Anna Elsewhere

Friday 7th September

My first full day proved to be an interesting introduction to life in Cambodia. We were introduced to members of staff at the Programme Office, where most of us are also staying while in Phnom Pehn, and had an introductory talk and security briefing from the Programme Director.

There are 17 volunteers in this group and quite a mixture of people including couples, singles, young, old with initially one thing in common – Education. There are a few on the Youth for Development programme which VSO runs for graduates with slightly different criteria for entry. There is also a couple who appear to be VSO junkies on their 3rd VSO placement! There are also 4 from the Netherlands VSO who are fab – one of which (Corine) is also coming to Banteay Meancheay so we will be working together in the same area. Fortunately, one of the Dutch guys is about 7ft tall which is approximately twice the height of the average Khmer person much to everyone’s amusement! I must admit, it’s quite a relief not to be the one pointed and stared at although that will probably change once I’m in my placement. Everyone is fantastic and I’m pleased I’m in an easy-going group of people. I am sharing a room with Jean, a lovely lady from Newcastle who very kindly wakes me up with a cup of tea each morning (well – has done so far anyway).

Luckily for us, it happened to be the first Friday of the month which we learnt was THE night to go to Elsewhere – a western bar in Phnom Pehn. After some deliberation, a number of us decided to try it out and what a night we had! Elsewhere is situated off a very ordinary looking Khmer street. It looks like a big white house and in effect we were sat in the garden all night. But what a garden! Little paved paths lead round an outdoor pool with tables, cushions, benches and stools set amongst trees (with fans nailed to them) and a bar. It was a like a small paradise. Personally, it felt a bit weird to be in such an obviously white western place with such luxuries after just stepping off a plane to volunteer in the third world, especially as we had paid our tuk tuk driver $1 (50p) to drive us there!

However, several mojitos later and the guilt had been replaced with a dozen reasons to justify enjoying such luxury, a temptation to jump into the pool and an overwhelming need to dance! Needless to say, we had a fantastic night which went on till the small hours! We even recognised Matt Dillons’ minders at the bar!