Sunny with a high of 14 C. Windows down and west-bound on Hwy. 1. Look out and see the rocky snow-capped twin peaks of Golden Ears; look up and take in the golden hawks and bald eagles cruising the airspace; look around and be mesmerized at big cedars and mighty firs. Stop and take a breath of crisp, fresh mountain air. Resist the temptation to follow the sign reading "Exit 8B- White Rock". Clear your throat and turn up the radio. You gotta love the Hip; Kokonut, I hardly knew you. Aaah yes, folks- Beautiful BC lives up to its name. Compared to PP, we're now Ahead by a Century- you feelin' me?
The family is great. Since coming home we've seen a lot of each other and it's been real. We've reconnected with 3 sets of grandparents and drank a lot of coffee. Life at the Wegenast Funny Farm has been loud, hectic, and on a whole, a lot of fun. Took the John Deere for a test drive yesterday and hit up 7-11 for some blue bubblegum slurpees.
Also visited with my (James) good old friend from high school Steve Klassen. He spent the last 4 months living and working all over South Africa so it was good to swap stories with a former expat. It was a great to hang out again: took a trip to Catan [Julie conquered (again)], ate some KD, and shared a pack of Popeye ciggies for old time's sake. In the evening Julie and the girls went to a bridal shower, while my brother and I went to my favorite place in town, the Vedder River, for a fire and some Rickards Honey Browns. So long, Angkor Beer.
On the way home from the river, we picked up Julie and head to Tim's for a midnight hot chocolate and a game of chess. While at Tim's we met a fella named Les who was "fresh out of the clink". Les was clad in head-to-toe denim and carrying half a cigarette. He had a red face and a loud crazy man's laugh. We shot the breeze for a while, and once he was checkmated, Les took off and we shortly followed. I guess no matter where you go, you never know who you'll run into. Good times.
So that was BC Day 1.
cheers, eh.
O CANADA!
This blog will be a quick one.
After 4 days spent conquering Cambodia, braving Bangkok, and salvaging Seoul (thanks Gomes!), we arrived at Vancouver International Airport yesterday safe and sound. Due to the time change, we techinically did the whole trip, including a 12-hour layover in Korea, in one calendar day. Unfortunately, that day was 39 hours long.
It really is great to be back, and culture shock is setting in (more on this to come in a later entry). As soon as we got off the plane we were struck by how clean the air is and also how clean and spacious it is here. It's beautiful.
Furthermore, it is great to be back home with family and friends.
Oh well, until next time, Au Revoir!
.james and julia
After 4 days spent conquering Cambodia, braving Bangkok, and salvaging Seoul (thanks Gomes!), we arrived at Vancouver International Airport yesterday safe and sound. Due to the time change, we techinically did the whole trip, including a 12-hour layover in Korea, in one calendar day. Unfortunately, that day was 39 hours long.
It really is great to be back, and culture shock is setting in (more on this to come in a later entry). As soon as we got off the plane we were struck by how clean the air is and also how clean and spacious it is here. It's beautiful.
Furthermore, it is great to be back home with family and friends.
Oh well, until next time, Au Revoir!
.james and julia
T MINUS ONE WEEK
From the eddy of motos in Vietnam to the empty streets of Phnom Penh, we're here in our final week abroad, and our last stint in Cambodia.
It's Khmer New Year, one of the biggest celebrations in the country. Unlike November’s Water Festival—the other major holiday—where people flock to the city, Khmer New Year is when people head "home" to the provinces. This leaves Phnom Penh feeling like a ghost town for a few days. A ghost town where you can sleep ‘til 9am without honking horns, barking dogs or howling street vendors waking you. A ghost town where you can cross the street at any time of day without a step-by-step pause to let cars, bikes and motos zip past. A ghost town without constant power outages in the name of “conservation”, because no one is here to use any.
In the week or so before arriving in BC, we will have been in 6 major cities: Hanoi, Saigon, Phnom Penh, Bangkok, Soeul, then Vancouver.
The idea of chilling out in this silent city for a couple of days before life resumes and we continue our trek home might be just what the doctor ordered. We have a couple of books on the go. A stocked fridge. Some new DVDs. And some land in Catan that needs settling. I’d say our New Year is going to be rung in with style.
Happy New Year all!
It's Khmer New Year, one of the biggest celebrations in the country. Unlike November’s Water Festival—the other major holiday—where people flock to the city, Khmer New Year is when people head "home" to the provinces. This leaves Phnom Penh feeling like a ghost town for a few days. A ghost town where you can sleep ‘til 9am without honking horns, barking dogs or howling street vendors waking you. A ghost town where you can cross the street at any time of day without a step-by-step pause to let cars, bikes and motos zip past. A ghost town without constant power outages in the name of “conservation”, because no one is here to use any.
In the week or so before arriving in BC, we will have been in 6 major cities: Hanoi, Saigon, Phnom Penh, Bangkok, Soeul, then Vancouver.
The idea of chilling out in this silent city for a couple of days before life resumes and we continue our trek home might be just what the doctor ordered. We have a couple of books on the go. A stocked fridge. Some new DVDs. And some land in Catan that needs settling. I’d say our New Year is going to be rung in with style.
Happy New Year all!
BACK IN THE DAYS OF NAM...
Our short visit to Vietnam couldn't have gone better. We saw a little of the whirlwind of Ho Chi Minh City. Experienced the typical touristy jaunt to the Mekong Delta. Cruised around Ha Long Bay for a few days. Felt the chilly, dreary weather of Hanoi. Then made our way back to the south and back over to Cambodia. It's was neat to see the similarities and differences (mostly the latter) between the two countries, but we'll save that for another time...just to say that our initial feelings of infatuation with the country were outweighed by the end of the visit with hankerings for home (Cambodia). But it was good.
For now, here's a couple photos of the sights we saw:
(Below: Proof that they truely did run the Saigon Marathon in bare feet;
really, there's no need for that.)
(Below: The zoo. If you're an animal lover, it's a great place to avoid;
if you're an animal, be thankful...we've seen worse.)
The Mekong Delta. Despite the kitsch, it's a must-see for any visitor to the area. For $9, you get a day-long tour including transportation in a bus, a motor boat, a paddle boat, and a donkey-drawn wagon. You get to try seafood (at your own risk), noodle plates, and fresh fruit. You walk among banana and palm trees to see the process at a local cavity-causing coconut candy outfit. And you get to rock with a few locals as they perform their traditional music (I'd say they have Cambodia beat on this one). To top it all off, you have a chance to wrap a ridiculously large python around your neck. Any takers? 
(Note: The order that these two shots appear is true to the sequence of events as they occured in real time...just for the record)
In HCMC we found a cheap flight and caught a plane up to Hanoi, where we spent a damp, disoriented evening finding a place to hang our hat for the night. The next day, bright and early, we began a three-day tour around Ha Long Bay. There's reason why it's a World Heritage Site, though it could do without the hundreds of tour boats; ah well, it's hard to find one without the other, I suppose. Bottom line: it's beautiful! Our tour included sleeping aboard a Chinese junk boat (it took me the longest time to realize people weren't just being boorish when referring to them), trekking through massive caves, doing a short trek up a mountain, and kayaking about lagoons.
(Above: Vendors would paddle up to our boat offering us fruits, cookies, cigarettes, etc.)
(Below: To our dads: you would have hated this part. Atop the mountain we climbed there was a huge rust-ridden metal look-out tower. The sign at the bottom of the tower, "Maximum 5 people" didn't give much reassurance, but if you made it to the top, it held a fabulous view)
From there it was back to HCMC for another few days, and then a 6-hour bus ride home. Again, if you get a chance, go.
To Minnesota: we missed you, Charlie!
BLUE SKY HANOI
So here we are at the lovely Blue Sky Hotel in Hanoi. Unfortunately, in this part of the world right now the Blue Sky exisits only as a name on a neon sign. Despite the 28 degree temp. it's grey and raining outside.
As it is raining, today we did what any North American might do on long slow rainy Saturdays: we hit up KFC for lunch and then taxied over to the cheap theater to watch a show. Uncultural? sure, but why not. Hanoi isn't much of a tourist place anyway, just a lot of shops catering to locals along a hodge podge of narrow heavily-trafficked streets.
I never thought I'd say this, but we're both really looking forward to the laid back atmosphere of Phnom Penh. So we'll fly back to Saigon tomorrow and then catch a bus home on Mon. Vietnam is alright, and all in all it was a good trip. Check in later for some pictures.
Have a good week, all.
As it is raining, today we did what any North American might do on long slow rainy Saturdays: we hit up KFC for lunch and then taxied over to the cheap theater to watch a show. Uncultural? sure, but why not. Hanoi isn't much of a tourist place anyway, just a lot of shops catering to locals along a hodge podge of narrow heavily-trafficked streets.
I never thought I'd say this, but we're both really looking forward to the laid back atmosphere of Phnom Penh. So we'll fly back to Saigon tomorrow and then catch a bus home on Mon. Vietnam is alright, and all in all it was a good trip. Check in later for some pictures.
Have a good week, all.
DAY 3
Day 3 of vacation... I love it.
I have to say, one of the best parts of being on holidays is going out for breakfast-- and a little joint called Sozo has already become a favourite of ours. Scrambled eggs, thick toasted homemade bread, and good hot coffee. Is there a better way to start the morning? Furthermore, the joint's raison d'etre is to help underprivileged Vietnamese back on their feet. Yep, it's a beauty.
Today we experienced Saigon in rush hour. It was madness. With thousands of motos within view at any given time, the organized chaos was reminiscent of runners at the Vancouver Sun Run, worker bees making honey, or kids running to children's church. It was cool to be a part of, but alas, tomorrow we're off to the capital. Apparently Hanoi is an ideal midpoint for 2 of the north's more beautiful areas: the coast and caves in Halong Bay and the mountains and rivers in Sapa, both of which we hope to visit before we head home. Looking forward to it...
Go(lf) Canucks Go(lf) [and Leafs too].
I have to say, one of the best parts of being on holidays is going out for breakfast-- and a little joint called Sozo has already become a favourite of ours. Scrambled eggs, thick toasted homemade bread, and good hot coffee. Is there a better way to start the morning? Furthermore, the joint's raison d'etre is to help underprivileged Vietnamese back on their feet. Yep, it's a beauty.
Today we experienced Saigon in rush hour. It was madness. With thousands of motos within view at any given time, the organized chaos was reminiscent of runners at the Vancouver Sun Run, worker bees making honey, or kids running to children's church. It was cool to be a part of, but alas, tomorrow we're off to the capital. Apparently Hanoi is an ideal midpoint for 2 of the north's more beautiful areas: the coast and caves in Halong Bay and the mountains and rivers in Sapa, both of which we hope to visit before we head home. Looking forward to it...
Go(lf) Canucks Go(lf) [and Leafs too].
OFF TO NAM
Time is quickly tickin' away 'til we return to the true north strong and free. With about 3 weeks left, we decided to hop on bus headed to Ho Chi Minh City and spend a week or two touring around Vietnam.
Our initial thoughts upon arrival?
What have we been doing in Campuchea?
Oh yes: Rescue. The kids.
Solely on a tourist/sightseeing level, I'd say Vietnam trumps Cambodia. Perhaps that statement is biased because it feels so great to be “on the road again”, or maybe we’re just smitten by all these cafes, restaurants, trees, and funky shops (one of us being more smitten by that last one than the other). Either way, it’s a blast.
It’s also interesting to see another angle of Asia. New country. New language. New food (ie. seeing dogs enroute to market). New customs. We’re regular old guinea pigs here, though both in our happy places: James with his maps and learning Vietnamese words from patient locals, and me with an empty memory card in the camera, and …many shops on hand waiting to be explored.
Two other highlights of the trip thus far: stumbling upon the HCMC International Marathon. A perfect example of ignorance being bliss, as I’m sure we would have coerced each other into signing up for the half…you’d understand the bliss more if you saw how 80% of the runners were running in their bare feet. Wow. The second highlight? The HCMC Zoo. If you can stand the .75 cent admissions charge, it’s a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.
As for the rest of the trip, we’re planning on spending another day or two here in the south, then we’re flying up to Hanoi to see the north. Should be good.
Our initial thoughts upon arrival?
What have we been doing in Campuchea?
Oh yes: Rescue. The kids.
Solely on a tourist/sightseeing level, I'd say Vietnam trumps Cambodia. Perhaps that statement is biased because it feels so great to be “on the road again”, or maybe we’re just smitten by all these cafes, restaurants, trees, and funky shops (one of us being more smitten by that last one than the other). Either way, it’s a blast.
It’s also interesting to see another angle of Asia. New country. New language. New food (ie. seeing dogs enroute to market). New customs. We’re regular old guinea pigs here, though both in our happy places: James with his maps and learning Vietnamese words from patient locals, and me with an empty memory card in the camera, and …many shops on hand waiting to be explored.
Two other highlights of the trip thus far: stumbling upon the HCMC International Marathon. A perfect example of ignorance being bliss, as I’m sure we would have coerced each other into signing up for the half…you’d understand the bliss more if you saw how 80% of the runners were running in their bare feet. Wow. The second highlight? The HCMC Zoo. If you can stand the .75 cent admissions charge, it’s a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.
As for the rest of the trip, we’re planning on spending another day or two here in the south, then we’re flying up to Hanoi to see the north. Should be good.
POP GOES THE WEASEL!
...or, maybe we should say, “pop goes the chih-khai (dog)!” Bottom line: there was a lot of pops and a lot of laughs in our English classes today.
When my parents visited us in February, they brought with them a seemingly infinite supply of balloons with which we could teach the kids how to make balloon animals. There's not much to say that the photos don’t convey, so I’ll keep this short.
Most kids managed to make a dog (.../weasel), and some even made a parrot sitting in a ring—which they quickly turned into swords and helmets. The scorching heat of the day made it tough for the balloons to last longer than ten minutes before erupting into confetti and zinging across the room; the few balloons that did last a while quickly made their way into the hands of the 2-year-olds standing in awe at the door.
Mom and Dad: Thanks, it was a hit!
When my parents visited us in February, they brought with them a seemingly infinite supply of balloons with which we could teach the kids how to make balloon animals. There's not much to say that the photos don’t convey, so I’ll keep this short.
Most kids managed to make a dog (.../weasel), and some even made a parrot sitting in a ring—which they quickly turned into swords and helmets. The scorching heat of the day made it tough for the balloons to last longer than ten minutes before erupting into confetti and zinging across the room; the few balloons that did last a while quickly made their way into the hands of the 2-year-olds standing in awe at the door.
Mom and Dad: Thanks, it was a hit!
UP FROM THE GRAVE HE AROSE
Well- it's official, our time at Rescue is coming to an end. Only 5 more visits (4 more days of classes and one day of partying) and another chapter is closed. Because our friends at Korean Air refused to re-route our flight home, we'll be in SE Asia for another month before heading back to our home and native land.
In the mean time, we'll finish strong here and then head off to Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, or maybe all of the above. I must be ready to go back because right now out of all my options, I'd probably pick a patio in Greendale, BC or a dock in Rosseau, ON. And some BBQ burgers and a big ol' salad. Iced tea would be good too. And playoff hockey.
We spent Easter Sunday at a place called the Crystal Dome, along with the congregations of all the English-speaking churches in PP. The place was all decked out in yellow and pink and unlike Christmas, this time it felt a little more like a holiday. I love going to church on Easter and belting out the hymns--though sometimes those high notes are tough...same goes for the bass...and the melody gets me too most times. To compensate, I find it helps to sing louder--much to the delight of my wife. Man I love the hymns.
After church we went for lunch to a fancy buffet in a five-star hotel. Our neighbours invited us and we happily obliged. Ate a good old Easter Feaster and then headed home. No ham or turkey though. Maybe next year.
Later.
In the mean time, we'll finish strong here and then head off to Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, or maybe all of the above. I must be ready to go back because right now out of all my options, I'd probably pick a patio in Greendale, BC or a dock in Rosseau, ON. And some BBQ burgers and a big ol' salad. Iced tea would be good too. And playoff hockey.
We spent Easter Sunday at a place called the Crystal Dome, along with the congregations of all the English-speaking churches in PP. The place was all decked out in yellow and pink and unlike Christmas, this time it felt a little more like a holiday. I love going to church on Easter and belting out the hymns--though sometimes those high notes are tough...same goes for the bass...and the melody gets me too most times. To compensate, I find it helps to sing louder--much to the delight of my wife. Man I love the hymns.
After church we went for lunch to a fancy buffet in a five-star hotel. Our neighbours invited us and we happily obliged. Ate a good old Easter Feaster and then headed home. No ham or turkey though. Maybe next year.
Later.
CAMBODIASTOCK
The walk from our house to Olympic Stadium usually takes ten minutes; yesterday it took forty. Normally at 8 pm, the city is asleep; yesterday it was still bumping at 10. Usually we stay in at night for lack of better alternatives; yesterday we went out. It was the concert event of the year and we sure weren't going to miss out.
There ara approximately 1.2 million people in this city, and I would posit that last night at least 80 000 of them passed through the turnstiles of the Big O. That doesn't even count the hoards of tailgaters eating prawn crackers and swilling warm Anchors. The scene parallelled Ralph Wilson Stadium, except instead of JP Losman and Lee Evans we were treated to Kokonut and Stacie Orrico. Stacie tanked-- her band didn't show and the music and BGVs were piped in. Kokonut, a Khmer original rock band, stole the show. They were cool [in a weird Cambodian rock band sort of way]. The lead guitarist had pink hair and could really shred, while the lead singer, dressed in an Alice Cooper T-shirt, gave it his all. Put it this way: I'm not rushing out to buy the CD, but these guys would give Billy Talent a run for their money.
Surprisingly, the biggest crowd pleaser of the night was a 5 minute laser light show advertising cell phones. The crowd was rapt and the stadium was lit up with flashbulbs and cell phone lights. It was kind of like watching the Symphony of Fire with a kid who's never seen fireworks-- lots of oohing, clapping, whispering, and cheering at the finale. Good times.
Unfortunately we didn't get any photos of the event. We left our house not knowing what to expect and ended up staying almost 3 hours. A great surprise weekend highlight.
Now'it's Sunday, and for the first time ever, I'm surrounded by palm trees on Palm Sunday-- gotta love it.
Enjoy the week, folks.
There ara approximately 1.2 million people in this city, and I would posit that last night at least 80 000 of them passed through the turnstiles of the Big O. That doesn't even count the hoards of tailgaters eating prawn crackers and swilling warm Anchors. The scene parallelled Ralph Wilson Stadium, except instead of JP Losman and Lee Evans we were treated to Kokonut and Stacie Orrico. Stacie tanked-- her band didn't show and the music and BGVs were piped in. Kokonut, a Khmer original rock band, stole the show. They were cool [in a weird Cambodian rock band sort of way]. The lead guitarist had pink hair and could really shred, while the lead singer, dressed in an Alice Cooper T-shirt, gave it his all. Put it this way: I'm not rushing out to buy the CD, but these guys would give Billy Talent a run for their money.
Surprisingly, the biggest crowd pleaser of the night was a 5 minute laser light show advertising cell phones. The crowd was rapt and the stadium was lit up with flashbulbs and cell phone lights. It was kind of like watching the Symphony of Fire with a kid who's never seen fireworks-- lots of oohing, clapping, whispering, and cheering at the finale. Good times.
Unfortunately we didn't get any photos of the event. We left our house not knowing what to expect and ended up staying almost 3 hours. A great surprise weekend highlight.
Now'it's Sunday, and for the first time ever, I'm surrounded by palm trees on Palm Sunday-- gotta love it.
Enjoy the week, folks.
BACK TO THE BEACH
Well, as Wapato Willie would say, around these parts "it's a cooker, 114 in the shade". Seriously folks I'm about ready to draw an OTB and head straight for Harvest Moon.
But... since we have no access to the game invented on the seat of a tractor, Julie and I instead headed south to Kampong Som and the shores of the Gulf of Thailand. Unlike our other trips to the coast, this was no picnic. No swim-up bars, no leisurely breakfasts, and no rented motorbikes. This time we rolled with 217 of our closest friends, slept in the Two Lions Lodge, and were up before dawn singing songs and getting ready for the waves. On March 10, 2008, Rescue went to the beach.
And what a party it was. The kids had been looking forward to this trip for weeks, and by all accounts it did not disappoint. In preparation for the trip all of them got at least one new outfit, and they sported it with pride. The boys all rocked pinstripes a la Bronx Bombers and the girls glittered in rhinestone-studded jeans. They all looked great.
Without question, the highlight of the trip was the 3-hour long Tuesday morning swim. Picture 100+ kids, the majority being non-swimmers and all of them fully clothed, laughing, splashing, and flailing in the ocean. Never being ones to refuse a good swim, the two of us were in the whole time too. And after 2 straight hours of piggy back rides, swimming races, and tossing 10-year old boys, needless to say we were tuckered out. But it was totally worth it.
The trip to Kampong Som also tested our culinary mettle as we snacked on Cambodian seaside delicacies such as: Whole shrimp with eyes and antennae, Crabs in a bag, and octopus on a stick. All of the above are served with a baggy of homemade chili-garlic sauce that's actually quite tasty.
The Verdict? Out of the three my favourite were the shrimp with eyes, while Julie preferred the crab-in-a-bag. The Octopus on a stick was nice, but a bit on the chewy side.
Meals were a different story. Along with the typical chicken and rice, we were also offered some other goodies that we politely declined. Apparently the only part of a chicken you don't eat is the feathers. Parts of the chicken we deferred to others: heads, feet, and complete digestive, respiratory, and urinary systems. The feet were a big hit. I guess this proves that despite our baby steps, we have a long way to go before we can eat like a Cambodian.
Also this week we were reminded again of the risks of living in a totally foreign country. In the last 24 hours we have come in contact with 2 snakes and a scorpion. On the ride to the beach a flash flood hit and lightning struck around 50 feet from our car. Things like this make us thankful for all your prayers. We appreciate them-- keep 'em coming.
Until next time, enjoy the snow.
But... since we have no access to the game invented on the seat of a tractor, Julie and I instead headed south to Kampong Som and the shores of the Gulf of Thailand. Unlike our other trips to the coast, this was no picnic. No swim-up bars, no leisurely breakfasts, and no rented motorbikes. This time we rolled with 217 of our closest friends, slept in the Two Lions Lodge, and were up before dawn singing songs and getting ready for the waves. On March 10, 2008, Rescue went to the beach.
And what a party it was. The kids had been looking forward to this trip for weeks, and by all accounts it did not disappoint. In preparation for the trip all of them got at least one new outfit, and they sported it with pride. The boys all rocked pinstripes a la Bronx Bombers and the girls glittered in rhinestone-studded jeans. They all looked great.
Without question, the highlight of the trip was the 3-hour long Tuesday morning swim. Picture 100+ kids, the majority being non-swimmers and all of them fully clothed, laughing, splashing, and flailing in the ocean. Never being ones to refuse a good swim, the two of us were in the whole time too. And after 2 straight hours of piggy back rides, swimming races, and tossing 10-year old boys, needless to say we were tuckered out. But it was totally worth it.
The trip to Kampong Som also tested our culinary mettle as we snacked on Cambodian seaside delicacies such as: Whole shrimp with eyes and antennae, Crabs in a bag, and octopus on a stick. All of the above are served with a baggy of homemade chili-garlic sauce that's actually quite tasty.
The Verdict? Out of the three my favourite were the shrimp with eyes, while Julie preferred the crab-in-a-bag. The Octopus on a stick was nice, but a bit on the chewy side.
Meals were a different story. Along with the typical chicken and rice, we were also offered some other goodies that we politely declined. Apparently the only part of a chicken you don't eat is the feathers. Parts of the chicken we deferred to others: heads, feet, and complete digestive, respiratory, and urinary systems. The feet were a big hit. I guess this proves that despite our baby steps, we have a long way to go before we can eat like a Cambodian.
Also this week we were reminded again of the risks of living in a totally foreign country. In the last 24 hours we have come in contact with 2 snakes and a scorpion. On the ride to the beach a flash flood hit and lightning struck around 50 feet from our car. Things like this make us thankful for all your prayers. We appreciate them-- keep 'em coming.
Until next time, enjoy the snow.
WEEK IN REVIEW
Meet Brad and Mike, two great guys who escaped Saskatchewan’s winter to make their way through Thailand, Vietnam, and now Cambodia.
Friends of a friend, they came to Cambodia hoping to plug into Rescue for a day or two. But after meeting a few of the grannies, playing a round or two of ping-pong, and reading to a couple of kids—not to mention helping with English classes, and tasting Oye’s food—two days weren't enough. And so, much to the delight of kids, they stayed for the entire week. And what a week it was!
For James and me, it began last Sunday night with a bash. One of the directors’ sons from Rescue was getting married. We, along with a handful of staff and kids, were invited. We’ve voiced our experiences with Khmer weddings before, but until last weekend, we had yet to take part in the celebrations ourselves.
At the heart of it, Khmer receptions aren’t too different from those we’re used to back home. A lot of food. A lot of music. A lot of really happy people. The streak of similarity stops, however, after dinner when the bride and groom enter the scene, who up until that point, are outside welcoming their +1000 guests. When they come into the room, they’re greeted by a gauntlet of silly-string, sparklers, and thousands of tiny flowers. (I think to most brides I’ve known, having silly-string spewed in their face might very well be a key component to one of their worst matrimonial nightmares.)
The hall was massive, though incredibly tacky—complete with an outdoor fake waterfall, and a background mural depicting dragons, doves, and neon pink hearts. A boisterous pop band blasted tunes all night as the eight-course meal was served and the warm cans of Tiger beer were poured over ice.
We smiled when the happy couple and their parents were introduced on stage: right in the middle of it, the mother of the bride pardoned herself to take a call on her cell phone.
Apparently, it’s common for the bride and groom to kiss for their first time only once they’re married. In front of all the guests, when the groom leaned in to smooch his new bride she scrunched up her face and turned away...perhaps nightmare #2?
We smiled when the happy couple and their parents were introduced on stage: right in the middle of it, the mother of the bride pardoned herself to take a call on her cell phone.
Apparently, it’s common for the bride and groom to kiss for their first time only once they’re married. In front of all the guests, when the groom leaned in to smooch his new bride she scrunched up her face and turned away...perhaps nightmare #2?
I’d like to hear a Khmer review of our weddings back home as I’m sure they’d be equally shocked to what we’re used to. What a party!
Ok, back to the week:
Monday morning came bright and early, and with it the cheerful Channuck-tuk and a bagful of delightful coffee. It was a day full of English classes, a couple bouts of “One Fish, Two Fish,” and a rousing Volleyball match. As with most weeks, one of the highlights was Monday evening at the Bible study with the older students. Tuesday brought about more of the same we’d had on Monday. By Tuesday evening, back in Phnom Penh, the four of us went out for burgers and burritos at a sketchy back-ally joint, and then settled down with a few movies.
Ok, back to the week:
Monday morning came bright and early, and with it the cheerful Channuck-tuk and a bagful of delightful coffee. It was a day full of English classes, a couple bouts of “One Fish, Two Fish,” and a rousing Volleyball match. As with most weeks, one of the highlights was Monday evening at the Bible study with the older students. Tuesday brought about more of the same we’d had on Monday. By Tuesday evening, back in Phnom Penh, the four of us went out for burgers and burritos at a sketchy back-ally joint, and then settled down with a few movies.
Wednesday, James and the fellas did a little insider’s tour of the city. I, on the other hand, spent the day cursing Cambodian beef. Good times. Actually, it was...thanks to Vietnam’s $1/DVD, Mike and Brad were traveling around with Hollywood in their bag. I did some cultural catch-up.
Thursday and Friday had us back out to Rescue with lots more time with the kids. The kids loved the extra attention they got with more foreigners around, and we had a ton of good chats and laughs.
Thursday and Friday had us back out to Rescue with lots more time with the kids. The kids loved the extra attention they got with more foreigners around, and we had a ton of good chats and laughs.
All in all, a great week at Rescue—maybe one of the best yet...though I’m sure this next one will be a good match: this week Rescue goes to the beach!
Hey, Mike and Brad...cheers, righ’?
PUPPIES & PIES
Watching kids play with the four newest additions to our canine clan, and teaching—err, make that learning along side with—Oye how to make a lemon meringue pie. Does it get better than this?
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