I've been slowly making my way up to the northeast corner of Cambodia with the intention of crossing the Lao border by early May. I would then spend a few months in Laos and then move on to Vietnam. However, life can some times throw opportunities into your path when you least expect them... in this case, it was my recent trip to see the rural village on the Mekong that opened up a new door for me.
The Cambodian Rural Development Team, the NGO who arranged my trip, has asked me to join them as a volunteer for the next 1-2 months to help them develop the communications and public relations for the Community Development Tour and contribute ideas on their overall tourism experience. I hemmed and hawed about it for a few days but in my heart, I knew this was a great opportunity to use my skills to help an organization that is making a real and visible difference for poor Cambodians.
I will be based in Kratie (about 6 hours north of Phnom Penh) and will work closely with the executive director as well as a Canadian guy who has been with the organization for 6 years. Anyone interested in knowing more about CRDT can check out their website (www.crdt.org.kh).
In the meantime, I will continue on to Laos as my Cambodian visa will run out in a few days, but will cut my trip short to return to Kratie by May 13 .
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3 comments:
I know Kratie! That's awesome Naom. hope you make it to Luang Prabang in Laos. The bus rides there are very scenic, though not always comfortable. The organization looks great. Check out TED.com if you get a chance. Twenty minute lectures by amazing inspiring people. Some of the development ideas and work are incredible!! Brilliant design, amazing solutions.
shan
Hi Shan!
I only have one week in Laos before I have to head back to Cambodia. So instead of rushing things, I'll hang out in the south and the 4000 islands (it's so pretty here!) this time around. But I'll definitely be returning to Laos to check out Luang Prabang and the north...
Love Na
Good plan! You always make the right decision. After I wrote that comment, I spent a while in bed last night thinking, I hope she doesn't rush it, she should just check out south Laos and come back later for the rest. Pam and I got as far south as Saravan or so. When we were later traveling with Cory and Krista we told them we heard you could get through the Laos Cambodia border and they traveled all the way there by bus ( a long journey ) only to be turned back, OUCH!
xooxox
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