24 Hours

The last 24 hours has been the most interesting day I've ever experienced - it was also my last full day in Phnom Penh. I had lots of people to say goodbye to (most of which I missed), wrote a water proposal for the floating village, visited the landfill, gift sharing and last minute relaxation. Mom, check email when you can.

The Landfill - Steung Meanchey
I went to visit the landfill that some of you may have seen on the Humans Being video, and saw for myself this unforgiving place. Off a main drag road, a dusty and bumpy road travel 1km to the edge of the landfill. The stench was somewhat tolerable compared to the open sewage in 40 degree heat, but the toxic fumes were the killer. One and a half million people live in Phnom Penh and if the garbage isn't in the river, it's here. Since there is no recycling, composting, or anything of the sorts, it's all done at the landfill as the garbage is dumped and, look out because the truck drivers certainly don't. We brought some water to hand out and it created a bit of chaos at the couple of huts we saw that were on the front line. The feeling was intense, as expected. There is no well since the ground is poison and the families have to buy their water but they only make ~$1 per family a day.

The Fall
I was filming some of the water that had collected from rain among the thousands of tons of garbage, when I experience first hand what the water felt like. Yes, I fell into a hole of toxic water and garbage. On the surface, the garbage is so thick that it just looks like land, so when I stepped, I fell into an endless water hole. The only way I could describe it was that it was like swimming in warm jello with plastic floaties. I could only laugh at myself - the locals weren't. They were worried and immediately washed me off with rainwater. I also lost my flip flops in the ordeal but I saved the video camera...choose your battles, eh?
(Yes, I'm okay and yes, I went to a hotel to have a hot and soapy shower)

The lesson was learned and the experience will forever change not only my thoughts on poverty, but also on garbage in general. A simple program like recycling may take dozens and dozens of people who are there, to work in a recycling center. A bottle depot takes on new meaning. For an alternative look at what happened that day click here and look at Jacquie's blog... for a fairy tale sort of story.

Got Blood?
Of course, since I'm in Cambodia, I decided to give blood at the local Siem Reap children's hospital. Something I had never done before and something I will certainly do when I get back. As an FYI, I'm an O negative! They gave us a can of coke, a package of cookies (which I of course shared with some kids), and a t-shirt. Canada, take note!

Gift Exchange
People in Phnom Penh have been so great to me (and Jacquie). We were certainly taken care of and I left a few things behind from home. Lee and Shawn, just so you know, a token from Radeth and Roath is coming.