The drive back to Phnom Penh from the village where we built 20 houses was a great time to think back over the last few days and relate it back to how it might help us as people and with our football.
It started with a bit of a history lesson of what this country has been through and it is quite amazing what Cambodia has been through - and so recently. It really hits home when you think the slaughter here occurred only 30-odd years ago. I knew a little bit about the Khmer Rouge regime, but have a much deeper understanding of it now.
Building houses for some of those people, who are still rebuilding their lives in many cases after the terror of Pol Pot, and spending time at the orphanage, was also enlightening. It was a great feeling for all of us to be able to really make a difference to someone and that will stay with us for a long time.
Personally, I know I will reflect back on this week during pre-season, when we're in full swing in the season and probably at other times throughout my life.
This trip reminded us just how fortunate we are in our lives and when we're hurting in pre-season training, we know that the pain will be only temporary. We'll be able to take a breath, recover and go again.
All of the players who came here have benefitted from the team building aspects of tackling something that was well outside our comfort zone. We were able to pull together as a team and get the job done which was most satisfying.
I don't think any of us will forget this experience in a hurry. It will certainly be at the forefront of our minds when we start training for 2013 in a few days' time.
