Day 5

This morning began with a ‘leisurely’ sleep in of 7.30am.  After a quick breakfast we packed our bags and headed off to the airport where we boarded a prop plane for our 45 minute flight to Phnom Penh.  After settling in to our hotel we hopped on the bus to visit the Sunrise Children’s residential home, started by a fellow Australian, Geraldine Cox.  On the way, we stopped to buy 100kg of rice as a gift to the children. When we arrived at the home we were greeted by smiling and waving children who were so excited to see up.  They took our hands and walked us to the Theatre room where the students performed traditional singing and dancing accompanied by their own live music.

After the enjoyable concert we were taken on a tour of the whole property by a volunteer who happened to be a Melbourne man who studied at Deakin and so was a little familiar with our school.  The children we saw were so well looked after by the caring staff and they see themselves as one big family, calling their cares ‘mum’ and ‘dad.’  The facilities were outstanding and we also visited the Art room were students produced beautiful pieces which are then sold to the public.  The English skills of the students were impressive and we were able to carry on a conversation with them.  They are desperate to learn as much as they can from everyone who visits and it’s is obvious that maintaining family relationships is a high priority.

From the Children’s home we made a stop at the supermarket to pick up supplies for the next few days. We relaxed for a while until dinner and now we are off to bed to prepare for our day tomorrow where we will visit the Royal Palace and the Killing Fields and learn more about Cambodia’s tragic history.

Romy and Hayley