Exploring Phomh Penh and meeting the Guides

On Saturday we had a slightly later start as we were visiting historic sites in Phnom Penh. Firstly, we went to S21 which is a museum and memorial site for the victims of the Khmer Rouge. We used an audio guide that helped us understand each part of the interrogation centre. This was a difficult, emotional experience for all of us but we are all very grateful that we had the opportunity to learn about the genocide.
Next we went to a restaurant that helps local women gain employment skills. After lunch, we went to the Russian market to buy many pairs of wrap around trousers. We then went to the stunning royal palace and looked around at all the beautiful architecture. We also saw the silver pagoda and many of the kings royal possessions.
We then travelled to another amazing temple which had many icons and incense. For dinner, we ate at a western restaurant where we had things such as pizzas and burgers. We walked back and spent some time at the local mall to buy snacks and Dairy queen ice cream .
On Sunday we spent the day with the Girl Guides of Cambodia. Firstly we met an Australian guide who was on a holiday and some important figures in Cambodian guiding. We all got on a coach and spent the 3 hour journey across the paddy fields making friends with the new guides. In the village we introduced ourselves to the guides and played introductory games before lunch. After a traditional lunch cooked by the locals we got into groups with the Cambodian guides and went on a scavenger hunt around the village. We went into some of the girls' houses and met some of their families and friends which was an amazing experience. The Cambodian guides then taught us how to create a traditional dessert from sticky rice, Palm sugar and coconut which was delicious. Standing in a circle, we shared all of our hopes and dreams for our future in guiding. Finally, we gave our badges to the Cambodian guides and said all of our farewells after having an incredible day with the guides.  After the long journey back to Phnom Penh, we arrived at the restaurant we went to on the first night but this time we sat on cushions on the floor to eat! We all returned to the hotel and went to bed after a very long day.
Today we spent the morning in school teaching new topics in our pairs. It is lovely to See the children relaxing into our teaching style and picking things up in the lessons. After another traditional Cambodian meal at our regular lunch restaurant, we travelled to the Killing Fields. We spent time listening to the audio guide which led us around the mass graves of those killed by the Khmer rouge and the memorial dedicated to those who were buried there. Again, this was a very thought provoking and poignant experience.
This evening, we ate at a restaurant called sugar and spice which is part of of a cooperative called Daughters of Cambodia that aims to get women out of sex work and human trafficking in Cambodia by providing them with training, English lessons and counselling. We were also able to watch a video about the work of Daughters of Cambodia and buy their hand sewn goods in their shop.