Yesterday after work most of the department went to the local Pagoda. I was expecting to be there a few minutes but it was 2 hours later before we left. We started by just talking, we then ate at a long raised platform (about 4 inches high) then the monks came out and prayers were said. It was such fun and yet again I caused a great deal of laughter when I tried to say anything. I am going to have to practice sitting on the floor, mind you although the older Camb...

As you know San has been the greatest help to me. She works for my landlord (whose name I may never know) and she speaks English. As usual she says very badly but if I can speak Khmer half as well by the time I leave I will be happy. For the last few days she has been bringing me Cambodian food to try, this morning it was a rice cake, Cha-ck-roc-han (everything she gives me she teaches me the word). It looked sweet and pink but actually it was fabulous and I if y...

I have survived my first week without upsetting anyone, as far as I know. I have talked to my first big meeting, welcomed Bunthorn my VA, cooked stir fried tuna and veg, rode my Moto on the right side of the road, got chatted up by a stoned man from Sri Lanka (well he would have to be wouldn't he) and took part in the great cockroach battle of 2016. This started as a small battle when a tiny little cockroach popped it's head out from under the large blue water t...

Well I now have a Moto. It arrived at my landlord's restaurant having been delivered to his phone number (that's how it is done) I may never know my address, I will just have to be a number. I also have a washing machine, a Japanese washing machine. My Khmer is very limited but my Japanese is non existent so trying to empty the machine of water (it was full when delivered) was a challenge. I did my best ie I plugged it in, pressed every button, kicked it and ask...

Well I really feel at home now - I have a desk, in fact I have 2 one for me and one for Bunthorn my VA (Volunteers Assistant). I share the office with 2 others who couldn't have been more helpful. As you can see the building is modern and yes it does have AC (oh bliss!!) My desk is being carried just behind the bush on its way up to the office which is just where I am standing. I am now sitting in a cafe with a fan blasting cold air in my face (they get it espec...