Settling into Siem Reap

Finding an apartment
Ironically their apartment is right next door to the bus depot where they were dropped off on their first night when they arrived in Siem Reap, almost as if they had come full circle.
Their official address is Apartment 6, no. 0316 Wat Bo Village, Salakamroeuk Commune, Siem Reap Town, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia, should anyone wish to post Mrs Balls Chutney, Ouma Rusks, Salt and Vinegar chips, droewors or biltong and a good bottle of South African wine.  LOL.
Job hunting
After settling in to their apartment it was time to focus on job hunting.
They had been informed that the best way to secure a teaching post in SR is to hire a Tuk Tuk for the day, dress the part, ride around to all the schools and drop of CV’s in person.  In the heat however, this did not sound like a good idea as they could picture after a few knock and drops, arriving to greet a Director of a school drenched in sweat.  They did a bit of research through various contacts and their friend “google” and emailed their applications to a few of the more well known schools.  After a few despondent days, emails started coming in for interviews.
Our new Reapers are extremely thankful that after only a few interviews with Achievers International, Western International and Go Global, they have both secured work.
Mandy will be managing her own morning class of 14 Pre-Kindergarten children with a 2 hour after care class in the afternoons at Go Global.  Both have also accepted part time Conversational Teaching posts to conduct evening classes at Western International School.  After gaining experience in Conversational English, their long term goal is to move to a house in the country and to start their own Conversational English classes from the privacy of their home, where Richard will offer classes to the local Khmer at prices affordable to their income.  Their way of giving back to the local hard working community of this lovely town.
Settling in
Our Reapers are settling in nicely.  They have met and befriended a few Khmer locals who have assisted them in various ways.  One lovely lady, Peach Emonaza, who is an absolute gem and has gone out of her way to make our new Reapers feel welcome.  Not to mention some very loyal and trustworthy Tuk Tuk drivers like Keo, Sokme and Sith. Yes, for the Starwars fans out there, his name is Sith. Of course they call him Mr Sith. (no harm in being respectful)
Our Reapers have also found a local bar so typical of their style called the “Happy Hippie” run by a fellow South African, Anne-Mart.
Another vibey bar is just around the corner from their apartment, called “The Local” where all the expat teachers meet on a Friday for drinks.  The barman and owner, Dave from the USA, is a like minded soul who immediately makes one feel welcome and his Pizza’s with its light thin crispy base are mouth watering.  Another bonus, teachers get 10% off on a Friday.  So it was celebration time on Friday evening for our Reaper newly employed teachers.

Another treat, is Hotel 20, which is 2 minutes away from their apartment offering the cooling waters of their awesome swimming pool when the heat becomes unbearable for the price of a $1 dollar draft.

And there are some lovely restaurants such as The Butterfly Garden where one can sit in the shade of the trees with butterflies fluttering around while enjoying a cooling refreshment or a good meal.

Shopping
The two have also been shopping at the various supermarkets and malls scattered around Siem Reap getting a feel for what is available where and at the best prices. They have yet to try the real local markets as they have been advised to do so with a local Khmer person first because of the language barrier. The ability to understand some Khmer and haggle is crucial to paying fair and reasonable prices at the markets.
The Journey
Along with the stresses, what a wonderful journey and experience this has been so far.  Although this adventure has been just over 2 months, it feels like a life time ago that they left South Africa. When reminiscing, they find it hard to comprehend all that they have experienced in so short a time.
For their friends in South Africa who are still contemplating leaving the rat-race, all Amethyst and Sapphire have to say is “Siem Reap awaits . . .”

Author: Amethyst

We are all spiritual beings experiencing a life of form here on this school called "Earth". I felt that my spirit and soul was being confined living in a western society with all its social norms and pressures. My spirit feels free in Cambodia. I hope that by sharing my experiences with you that you will also grow to love Cambodia as much as I do.

7 thoughts on “Settling into Siem Reap”

  1. Words cannot express my gratitude for your lovely sharing. Your experiences remind me so much when I too left South Africa in 1989 and still on the road up to this very day. Asia is like a never ending adventure and I must say that I could never return home to SA. I have had many ups and down whilst traveling but hey, all part of growing up and seeing life through a new set of eyes. I love your ventures regarding Siem Reap. It is there where I will one day make my new home and retirement abode. I am currently teaching at a Uni in North China (10 years) but my heart is longing for SE Asia once more. Will be visiting there in July 2018. We live in a small world, who knows? Maybe we will meet and share more of the amazing blessings bestowed upon us… Have an extended awesome journey. William

    1. Hi William. Thank you for sharing our experiences with us and for sharing yours. You are so right. Asia is a never ending adventure and Siem Reap is a wonderful town which has truly become a home for us. All of the best to you and your ongoing adventure. It would be great to see you in 2018.

      Journey blessings
      Richard and Mandy

    1. Hi Gary

      For now we are just happy to have a fire!
      Besides setting Cambodia alight would not be a good idea. Those sparks can travel far from our roof top garden.

      Watch this space though………. We found a vendor who makes what they call bbq stands. First pay cheque, one guess what we will be buying!!!!

      Hey and Gary, give your Brutha a break – he is doing the best that he can do with what we have. LOL

      1. hahahaha, no problem I completely understand. Hope he’ll be able make some braai chops soon. Rich, I just got some koeksisters from the canteen here. had to have both since you’re not here, hahahaha. Any bacon on that side of the world ?

    1. Thanks Beverley. As we start earning an income we will be able to put in more of our own personal touches etc. I cant wait to visit the markets once I have a bit of money to start buying little arty pieces and wall hangings and a Buddha or two to create the feel that both Richard and I would like in our home. All good things come to those who wait……………

      Thanks for following our Blog. There have been some very tough days. Its not all wine and roses but we are trying to make the most of this amazing experience and journey that we are so fortunate to have been granted the opportunity to be on……….

      Best Regards
      Mandy and Richard

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