Khmer calling

via Khmer NZ

By G.K. Cheryl Brenda

educate@thestar.com.my

IF there is one word that describes Cambodia – it is “captivating”. With a rich cultural heritage and breathtaking sceneries, the grand-prize winners of The Star’s NiE (Newspaper-in-Education) contest can be rest assured that their well-deserved trip to the country will be spellbinding. Cambodia is truly a tourist’s dream come true, with its lush countryside dotted by endless padi fields and swaying sugar palms.

Pristine and powdery white sands that front crystal clear turquoise-blue waters best describe some of Cambodia’s beaches. Wildlife enthusiasts will be thrilled by the country’s vast tropical rainforest as it is home to an abundance of elusive wildlife. The mountain ranges are breathtaking and are home to Cambodia’s indigenous minorities.

With air tickets sponsored by Air Asia, 15 students and three teachers from the three categories: Primary, Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary will be in for the time of their lives!

The four-day, three-night stay in Siem Reap, one of Cambodia’s fastest growing cities, is sponsored by The Star and Pizza Hut. This will be an educational cum fun-packed holiday that will be remembered for a long time to come. Here’s what’s in store for the winners!

The prominent gods that guard the South gate leading towards Angkor Thom (The Great City).

On the first day, the lucky winners will visit the Le Artisan D’Angkor workshop.

Here, they will observe how the skilled artisans at the workshop use traditional Cambodian handicraft skills to produce unique items that embody the Khmer heritage.

Then, shopping enthusiasts take heart; it is off to the local market for some shopping before heading to Wat Bo temple. “Wat” in Khmer refers to the Buddhist pagoda or stupa. Founded in the 18th century, Wat Bo is one of the oldest temples in the Siem Reap province. Art enthusiasts will love the temple for its beautiful murals and statues, and traditional architecture.

The group will then head on to the Wat Thmei Killing Field. The main feature at Wat Thmei is a glass-walled stupa containing the skulls and bones of those who lost their lives during the rule of the Khmer Rouge.

There are over 18, 000 killing fields in Cambodia and the killing fields are a sad reminder of the persecution of the Cambodian people under the Khmer Rouge.

Ready to show off your mountain-climbing skills to the world? Well, you will be doing exactly that at Phnom Bakheng. The ancient temple mountain built in the ninth century is particularly significant as it was the first temple to be constructed in the area. The scenery at sunset is breathtaking. Prepare to be mystified as you watch the five towers of Angkor Wat slowly disappear into the lush greenery surrounding it.

Explore the magnificent Angkor Wat complex, an archaelogical wonder that represents the heart of Khmer history and culture.

On day two of your trip, you will explore the famous Angkor Complex.

The temples of Angkor, which were built between 802 and 1220 AD, are archaeological wonders! Take a step into Angkor Thom and relive the time of the ancient royalty. There are numerous temples within Angkor Thom and one of them is the Bayon Temple.

Located in the heart of the ancient city, you will take in several sculptures and frescoes that depict battles and domestic life during the era. Some of these images are commonly found in Khmer art and architecture.

Other highlights of the visit include the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. These places exude an air of mystery, much like their names. Built by King Yasovarman VII, the intricate sculptures and carvings at these two terraces portray scenes of compassion, while others just capture your imagination.

On the third day, bring out the seafarer in you as you venture on a boat tour of the famous Floating Village at Tonle Sap Lake, the largest lake in South-East Asia.

Keep your eyes peeled as you sail by houses, clinics and schools – all afloat! Later, you will visit the Silk Farm at the Rajana Association. Cambodia has a long tradition of making silk. At the Silk Farm, observe how the local artisans transform looms of raw silk into beautiful works of art.

This year, contestants of the Mag Inc competition were required to create a three-page mini magazine based on topics such as health, environment and social values in line with the theme “A better life”. Each participating team member will receive a Pizza Hut voucher in September.

So, contestants, prepare yourselves for the adventure of a lifetime knowing that you have pooled all your creative energies and used the power of your imagination towards making your magazine a pièce de résistance.

As Antoine de Saint-Exupery, a French pilot and author quotes, “It is in the compelling zest of high adventure and of victory, and in creative action, that man finds his supreme joys”.