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.