​When my two-month stint of being a yoga teacher (English teacher, computer whiz, receptionist) finally came to an end I decided it was time for a visit to the beaches. I spent two months listening to travelers either rave or complain about the enigma that is Sihanoukville, seedy overrun tourist town or outlet to gorgeous beaches, diving and paradise - that was up to each traveler to decide. Having bypassed the area completely on my last visit to the country I decided I should at least pay a visit and attempt to answer this question for myself.

Given the excitement of my first few weeks back in Cambodia, time with visitors and unplanned accidents, I was ready for some R&R in Kampot, oh wait I was meant to be working. Still, I had a place to unpack my bag, make new friends, reconnect with the old and settle myself, at least for the time being. My settling was taking place at Banteay Srey Women's Spa where I'd be the new resident Yoga/English teacher, sound perfect? You're right.

​Upon settling myself in Kampot I had mixed feelings about my new placement, sure I had friends, a place to unpack my bag and a room to call my own, but I wasn't sure if I really wanted to stay. I toyed with the idea of breaking my contract and leaving early but decided that it was just my first-week jitters and that I should really try to stick it out.   As I arrived the previous volunteer was saying her goodbyes and I could see tears forming in her eyes, I gave the situation a slight eye roll and thought that won't be me.  The whole time my focus was on the yoga classes I'd be teaching while I gave little thought to the English lessons that would soon fill my days.  The English lessons which gave me countless hours of bonding time with the girls, time I would learn to cherish.