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Now back at their busy desks, we sat down with them both to find out about their amazing trip.

What did it mean to you both to be given such a great reward? Was it completely unexpected and how did you react? 

Debbie: It was completely unexpected. We're both very humble people so to receive a reward of this magnitude was mind blowing. I’ve never heard of anyone being given a trip of a lifetime like this by their employer. Because we both job share, we never thought we’d have the opportunity to holiday together even though we’re such good friends. So that in itself was amazing.

Keryn: It came as an absolute shock. I just burst into tears and didn't stop crying for about an hour. Tears of joy obviously and appreciation as well. And to have our Directors take over our desks while we were away was incredible. It meant we didn't have to be constantly thinking about what was happening in the office. We were able to switch off and really enjoy our time without worrying about the goings on at work.

Where did you travel in Cambodia?

Keryn: Debbie and I have both travelled quite a bit through the US, Europe and Asia but had never been to Cambodia. Over eight days, we spent a few nights in the capital Phnom Penh and then headed to Siam Reap in the north of Cambodia.

Debbie: You’re right, I love history, especially modern history. And so, learning about the Khmer Rouge and visiting the Killing Fields near Phnom Penh – one of a number of sites where collectively more than a million people were killed and buried between 1975 and 1979 – was so powerful for me. Especially as this all happened during our lifetimes. Our tour guide was only 16 when Phnom Penh was first evacuated, and his stories were awe-inspiring. He told us firsthand how he lost his father and how he survived. This was an emotional day and I really felt a lot more connected with the people we met after this experience.

Keryn: Yes, this was a really moving day for us both. Another highlight for me was visiting the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm in the north of Cambodia. It was hard to comprehend how these structures were built without modern construction techniques and to see how nature has reclaimed the land to a degree. They were just stunning.

What did you both love most about the country?

Debbie: I think we’d both agree that all the people we met over there were so beautiful and approachable. And even if there was a bit of a language barrier, everyone went above and beyond to try and understand what we were saying.

Keryn: I agree absolutely. I loved the people in Cambodia. Everyone we met was really open and willing to share their stories as we would often have a hundred questions about this and that. One particular family we met in a village in Siam Reap really stood out for me as they were so welcoming. And they also had a little boy who was the same age as my little boy. They showed us their house and vegetable gardens and explained how they prepare meals with other families in the village. Just seeing the difference in how they live compared to us was so interesting and very humbling.

What was your most confronting experience?

Keryn: I don't think there was one in particular for me. There were however some very sad moments during the trip as poverty in Cambodia is still very prevalent and very confronting. Seeing how many people have lost limbs due to landmines was also heartbreaking.

Debbie: Visiting the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum which was a former secondary school used as a prison called S-21 during the Khmer Rouge regime was the most confronting for me. We were able to visit the cells where over 20,000 people were imprisoned before being shot. In many cases, people died just to protect their family and friends.

What was the craziest thing you saw while you were there?

Debbie: It would have to be seeing whole families on the back of motorbikes. Babies, children and parents – all without helmets. Not to mention boxes and other belongings.

Keryn: It’s crazy what you can fit onto a bike!

Keryn: Absolutely. Aside from all the historical site seeing, we also enjoyed great massages, drank delicious cocktails and ate beautiful fresh food. The dish I loved the most – and ate almost everywhere we went – was green mango salad. It was so good I’m going to try and make it myself this summer!

Debbie: I would definitely recommend Cambodia to anyone looking for an amazing travel adventure. I was a bit apprehensive before I left but now knowing what it's like, I can’t wait to go back.

Urszula Lusk - ulusk@veritasrecruitment.com.au

- 0414921649
Natalie Pedemont - npedemont@veritasrecruitment.com.au - 0401923353