all their hardship, the people were in great spirits. Everyone was smiling, the kids were running around and playing in the rain, the adults were chatting and playing cards. I expected it to be a bit more somber, but it was actually pretty upbeat.

Maybe they’re making lemonade, or maybe it’s just a Cambodian thing. I don’t think I’ve witnessed a happier, friendlier group of people anywhere. Each country has a different draw: gorgeous beaches, great food, beautiful sights, and although Cambodia has all of those things, the real draw is the people. Their smiles and good hearts are the reason you want to return.

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