[Cambodia] Day 8: 8 hours on crazy bumpy roads

Today we left Phnom Penh and headed to Battambang. We woke up early and ate our last breakfast at the Frangipani Living Arts Hotel and then we got our stuff together and hopped on the bus.

Despite the few stops along the way, the drive was very long. About 8 hours all up. 8 hours of driving along crazy, bumpy roads that threw us around the bus constantly. The bumps didn’t stop some of us from napping, though, they just added to the whole experience. And we had some great tunes pumping to help us pass the time which was a definite plus.

When we finally arrived in Battambang, we went immediately to YWAM to meet Meredith, our host for the 10 days we are working with this organisation. We had a meeting to be briefed on what we would be doing. Meredith ordered us all cold drinks, which was very welcome in the heat, and then we had a tour. The facilities were quite impressive and modern, not quite what a lot of us were expecting but really nice all the same.

Compared to Phnom Penh, Battambang is very mild in more ways than one. The atmosphere and traffic feels more laid back than the capital and even the weather is a lot cooler, whilst still being rather warm. Knowing what we are going to be getting up to over the next few days, helping out around the campus and working with kids, it’s safe to say we are all really excited to get stuck into it.

- Jacqui