Phare, The Cambodian Circus

Siam Reap, Cambodia was a breath of fresh air compared to Phnom Penh, literally and figuratively.  I ventured off on a solo trip for a few days to get out of the intensity of the city see the famous Angkor Wat temples.  While the temples at Angkor Wat were certainly impressive, it was the Phare: Cambodian Circus that captured my heart!

It's like Cirque du Soleil, but with Cambodian performers who studied at a local non-profit school for the performing arts.  The NGO was started by 9 Cambodian men after the Khmer Rouge to help support local artists.  Check out the website

The Phare Story is "Uniquely Cambodian. Daringly Modern. More than just a circus, Phare, the Cambodian Circus performers use theater, music, dance and modern circus arts to tell uniquely Cambodian stories; historical, folk and modern."

Phare was recommended by fellow Remote Translator.Liz who had visited earlier in the month.  I went with a German friend (Carolin) who I met on the bus from Phnom Penh to Siam Reap.  The only seats left were general admission and we were in the far back corner.  But, it was a tiny tent venue and it didn’t matter.  The performance was so powerful, there were no bad seats in the house!

Just like Cirque, the show featured music, dance, juggling, acrobatics and humor, all sprinkled on top of an overarching story of an outcast in a village who yearns for acceptance.  It was brilliant.

Uploaded by ItsMattSherwood on 2017-02-11.

Uploaded by ItsMattSherwood on 2017-02-11.

The energy in the show is top notch!  These performers had us eating out of the palm of their hands.  Every audience member seemed entranced from start to finish.  I found myself giggling and smiling so much my jaw hurt at the end. 

Uploaded by ItsMattSherwood on 2017-02-10.

I got emotional at one point during the show. My mind wandered back to the Fuerza Bruta show back in Buenos Aires, which was same same but different.  BA was month 2 of Remote Year, and there I was in month 11.  The whole year flashed before my eyes and the realization that the year is coming to an end brought a range of mixed emotions up to the surface.  

I think the reason I loved the Phare Cambodian Circus so much was because Cambodia was a hard place to live mentally and spiritually.  Phnom Penh is overpopulated. The streets are littered with trash.  Poverty is ever-present.  The dark history of the Killing Fields looms in the back of your mind.  As a caucasian foreigner, everyone thinks your rich and merchants can be rather aggressive.  It is probably the most challenging place I’ve lived this year.

For me, Phare represents hope!  And Cambodians need hope.  Feeling the positive vibes, the warmth of the circus and seeing the smiles of the performers was exactly what I needed.  It was electrifying!

Uploaded by ItsMattSherwood on 2017-02-10.

Hope.  

Hope is not a dangerous thing, Red.

"Remember, Red, Hope is a good thing.  Maybe the best of things.  And no good thing ever dies."

Really good movie! this scene is the best of the whole...

Cusco Welcome Party

Kudos to Travis & Sam for planning a perfect Peru Welcome Party!  We arrived to this amazing mansion overlooking Cusco and of course a llama was chillin’ and waiting to greet us.  (Cuz, llamas are a thing here)  And the path was lit by torches.  Check out the video of our grand entrance:  

Check out the entrance to our Welcome Party here in Cusco...the path to the mansion overlooking the city was lit by torches and created this amazing ambience. The views were spectacular. My favorite part of this video is David Baum saying to Diane Brashear, "Everything is about to commence, my sister."

The mansion had an incredible view...

...a draw bridge...

...impressive rooms with Peruvian decor...

...a church adjacent to the house...

...a sweet little fire pit...

...etc.  

All great vibes at the party last night!  (Except when that local guy tried to steal Heather’s phone, YIKES)

Mucho bailar anoche!  (Much dancing last night)  

Here's a video of the dance floor jamming with one of my favorite songs - “One More Time” by Daft Punk

"One More Time" by Daft Punk is one of my faves. This was early in the party, but I love seeing all my fellow Remotes groovin' especially Casey with her poor shoulder in a sling!

Unfortunately, the party included a “going away” for 3 of our fellow Remotes: technically 2 and a half Aussies.  Tom(Mountain Climbing Buddy), Tanya and Lisa are leaving Remote Year for various reasons…

...and they will be sorely missed.  

But, everyone has a path in life.  And, everyone has to follow their heart.  

Our group is down from 70 to 66 now.  But, Candice, Tom, Tanya & Lisa will be with us in spirit.

Tango Show, WHOA!

Thursday night was our Farewell Dinner Party for Córdoba.  We had dinner at ‘El Arrabal’, featuring a brilliant Tango Dance show by beautiful dancers!!  

I’ll let this video speak for itself.  Es muy caliente!

Uploaded by Matt Sherwood on 2016-04-01.

And, some party pics!

Sarah and I.

Our lovely leaders, Travis &  Samantha, aka Tramantha

Patrick...it's great to see this guy finally loosen up.

"They're matching!"

Some of our group who took tango lessons while in town.

Mike & Jess, who I would say earned Best Dressed!

Lisa & Abe!

Kelly & Tom!

And, the birthday girl, Samantha!