Characteristics
November 5, 2008
Obama vs McCain?
I asked one of my co-workers who he liked better. Presidential candidate Obama or McCain? The video was taken on October 28, 2008.
Word of the Day
October 31, 2008
Stumbled upon a “library” and found a cool English/French/Khmer dictionary.
Greetings!
October 29, 2008
Sak sa bye from Phnom Penh. Today is a public holiday (King’s Coronation Day) so I am enjoying my day-off at a coffee shop. I am online catching up with email, news and updates.
Yesterday Mr. Sarath, CVCD director, and I met with John, founder of MatesAbroad, a great supporter and contributor of CVCD.
We traveled to five community schools built by CVCD to speak with the teachers to discuss student progress and also to get their ideas on how they could improve learning and living conditions for the community.
None of the schools have electricity. The teacher and students work by the natural sunlight that enters through the windows. There are wooden chairs attached to wooden desks, white boards, posters, and a small library in the back of each classroom. We visited one classroom equipped with electricity since it’s the computer learning class but the power was down while we were there. Mr. Sarath mentioned that they are working on a generator for that class.
Electricity is expensive in Phnom Penh. At the home where I live, the electricity has been turned off occasionally after 8 pm. This lasts anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes. Thank goodness for my book light, not to mention my books!
Normally, Miss Thida, the CVCD receptionist will pick me up on her moto. My duties at the CVCD organization include practicing English conversation with staff, updating computer tutorials (Thanks Mr. Westfall!), and working with Mr. Sarath in accounting work. On Monday I sat with project managers, Mr. Sama and Mr. Kosal, and showed them how to create an online journal on WordPress. I’ll give you an update when we finish with that.
It’s almost noon. Soon, I’ll be walking to a friend’s home for lunch. I used to pay $1 for a moto ride but find that it’s actually close enough to walk. From the café it will take me about 15 minutes to reach my friend’s home. One thing I will never take for granted is sidewalks. It’s difficult to walk here alongside all the motos and vehicles but I manage. Pedestrians don’t have the right of way here.
Here’s a slideshow of videos and photos that I took yesterday during our visit with the community schools.
Hope all is well!
Keep your eyes on the hands
November 16, 2007
Traditional Khmer classical dance incorporates hand gestures that represent different things from nature such as a tree or its leaves or even its flower blossoms. The way in which dancers present their dance and the position of the their hand, arm and even feet affect the meaning of the song and dance.
I told my friends that I wished to see a local dance group so we stopped by the Sovanna Phum Art Center in Phnom Penh. The dancers were practicing for a performance for the next evening.
It was stunning to watch them mix traditional Khmer hand movements with modern dance. Amazing. I captured a few minutes on video so enjoy!
Broken Egg Cake
November 15, 2007
On our way to Kbal Spean we stopped for broken egg cakes. This local egg farm in Siem Reap uses their broken eggs to make cup cakes. Click on the video to get a taste of these sweet Khmer treats.
The Landscape Around Angkor
November 13, 2007
Lots of development in Cambodia, especially in Siem Reap. Golf courses in the middle of ancient ruins. It’s sad to see.
Cambodia is still a magical place. Along the road to Angkor, Sam introduced me to his friend, Cham. He simply rode up alongside our moto and where Sam introduced us, “I would like you to meet my friend. We work together.” I would have extended my hand to say nice to meet you but I was afraid I’d lose my balance riding behind Sam. My right hand on Sam’s shoulder and even more important, my other hand holding the camera.
In this video, Cham discusses the Apsara Authority’s intention to protect at least 70-80% of Angkor’s landscape. I had to trim the video since all you could hear me say was “Wow!” or “Oh my God!” as we passed the breathtaking Angkor Wat and approached the mysterious gate at Angkor Thom.
Read an article that talks about: Cambodia for sale.
