A wild ride in... Malaysia?!?

Well, we've arrived in Kuala Lumpur! So far, I've experienced such oddities as traffic laws, people who stand in line, and ravenous shoppers.

Sound familiar? :)

Malaysia, or at least KL, would be considered 1st world, hands down. This is a nice change from the hustle, bustle, and mooing we get in our little slice of 3rd world goodness. Don't get me wrong - I love living in Cambodia and already miss it a little. It is nice to have some new things to share though!

When I return, I'll give you the whole scoop... Or at least as much as I am able to learn in 4 days. Until then, Merry Christmas everyone!

Holidays in Cambodia

Su-sa-day Noel. Merry Christmas :)

Hello everyone! I imagine one of the burning questions on your mind might be 'Do they celebrate Christmas in Cambodia?!?'. We'll ignore the other burning questions (such as, 'why isn't he writing very often?!?') and skip right to this one.

Life in Cambodia is, if nothing else, educational. I've learned a lot being here, and continue to find out new things and see new places all the time. In particular, it is easy to study human nature, and the differences in cultures.

A lunch we held for the church - That's one of our 'Yay's, or grandmothers.

One thing remains constant between all places, it seems, and that is the love of a holiday. Granted, Cambodians seem to take an extraordinary amount of them, but who's counting (somewhere north of 30 if you count American holidays and royal birthdays of the king, king's parents, grandparents, etc.).

So, in short, yes. Cambodians do recognize Christmas. As for us, we celebrate with them... a lot.

As you can see in the above picture, we held a lunch at the church after giving everyone a free t-shirt (they're quite nice, and the Khmer love getting clothes for Christmas, or for any occasion, really). We fed them, and showed them love and appreciation.

What? No, that's not it...

An example of shoebox-like gifts.

For some of the children, we gave away gifts of toys, more clothes (See?), and other odds and ends like pens and paper. The children were excited to open them up and start playing.

The shepherds were keeping their sheep... and prodding them mercilessly whenever the chance arose. ;)

For the children of the village we brought them to the upper room (different day) and had a little party. We gave away bags of snacks and juice, put on a little play, and did a lucky draw. If you read Aidan's post, you'll see just how large the crowd was. We estimate at least 400... probably closer to 6.

Aly and some of the prizes.

I once did security at a concert. It was a lot like that. :)

Intrepid sailors!

For Sak Saum, we traveled to 'the island' (no, not that island). This is a pleasant place near Saang where it's quiet and breezes flow endlessly from the river. You have to take the ferry to get there, which provides a nice moment of relaxation as you bob along.

Follow the yellow brick... er... brown dirt road.

Many of the girls live on the island, so this is where we chose to meet up for a nice dinner.

Srey Neang. One of my English students. :)

We ate with them, and then they launched into some singing and dancing. Eric and Ginny presented them with some gifts (which I'll touch on in a later post), and we basically enjoyed their company before taking a walk back to the ferry.

Strange creatures abound on the island.

So, in a nutshell, there's been a lot of celebrating. There were other events too, such as having dinner with the staff and gift exchanges and such, but frankly, I didn't take any pictures. You'll have to take my word that it was awesome getting to hang out with everyone. :)

Jess did take this one riding around after leaving the restaurant.

What's next you ask? Presents for you, my readers! Hmm? No, I didn't buy anything, but I will be giving you a couple of special posts to look over.

Tomorrow we leave for Malaysia! Family time, good food, and another completely foreign culture to tell you all about!

...or at least as much as i can learn about in 4 days. Until I get back, Merry Christmas, and happy peeper toads! er... New year!

Peeper toads and a lucky draw!

Where's Waldo... er.. Aidan?

My daddy hasn't done the blog lately so I am taking over.

There he is!

I went to the children's Christmas program Saturday.


They had a lucky draw.

It was crazy!

I didn't win anything but my Ta got me sandals.

Tanned toes.

My family is going to Malaysia for Christmas.


In Malaysia the hotel we are going to stay in is inside a mall.


They have a Starbucks which makes my mom happy.


I like their cake pops and lemon pound cake.

Say it with me - peeeeeeeeeper toad!

Peeper toads are cool!

Things to do at the beach...

You remember I wrote awhile back about my first visit to Sihanoukville? Well, not that long ago, we took a second trip down (up?) there. This time around, rather than shuttle you, my beloved audience, through the sun, sand, and mostly deserted islands again, I thought I would give you something a little more practical - a rundown of what you can do once you get to the beach!

Wave jumping.

Wave jumping is a semi-sport common to all beaches. Run out and hop over the waves. Easy, yeah? In Sihanoukville, the wave sizes vary greatly depending on the current, weather (unpredictable), and passing boats. A word of caution - see the little buoys in the photo? As it turns out, those are jellyfish nets. If you see those, stick to the very shallow waters. We found this out the hard way with Aidan getting stung about 10 times. Ow.

Mmmmm

 Have a snack! There are a multitude of little shacks along the boardwalk just waiting for you to sit and eat there. In fact, they try to corral you as you walk along! We tend to sit further along, so you have to wade through a few of these ah... tourist-snagging specialists.

Yes, that's a giant plate full of lobster.

If you'd rather eat some of the local flavor, food and snack vendors wander the beach regularly, bringing you fruit, more fruit, and ready-made lobster. The lobster are relatively cheap too, so feel free to eat your fill!

Sunglasses anyone?

You can also shop - right from the comfort of your little (rented) seat. No, really! People will wander up to you and offer to sell you sunglasses, braided rope bracelets, shells, and pretty much anything else they can get their hands on. It's like having your own mall - complete with food court - right at your fingertips.

Lots and lots of strings attached.

My personal favorite are the bracelet makers. They love to sit with you and chat - provided you buy something of course. The trio that we tend to come and see are kids that use the money to help earn their way through school. Like with many enterprises in Cambodia, before buying products like these, you have to check with the seller and see why they sell and what the money goes to. Many of the children are trafficked and forced to sell handicrafts for the people to which they are enslaved. Yes, it's very wrong.

Water rides

There are plenty of things to do in the water too. I mentioned the island tours last time, and those certainly are a valid way to go, but there's also the little floaty thing out there. Essentially, you pay a little, hop on, and they drag you around behind a boat. As an added feature, the boat brings you back to shore with a twist - literally. Please remember to close your mouth as you are catapulted through the air. You wouldn't want to swallow a jellyfish when you land. ;)

Ya, I know, I look goofy with a camera.

Outside of the beach, there are plenty of scenic places to visit and take pictures. Sihanoukville is quite hilly, and overlooks aren't hard to stumble across (neither are water buffalo, but you should probably leave them alone). What's more, sometimes the local wildlife comes out to play! What are the local wildlife?

Bwahahaha!

Monkeys! Yes, that's right - my old archenem...er... friends, the always-cordial and well behaved velociraptors. Uh... monkeys. You can get some excellent shots - especially if tourist groups decide to feed them. You can get a nice YouTube video as well if they get too close.

It's quite beautiful here. Bring mosquito repellant though.

If you drive out a little, you'll eventually come to a nice waterfall. This is an even better place to take pictures, as there's a small village built up around the falls with cool rickety bridges and such. If you are hungry, they sell snacks, and souvenirs.

See? The snacks follow you!

Once you are done wandering around, head back to your hotel for a nice dip in the pool and some much-needed air conditioning. :)

Don't forget to sample the local music.

All in all, there's plenty you can do, and plenty you can not do (like leaving your beach chair, for example). Either way, you'll find this to be a pleasant town full of relaxation and fairly nice people. Just remember, help keep our cities clean...

Well, at least they tell you where to do it...

...and don't eat the jellyfish. :)

Getting around

So, I've gone on and on about visiting Cambodia. I've shown you some of the sights, and given you a taste of the paradise-like areas that exist in this country. Are you planning your visit yet?

Well, when you do come, you'll need some way to get around. In that regard, let me help you. Here are some (interesting) ways to get around Phnom Penh and the surrounding areas.

Motos!

Method of transport: Moto.

Number of riders: 2.

Maximum number of Cambodians spotted on a bike at one time: 7

One way, and by far the most common, is to ride a motodope, or more commonly referred to as a moto. In many ways, this form of transportation is advantageous. If you buy your own moto, you will find that they are relatively cheap, and don't guzzle gas. You can also drive in places not normally accessible by car, including sidewalks, rain gutters, through the middle of the marketplace, and fenced parking lots. Are there laws against this? Yes. Does anyone follow them? No, not really.

Owning a moto - fun for the whole family!

If you choose to use the moto-for-hire method, you'll find that, thanks to your local guide, you'll take shortcuts you never new existed, as well as paying pennies on the dollar to get to your destination. The catch? Well, if you want to be culturally aware, women are "required" to ride a certain way based on their relation to the driver. Married gets to put arms around the driver and typically rests them on the waist (see the picture near the top), girlfriend/boyfriend (or possibly engaged) "hugs" the driver, and everyone else not in these two catagories generally has to ride side-saddle. Yes, I said side-saddle.

What? Men? No, they don't have any restrictions I am aware of, except the need to hold on to something, of course.

Ninja pig transport

Method of transportation: Cargo Hauler

Number of riders: 2-23

Safety rating: Slightly better than walking... on nails.

Next up, we have the varied cargo haulers running around. These range from pig transports, to platform trailers, and even to huge semi-like monstrosities. While hitching a ride with 10 of your buddies and assorted produce containers may seem like a blast, don't be fooled. Most of these machines are over-weight and under-braked. A thrill ride and a half, folks!

Watch the turns, too.

Should you choose this method as your vehicle du jour, please remember to hold on, and in the event of an accident, think happy thoughts and enjoy your flight. :)

Method of transportation: Taxi

Number of riders: 2-?!?

Smoothness of ride: Ranges from "These shocks work great!" to "Look ma! I'm skiing on the road!"

Massive van. Good for those moments when you realize just how many people are trying to hit you.

Then there's the taxi. This can be a car, van, or truck, depending on the choice of the entrepreneur in charge. Undeniably safer than some methods, taxi's are attractive for their familiarity to forigners and comfort if traveling long distance.

This truck took on a few extra passengers...

One thing to keep in mind - when hiring a taxi, the driver may decide to pick up other people on the way. A van can hold a surprising amount of people if you have some of them hold the back gate closed! If you go this route, be sure to negotiate a rental that includes only going places you want to go, and picking up people you want riding with you.

This driver is known for frequent stops for naps and eating. He does accept payment in Baby Bites biscuits though. Score!

Method of transportation: Tuctuc

Number of riders: 1-somewhere north of 8 if you are creative enough.

Enjoyment gained by saying the word 'Tuctuc" several times fast: Moderate to extreme.

I can has ridez?

What is there to say about this travel experience? Tuctucs are relatively cheap, safer than motos (and more comfortable), and can hold a surprisingly large amount of items. Things to remember - always negotiate a price before riding. Also, many tuctuc drivers claim to speak English and this should be verified before getting in by asking them a question that can't be answered with 'Yes, I know!'. Lastly, find a tuctuc driver that smells... ah... decent. You'll be sitting behind and downwind for the entire trip. You do the math.

Not all roads are equal. Some look more like an earthquake warning than an actual street.

Method of transportation: Cow

Number of riders: 1 (saddled single cow) to 6 (cart)

Why cows?!?: Because cows are cute.

Moo!

Yes! Cows! Enjoy the scenery from the back of one of nature's most docile animals. Cows are awesome. Same rule applies about downwind, but you'll still be having too much fun to care.

Cows are cute!

Courtesy of Wikipedia. Too hard to capture when hiding your phone from potential thieves.

Method of transportation: Cyclo

Number of riders: 2 if you are lucky

Rarity of sightings: About as common as a moose wandering through a town.

The Cyclo deserves an honorable mention. Limited mostly to the riverfront and high tourist areas, this vehicle was once a common form of transportation years ago. Now, it stands as a nostalgic experience for Cambodians and a novelty for tourists. It's slow, but interesting. Just don't think to take one of these to Sihanoukville, yeah? 

Well, that about wraps up this post for today. Aidan swears he will one day build me hoverboots and a jetpack. Until then, come visit, and choose one of these fine, well-established and less-explosive methods.

What? Elephants? Yes, you can ride them, but mostly in Siem Reip or specific tourist locations. They aren't something the everyday Khmer has parked in their garage.

Count me in if they ever have a giant Gecko ride though...

Power power everywhere...

Where's Ryan? Where's his awesome blog?

A better question would be "where's Ryan's electricity?"

As far as we can tell, the power company is doing involuntary brownouts without announcing them. As a result, the post I had for you tonight will be delayed slightly.... Until then, I will be designing a small hamster wheel and attaching various insects on a string.

Gecko power!

Yo ho, yo ho, a teacher's life for me....

Ok, I survived the dangerous and exhausting journey to the beach, where I was put at mortal risk by such hazards as sunshine, beautiful waters, and plentiful onion rings.

What? It was a terrible peril! Really...

Anyway, by now, I am sure that at least 1 of you is wondering what I actually do from day to day to take a vacation from.

This is one of my newer students taking a custom-made test.

Well, you all know by now that I do sound for the church. That was referenced in one of my last posts. I also teach Aidan and homeschool him (also mentioned previously). One thing I have not gone over in more depth, is one of the roles I play at Sak Saum.

Aidan helps out once in awhile.

I have many names here... I am called Ry, Ryry, gecko, and sometimes Aidan, 'not Eric', and a few others. My favorite name though, is 'Teacher'.

Completely captivated by my teaching style... or the light reflecting off my head. Either... Ok, both.

At Sak Saum, I get to teach English to a class of girls (and 1 guy). I have roughly 12 students, and I am currently teaching them a combination of phonics, grammar, and conversational English. My goal is to help them learn to both communicate, and also to be able to read and write. Because I wasn't given an end-date to the classes, I had the unique opportunity to plan the lessons with a long-term goal in mind.

The results have been pretty good. I've only been teaching for a little while, but the majority of them understand and can spell/speak/read a number of words and the numbers. Soon, we'll be starting on common phrases.

I know, I know, sounds exciting doesn't it? What do you mean, 'boring'?!? Did you forget who was teaching?

Testing, 1... 2...

Seriously though, I do try to make it as fun as possible. Aside from my own antics and occasional poking fun, I have guest teachers like Aidan, who comes in once and awhile to teach them silly songs (like the CBA song - alphabet backwards). I also have my trusty assistant Rhiannon, who helps out by administering tests, and generally giving me funny looks (which the class laughs at).

See? I'm funny! Kinda...

As you can see in the photos, I also give tests on a regular basis. I get a different sort of funny look for those.

First rule of test giving - don't leave the answers on the board. Yes, they look around for them. :)

You have to understand something. In this country, opportunity does not come easily. Being able to survive, have a family, and live in a home that does not consist of a tarp and a few scraps of rust is a pipe dream for many. These girls (and the dude) will one day look to take the things they've gained and learned from Sak Saum and try to build successful and full lives for themselves. That's what makes what I do important. You see, opportunity here is measured in communication. They could easily go work in some factory or try to start their own business, but having a firm understanding and fluency in the English language will open doors for them that would have remained shut otherwise. People respect education, and see it as something special. In this, I can give these special girls (and the hombre) a gift that may one day lift them up, and bless them and their families.

See why I like this job so much? Here, let me give you an example:

Chantoun - brightly shining.

This is one of my students, Chantoun. Her prior education level was basically non-existent prior to joining Sak Saum. Now we are teaching reading, writing and speaking English, and I believe Rhiannon is going to start teaching her basic and intermediate math soon. Awesome! To be honest, Sak Saum has done a lot for each and every person in the program. I'll tell Chantoun's story in the future. Trust me, you'll be amazed. As of right now though, she's earning good marks in my class and is truly enjoying learning.

So, in a nutshell, I get to be with some very nice people, help them grow, and get to see my efforts rewarded. What more could you ask for?

Oh yeah!

Oh yeah, cake! Yep, for my birthday, my students surprised me by pretending to be late, and then hauling out this beauty. You may remember the last cake I wrote about (see the post, Chicken Cake!!!). I assure you - this cake was all deliciousness and no chickens were harmed or insulted in the creation of this pastry.

They also gathered around me (read: surrounded me without warning) and prayed for me. I was very very touched, and might have cried if I hadn't been, you know, in front of a bunch of people.

So let me ask you - if your friends loved you enough to surprise you, and do heartfelt things like this, wouldn't you want to help them? What if your friends needed the one thing you knew how to give? Would you give it freely? Happily?

I love my job. :)

Vacation, take two.

We had some new visitors come in this week. Who? My brother and sister in law and my nephew! We're off for another adventurous trip to Sihanoukville. When I get back, I'll tell you all about it!