While in Cambodia, I learned a lot of things about the Cambodian culture. We visited the beautiful Angkor Wat, and climbed to the top to enjoy the view, which was bathed in the soft afternoon light. We also visited a primary school, where we gave gifts to the young students. I was really impressed with their vibrant personalities, and how they seemed to be so contented with their lives. We managed to go through an entire afternoon without technology, just using a few soccer balls and our imagination. We taught them the Macarena, the hokey pokey, and a few of them beat me in volleyball. Immediately after, I resolved to not be so addicted to my iTouch. On our last day in Cambodia, we visited a floating village. Being on the roof of the boat, I smiled and waved like crazy. A few boys even came up to me and asked me where I came from. When I replied, “China.” They greeted me in Mandarin and laughed at my surprised expression. I learned to say simple phrases like saying “hello” and “thank you” in Khmer, which made the Cambodian people laugh and they went easy on us when we were bargaining. Visiting Cambodia was such an amazing experience, and I managed to learn so much in just a few days.

– Abbie Humphreys