Monday, 02 January 2012
Prescott E News
Written by Lynne LaMaster
Staying in Cambodian homes opened the students' eyes to how others live across the world.
The Northpoint Travelers continue expanding their horizons with new experiences and culture immersions.
First, Piers spoke of going to a Performance Rehearsal, writing, "Today we went to two classes where the students did dances that to me seem native to Cambodia. They were able to contort their bodies (particularly their hands) in very cool poses. It was very strange to me that these kids were not self-conscious or scared of us just dropping in on their rehearsal. Some of the acts they did consisted of moves and interaction that to Americans could seem extremely weird and awkward. The strangeness highlighted my (and maybe others’) lack of open mindedness about art of this nature. It was refreshing to be around people that were open to different ideas and perspectives. It is definitely not something I’m used to."
Stephen described staying in an apartment with a Cambodian family, noting that there is a lot to be thankful for here in the US. "Today we did the home stays. Matt, Piers, Adam and myself stayed with one family. The apartments we were in were located in a place called, “the building.” Just being at this place makes me think, “Maybe there’s some things Americans take for granted, such as a flushing toilet.” In this building live thousands of people and according to the hosts this how everyone lives. Earlier, when I asked them what they think America would be like, he said, 'I think there would be nice houses and organized streets.' He is not too far off. This home stay was a powerful experience for me, something that shifted my perspective on my own needs and wants tremendously!"
Matt talks about young children trying to make money, and his instinctive response. "Today we woke up from the home stays in “the building,” said our goodbyes, and took an hour-long ride the countryside south of Phnom Penh. The bus ride was crowded, hot, and at times even smelly.
"We finally arrived at some old temples that are said to be over a thousand years old. Waiting at the entrance was a group of maybe 15 young children ages 6-17, all of whom where trying to sell us their flowers that they had just picked.
"This was extremely tough for us to deny their adorable faces but we learned that giving money to the kids that live on the streets makes them believe that they should always make money that way.
"This is definitely very different than America in many, many ways, but we will just have to get used to this."
Go to the Northpoint Travels blog to watch Kessie and Madison discuss the impact the trip has had on them so far.
All content used with permission.
In the meantime, are you wondering what the food in Cambodia is like? Here are a couple of recipes - from an entirely unrelated website called Chef Sandwich.
Prescott E News
Written by Lynne LaMaster
Staying in Cambodian homes opened the students' eyes to how others live across the world.
The Northpoint Travelers continue expanding their horizons with new experiences and culture immersions.
First, Piers spoke of going to a Performance Rehearsal, writing, "Today we went to two classes where the students did dances that to me seem native to Cambodia. They were able to contort their bodies (particularly their hands) in very cool poses. It was very strange to me that these kids were not self-conscious or scared of us just dropping in on their rehearsal. Some of the acts they did consisted of moves and interaction that to Americans could seem extremely weird and awkward. The strangeness highlighted my (and maybe others’) lack of open mindedness about art of this nature. It was refreshing to be around people that were open to different ideas and perspectives. It is definitely not something I’m used to."
Stephen described staying in an apartment with a Cambodian family, noting that there is a lot to be thankful for here in the US. "Today we did the home stays. Matt, Piers, Adam and myself stayed with one family. The apartments we were in were located in a place called, “the building.” Just being at this place makes me think, “Maybe there’s some things Americans take for granted, such as a flushing toilet.” In this building live thousands of people and according to the hosts this how everyone lives. Earlier, when I asked them what they think America would be like, he said, 'I think there would be nice houses and organized streets.' He is not too far off. This home stay was a powerful experience for me, something that shifted my perspective on my own needs and wants tremendously!"
Matt talks about young children trying to make money, and his instinctive response. "Today we woke up from the home stays in “the building,” said our goodbyes, and took an hour-long ride the countryside south of Phnom Penh. The bus ride was crowded, hot, and at times even smelly.
"We finally arrived at some old temples that are said to be over a thousand years old. Waiting at the entrance was a group of maybe 15 young children ages 6-17, all of whom where trying to sell us their flowers that they had just picked.
"This was extremely tough for us to deny their adorable faces but we learned that giving money to the kids that live on the streets makes them believe that they should always make money that way.
"This is definitely very different than America in many, many ways, but we will just have to get used to this."
Go to the Northpoint Travels blog to watch Kessie and Madison discuss the impact the trip has had on them so far.
All content used with permission.
In the meantime, are you wondering what the food in Cambodia is like? Here are a couple of recipes - from an entirely unrelated website called Chef Sandwich.
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