I was tired and grumpy when i arrived at siem reap, after getting visa and luggage, i found a happy face greeted me, my tuk tuk driver, Sarath, with a large umbrella to cover me from the rain who took me to my homestay. I arrived at home stay in shock, realising the living conditions are so basic. With so much mud and potholes along the way. So much dirt I am thinking to myself, crap what have i done. Conversing with people in the village was hard and I found it somewhat difficult and frustrating. Showering with spiders. Mozzies relentless in sucking my blood. Always after a good feed which i provided, not without protest. After 2 days I wanted to go home. But after i settled in and got over myself, I started to see the beauty of the place. There is MUCH LIFE in Papaya village. The rooster crowing at 5 in the morning, my own alarm clock, the dogs, lily, scratching your leg for attention and black dog. The kittens, so playful and cheeky. Always after your food, happy to share if you are. The silly ducks that chase you, the geese that also chase, especially the male, like an old man always in trouble with the wife and wanted to pay out on the people walking past. The heat so relentless. The rain cooling down the day, sometimes. The people wonderful, friendly, warm hearted and so welcoming, making sure you are comfortable and happy. Tola the story teller of both hardship and finding inner peace and lots of laughter, a belly full of laughing, always up for a joke, a laugh and a good chat who can speak english well enough, who used to live in a box with 4 walls and not much room for 6 people, (in order to find out you need to visit) Arun, Tola's wife the happy wanderer who loves her husband to bits, Sopek, the eldest son and also Master whiz with a computer of any size, Rexia, a calming influence, quiet and reserved, Somon, but you can call her Aun, the youngest, outgoing and always in a happy mood. Playful and engaging. The creative chef, Maol, Mrs smiley. Traditional cook, but willing to try cooking many different foods. Always cooking but never seem to be eating. That is why she is so thin even after having 4 children. Happy to tell me i have put on weight since I arrived. Thankyou very much not really. Bodie, Maol's husband, ever the handy man, good at unblocking things especially my toilet. Not sure if he was happy about it, the screwed up face was always the give away, but if something needed to be fixed he was the man. Sarin, a woman of short stature but not short of character. Warm and willing. Will wash your laundry. Happy to sweep away all those creepy crawlies in your cottage room. The children, so many happy to meet new people Will melt your heart. Lots of sreaming and laughing. Happy for a lap to sit on. Maol's youngest . Funny little man. Loves playing in the rain. And last but, certainly not least, Sarath Tuk tuk driver. Good grasp of the english language and very good with taking you anywhere you want to go. Knows siem reap like the back of he's hand. Had some great conversations with Sarath. Caring and considerate. I was blessed that he let me see inside he's life. Ask and you shall receive. If he doesn't know something, he'll tell you. Shy at first but not for long. Depends on your personality. It was 12 days of wonderful at Papaya village, in a place of plenty. Relax and take it easy. Expect the unexpected and be changed in more ways that you can imagine. I wouldnt change my visit for anything. Carolan