The Goings on in Siem Reap

Hello again, the more serious stuff first. One of the more interesting possibilities that I had  hoped for during our time away was that my mind would go places and confront things that otherwise would have never been possible.  One of the 5 TV stations that is in English is the BBC. The video above details the exodus of undocumented Cambodian workers that are now leaving Thailand for fear of prosecution from the new military led Thai government. The interesting part of this is not that there is instability in the region, but that it is not just something on the news in a far away place. On a recent car trip around the city we have seen several dozen trucks like this,

Cambodian migrant workers returning from Thailand

this is something that is sure to have an impact on every province in Cambodia as the already abysmal job market is flooded with more and more people.
In our city there seems to have been an uptick in burglaries and petty thefts, some attribute it to the arrival of these workers, while others have pointed to gambling losses on World Cup matches as the reason.

We have been very fortunate thus far to quickly assimilate into a group of positive, welcoming people. Although we come from different places, it has been really neat to get to know folks from other parts of the world and to learn what brought them to Cambodia,  a co worker who says things like gooday mate! but moonlights as a jazz crooner at one of the local hotels, think Crocodile Dundee meets Dean Martin, it is a trip how talented he is or a former Peace Corp volunteer in Cambodia from Alabama. We are looking forward to meeting new people and becoming involved in the Siem Reap community during our time here.

Sincerely, Phan and I couldn't have asked for a better settling in experience. Please don't think that there are not challenges, I have become adept at extermination, it is almost expected that when we leave there will be a Cambodian creature that quickly finds their way into our house. It is really quite hot here, so any sort of outdoor activity is quickly accompanied by massive amounts of sweat, Fun fact, didn't know my knee cap could sweat, pretty weird.

Last Nights House Guest

 So far things are shaping up to be very interesting. We are arranging for trips outside of Cambodia in the next few weeks after summer school wraps up. Thailand, Malaysia, and China if everything works out. Cousins from Battambang are going to come to stay at our house and hang out with Hoon master flash in our absence.
Phan gets offered a job every time we go out together, it is a good thing, but I think for the time being she'd rather not jump into a permanent situation.
Best part of my day is getting back from work, walking in the cool house, (Phan turns on the A/C for me before I get home, so awesome) I get a kiss from her and several kisses from Hooner and we get to hang out or go out and enjoy each others company.
Since I'm at work during prime North American hours I will probably be a skypeaholic on weekends. I really like hearing everyone's voices and seeing your faces,  it makes me feel better.

Latest Photos and Funny Comments

Flowers in the park on a recent jog

Recent Meal, 13 types of meat, including Ostrich and Alligator

Phan Convinced me to get a scoop of Durian ice cream, I thought maybe it'd be Vanilla with little pieces of Durian, I can take it. BAAAAAAARRRRRRFFFFFFF.

So gross, took one bite and handed it to Phan. Couldn't even walk behind her in the store, stanky!

 Pierre and Hoo'ner, our landlords son, they live next door, he speaks Khmer, English and French and loves him some Hoo'ner

Bag of Snails, not too shabby

Sunrise, on a jog, the streets are quiet and it isn't too hot

 

The river, not exactly begging for a swim

Ah, thats how you do it.

Going to the New Leaf Cafe on Monday night to watch a film , A River Changes Course, it was produced by a Cambodian Ameican who we know because I borrowed some of her research for my big Cambodia paper, turns out she is really talented. The film won at Sundance.

Here's the trailer

Thats all for now, with all our love, Phan, Steve and Hoon

Special thanks to my Ghostwriter for this blog post