It was time for me to leave Siem Reap and travel by bus to the French colonial town of Battambang where was picked up by a tuk tuk and taken to the village to stay in a homestay. The family were so welcoming and showed me to my room that would be my home for the next couple of days It was a fantastic wooden huts on stilts on the riverbank and a great way to experience the slower pace of life. I found the homestay on booking.com and a previous review said it would be a good way to experience Cambodian life first hand. The price to stay also included meals which was great as it was quite a way from the town. On my first evening I sat with the family and had traditional soup, meat and rice and great to find out about their way of life.
- My bed at Wooden House
- My shower !!
The following morning I was woken up by the Muslim prayer call followed by some drumming at the local temple.
- My morning view 🙂
We walked to the village and had a traditional breakfast of noodle soup washed down with some jasmine tea.
- Noodle soup for breakfast !!
Today I decided I would go on the famous bamboo train which was great fun and felt like a roller coaster through the countryside. You sit on the bamboo slats so thank god for cushions !! It was amazing that when the trains passed each other they had to manually take them off the track and put them back on after the other train passed!!
- Amusing to watch !!
- All aboard the bamboo train !!
The train was like a rollercoaster through the countryside and was a lot of fun !! It was amazing when the trains passed each other they had to manually remove one of them on the track and then put it back on !! I came back at lunchtime and in the afternoon I had the opportunity to teach English to local children which I loved. It definitely tugged at the heartstrings when they sang ‘incy wincy spider’ for me before they went home.
- Teaching at a local school 🙂
It was a wonderful experience to share their life and I would love to return for longer to volunteer at the school. It was now time to head to Otres beach in Sikhounville and I can already smell the sea air and here the waves crashing !!
Bye for now,
Mei xxxx