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GCP 2024 | Day 4: Good Morning!
GCP 2024 | Day 4: Good Morning!
30 May 2024 | Thursday
The fourth day marked the beginning of our touring and exploration sessions. While the memories of the school and the children we had met continued to tug at our hearts, we were also excited to spend time together, creating our final set of memories in Siem Reap.
The fourth day marked the beginning of our touring and exploration sessions. While the memories of the school and the children we had met continued to tug at our hearts, we were also excited to spend time together, creating our final set of memories in Siem Reap.
We started our day early, having decided the night before to witness the sunrise at Angkor Wat. As we arrived, an orange glow enveloped the ancient temple, casting a serene and almost magical atmosphere. Walking towards the perfect spot to catch the sunrise, we felt a sense of awe and anticipation. The view was truly breathtaking, and we were grateful for the early wake-up call that allowed us to experience such a majestic sight.
We started our day early, having decided the night before to witness the sunrise at Angkor Wat. As we arrived, an orange glow enveloped the ancient temple, casting a serene and almost magical atmosphere. Walking towards the perfect spot to catch the sunrise, we felt a sense of awe and anticipation. The view was truly breathtaking, and we were grateful for the early wake-up call that allowed us to experience such a majestic sight.
A warm orange hue paints the sky.
The sun rises, casting its first light.
After soaking in the beauty of Angkor Wat, we continued our tour, exploring the intricate carvings and towering faces of Bayon Temple and the sprawling, tree-engulfed ruins of Ta Prohm.
After soaking in the beauty of Angkor Wat, we continued our tour, exploring the intricate carvings and towering faces of Bayon Temple and the sprawling, tree-engulfed ruins of Ta Prohm.
Group photo at the beautiful Angkor Wat.
Striking a pose at the historic Bayon Temple.
Group photo at Ta Prohm, the iconic “Tomb Raider” temple.
After our tour of the Angkor Archaeological Park, we returned to the hotel for breakfast and some well-deserved rest. Our next stop was the Killing Fields, where we learned more about the Khmer Rouge and the atrocities committed during that dark period of Cambodian history. The visit was sobering, leaving us in shock at the cruelty mankind is capable of. We felt a profound sense of loss and despair for those who were brutally killed, as well as for their families who suffered the unjust loss of their loved ones. Yet, amidst the sorrow, we also saw evidence of Cambodia’s resilience as the nation slowly rebuilds itself, striving to reclaim its former glory. The visit reminded us that while war brings out the worst in humanity, it can also inspire acts of courage, determination, and hope in the face of unimaginable hardship. We left with a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s painful past and a newfound respect for its people’s enduring spirit.
After our tour of the Angkor Archaeological Park, we returned to the hotel for breakfast and some well-deserved rest. Our next stop was the Killing Fields, where we learned more about the Khmer Rouge and the atrocities committed during that dark period of Cambodian history. The visit was sobering, leaving us in shock at the cruelty mankind is capable of. We felt a profound sense of loss and despair for those who were brutally killed, as well as for their families who suffered the unjust loss of their loved ones. Yet, amidst the sorrow, we also saw evidence of Cambodia’s resilience as the nation slowly rebuilds itself, striving to reclaim its former glory. The visit reminded us that while war brings out the worst in humanity, it can also inspire acts of courage, determination, and hope in the face of unimaginable hardship. We left with a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s painful past and a newfound respect for its people’s enduring spirit.
Delving into the history of the Khmer Rouge.
We ended the day with a visit to the Phare Circus, a vibrant and captivating performance that showcased the talent and creativity of Cambodian youth. The energy and passion of the performers were infectious, lifting our spirits after the emotional weight of the day. In fact, Hana was so impressed by the incredible tricks that she could not resist trying some of them back in the hotel room—though we certainly do not recommend doing so for safety reasons!
We ended the day with a visit to the Phare Circus, a vibrant and captivating performance that showcased the talent and creativity of Cambodian youth. The energy and passion of the performers were infectious, lifting our spirits after the emotional weight of the day. In fact, Hana was so impressed by the incredible tricks that she could not resist trying some of them back in the hotel room—though we certainly do not recommend doing so for safety reasons!
"I found all the tricks of the artists to be so cool. From their acts, I learned the importance of never giving up and working hard for what you want. Even when they failed at a trick, they made it look like it wasn’t a mistake and tried again until they made it. I was so inspired by their performances that I wanted to learn how to do some of the tricks myself. My roommate and I even tried doing some of them in our room. I will definitely visit the circus again—I love the artists; they were SO AWESOME! 🔥💪🏼" - Hana Sofiah Binte Jeffrezin, 3 Diligence' 24
"I found all the tricks of the artists to be so cool. From their acts, I learned the importance of never giving up and working hard for what you want. Even when they failed at a trick, they made it look like it wasn’t a mistake and tried again until they made it. I was so inspired by their performances that I wanted to learn how to do some of the tricks myself. My roommate and I even tried doing some of them in our room. I will definitely visit the circus again—I love the artists; they were SO AWESOME! 🔥💪🏼" - Hana Sofiah Binte Jeffrezin, 3 Diligence' 24
Group shot as we eagerly await the circus performance.
The performances were thrilling and full of energy!
Posing with the passionate and talented performers.
As the day drew to a close, we took time to reflect over our collective experiences. We shared our appreciation for one another’s hard work and the many people who made the GCP such a meaningful and successful program. We expressed gratitude for our roommates, who helped us through tiring nights, our teammates, with whom we worked tirelessly, and our teachers, who offered endless support and guidance. It was a bittersweet moment, realising that our journey together was coming to an end. Yet, it was also a proud moment as we reflected on how much we had grown as Canberrans and the lasting friendships we had forged.
As the day drew to a close, we took time to reflect over our collective experiences. We shared our appreciation for one another’s hard work and the many people who made the GCP such a meaningful and successful program. We expressed gratitude for our roommates, who helped us through tiring nights, our teammates, with whom we worked tirelessly, and our teachers, who offered endless support and guidance. It was a bittersweet moment, realising that our journey together was coming to an end. Yet, it was also a proud moment as we reflected on how much we had grown as Canberrans and the lasting friendships we had forged.
Sharing gratitude by presenting gems to one another.
A big hug to express our appreciation.
We are grateful to our teachers as well!
Our time in Siem Reap may have been short, but the memories and lessons we gained will stay with us forever.
Our time in Siem Reap may have been short, but the memories and lessons we gained will stay with us forever.
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