Paradise

This is going to be a sad attempt to describe my current living situation as living in the jungle/rainforest is really indescribable.  On the weekends I will be living in Battambang which is the second largest city in Cambodia (although it still appears quite small).  There are some tourists, but nothing compared to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh.  It has a few markets, a number of older wats (temples), a lovely riverside park, and some well-preserved buildings from the French colonial period.  It is a sleepy town though as most things close down around 9pm.  The beautiful countryside features century old wooden houses, villages engaged in traditional agriculture and even a winery.  While I was thrilled that this would be my weekend home, I’m happy to be spending more time in Samlout which is about two hours south. 

Samlout is close to the Thai border and is surrounded by the Cardamon mountains.  The area is covered by thick jungle and the air is hot and heavy.  Our home is on the MJP headquarters which is a large area covered by mango and banana trees, a soccer field, pigs, cattle and the workers residence.  We have a foreigner accommodation which is currently occupied by 6 of us (but soon to be 8).  Across from us is home to the rangers (who patrol the surrounding jungle for poachers), military (who keep an eye on the border) and conservationists.  Our property is fenced in and guarded by a number of men at all times.  Walking from our accommodations to the MJP office and dining area is breathtaking.  I find myself gazing at the fog hugging the mountains and must continuously remind myself to look down at the path to make sure I avoid any random creatures that may be heading my way.  We rise with the sun (around 6am) and head to bed early as we only have two hours of power between 7pm – 9pm.  After that the area is submerged into darkness, but the sky is illuminated with stars like I’ve never seen at home.  Unfortunately it is important to use a flashlight at all times here to avoid critters that like to come out at night.  Pit vipers are common to this region (we saw one on our first day) and if bitten you have three hours to seek help…considering we are two hours from the hospital its best to just avoid them all together.  The staff that has lived here for years has come into contact with them, but no bites as of yet.  During the day the education team (that I’m apart of) travels from school to school running the sports and eco rangers club.  Meeting the children and the teachers from the region has been an amazing experience as they are incredibly welcoming and eager to learn. 

After work we have two hours of free time before dinner.  So far we have used this time to go running with a group around the village.  I never thought I would be training in a place like this.  It is when I’m running along the red roads, the river to the right of me, mountains behind that I’m most overcome by my surroundings.  After the run we follow a path into the jungle, which leads to a water fall and swimming hole.  Remember the movie ‘The Beach’ when Leonardo stumbles across the stunning water fall?  Well picture that, but better.  There are two water falls to plunge into, trees to jump off of and jungle surrounding you.  It is utterly breathtaking.  I don’t think I will ever cease to be amazed by this place. 

                                           We spotted a Pit Viper on our first day!!

                          The village by our house