Siem Reap Trip 2023
The COVID-19 pandemic was hard on the entire world. We all struggled together through times of illness, pain, loss and extreme, incurable boredom. Most of all, we labored united against the demon of disappointment. Logos has many vibrant traditions that skidded to a heartbreaking halt once COVID began its rampage across the world. Carnival, talent show, Hullabaloo, retreats, and more suddenly evaporated while students were immediately sent home to learn online. Traditionally, eighth grade students at Logos always are given a trip to visit Siem Reap to learn about the colorful history of Cambodia at Angkor Wat. Middle schoolers always eagerly await the day they will be sent to the illustrious province with their friends and teachers for an experience of a lifetime.
Last year, the eighth graders were left empty-handed as the teachers relayed the news that the Siem Reap trip wouldn't be happening. The demon of disappointment had returned, or rather, it had never left. However, redemption for the current ninth graders came in a way that almost no one saw coming: When the eighth graders were cleared to embark on their journey to Siem Reap, the teachers saw fit for the ninth graders to tag along.
Suddenly, the lurking demon of disappointment had disappeared, and bright plans to make even brighter memories began to surface. On the day of, the two classes gathered beside the Logos Cafe, chatting away with their friends about how excited they were for the momentous trip. Suitcases piled on top of each other as student after student walked into the premises with bags after bags of clothes, snacks, and more. After a quick prayer, the teachers led the all-too-eager students to their buses: red for the eighth graders, blue for the ninth. In the 35-seater buses, students immediately filled out the entire area, some taking two seats in order to stretch their legs and others rushing to the back to get the largest seats.
The hum of anticipation was tangible as students vibrated with excited chatter. Once everyone was accounted for, the buses began to make their way to Siem Reap. Throughout the ride, students kept the bus alive with their insistent snacking, lively chatter, and occasional screaming. As soon as they pulled into the hotel, Model Angkor Hotel, everyone dispersed to their respective rooms and spent a few minutes in mutual appreciation for the spacious areas. After unpacking, all that was left to do was explore. A quick survey of the place revealed two swimming pools and green areas to walk around with friends. Most people immediately changed into their modest swimsuits and jumped into the pools. One was allocated for eighth graders while the other was left for the freshmen.
Once the initial excitement had been spent by swimming, the students hustled to get showered and changed in time to reload into the buses to head to a dinner buffet and Apsara performance. Egg rolls, fried chicken, spaghetti, and more awaited the 50 students. After a content meal, everyone gathered to give their attention to the beautiful Apsara dancers as they presented dances that reflected Khmer history and culture. Their flexible wrists awed the audience as people dedicatedly took videos and pictures.
The first day was largely successful, and everyone was ready to hit the sack as soon as the bus arrived back at the hotel.
On the second day, Angkor Wat awaited the students. The sun raged down upon them as they trekked the lengths of three temples: Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Angkor Wat. The tour guide expertly explained meanings and myths behind carvings, architectural structures, and sculptures as they adventured through the achaeological park. Monkeys, cats, and even a few rabbits lurked around the area, drawing attention from eager animal-lovers. Lunch was at a packed restaurant that warmly served soup and chicken to the crowd of exhausted teenagers.
After an afternoon at Angkor Wat and a morning at Bayon and Ta Prohm, everyone was officially spent. On the bus ride back, silent descended as people drifted off in pure exhaustion. However, when they arrived back at the hotel, their excitement was renewed at the sight of the swimming pools, and many decided to jump right in. Before heading out to eat dinner, the students gathered together for a short devotion that begged them to question the place of idols in their lives compared to God. Dinner at a high-level Khmer restaurant pleased the empty stomachs of the students as many decided to order drinks on the side as well. A night full of conversation, laughter, card games, and snacking promised little rest for everyone, yet the memories made would never be forgotten.
On the final day, everyone hustled back into the buses as they headed off early to the Angkor Aquarium. Mekong fish, crocodiles, jellyfish, stingrays, and more astounded the impressed students as they took pictures of all the colorful creatures. An hour was well-spent at the aquarium as people observed fish, laughed at sleepy tigers, and bought drinks at a popular stand. Otters seemed to be one of the main attractions; their playful lifestyle reflected the personalities of the 8th and 9th graders.
Just like how the otters could dive in and out of the water in their enclosure with a carefree spirit, the students also were given a taste of such carefree freedom during the trip, learning not only academic content but social and emotional content as well.
The rest of the ride home was filled with smiles and raucous laughter and chatter. When the buses arrived back at Logos and the students unloaded, not a single person could say they didn't want the trip to go on for longer. Memories are treasures, and over the Siem Reap trip, the 8th and 9th graders were able to build a trove of treasure.