Greetings from Cambodia. Plans are well underway here in
Phnom Penh. The "Team" is all assembled. Tania has
arrived and has already been on a couple of 25 mile rides with
Ray to keep the fitness up. Ray has had a slight wog of sorts
but after a visit to the doctor is just about OK again. Veasna
our amputee rider has also been with us for a couple of days.
On Friday we all (including Rick who is doing the video for
us) spent the morning at the Rabbit School with the kids. As
always this was great to share some time with the children
and the teachers. Yesterday we visited the House of Smiles
and caught up with their plans for the future as well as seeing
the kids. We have two more visits to places where disabled
children are attending school or a Day Centre before the 'take
off' day on the 10th December.
On the 3rd December Ray and Veasna cycled around Phnom Penh
to 'advertise' the event. This was part of the activities for
International Day of Disabled when hundreds of people with
disabilities joined together in Phnom Penh. I was an official
guest so was able to make contact again with the 'government
officials' and other former colleagues which was good.
The Disability Action Council (DAC) has been good to us and
we are using the offices as a base while in Phnom Penh. A vehicle
met us all at the airport and San, a staff member, arranged
for permission to get into the airport enclosure to take
a video of Tania arriving etc. The biggest contribution from
the DAC is to provide a support vehicle for us for the entire
trip. (I thought we would probably need to hire one). This
of course is great for security reasons, if anybody falls sick
etc etc besides carrying additional supplies, first aid box
etc. And a very important factor is that we have my very trusted
driver Mr Pech to drive us all the way. Great. He is my 'son'
in Cambodia.
We have also registered at the Australian Embassy as being
in Cambodia and provided all details in case of any emergency
arising. Trying to cover all contingencies.
Rick and I will be with the team/vehicle for the whole time.
We may alternate for some parts of the journey. At each 'rest'
day town we have finalised the contacts who will either arrange
some events and/or take us to visit organisations etc. On Christmas
Day we will be in Kampong Chhang. I met a person a couple of
days ago who has recently started a new organisation in that
area. He has planned a children’s party for that day
which we will attend - which will be great. SOOO things are
slowly working out.
All for now. Will keep you posted. I can be contacted via
email and both Ray and I have mobile phones
Ray +012 488936 and mine +012 574761.
