A day in the life of Templation, Covid-19 time

Shifts have been modified. Masks are regularly provided to the employees by the hotel management. Kids have often been sent to their grandparents so they can follow their homeschooling (and play in the fresh air) while parents are at work. That's the "new normal", one everyone wishes won't last too long.

On such a big property -- close to four acres, most of it verdant and requiring scrupulous watering in these hottest days of April --, gardening is of course one important activity: at Templation, even the roofs are green with vegetation, since the resolutely eco-friendly resort has opted for the 'green roof solution' as heat insulation.

And at the entrance of the premises, one big plot of organic vegetable garden is tended by a good part of the kitchen staff. "Initially, we were aiming at gourmet greens and herbs for the restaurant, but now we're also growing vegetables more adapted to the meals served at the staff canteen", explains Benoit Le Rioux, corporate chef and mastermind of the Templation Organic Farm project.

At the staff cafeteria, the ambiance, not as relaxed and jovial than before, is not gloomy, nevertheless. People know that the whole town is suffering with the tourism crisis, impacting friends, families and themselves. This year, Khmer New Year big gatherings of dancing and playing games in the pagodas are out of the map.

But life goes on, and Cambodia has so far managed to remarkably keep the pandemy under control. "We remain a great team, even if we won't party all together for this new year", summarizes Somonea, "and we're still able to escape for a stroll among the ancient Khmer temples and by the ponds when our shift is over."