Adventure

Stick your foot out,
Adventure clings by footfall.

TOMORROW: Off to New York for a new adventure! Flying JetBlue, trying to (YET AGAIN) cram my life into suitcases. Packing, unpacking, packing, unpacking... it seems like that's all I ever do. Let it be noted that this is NOT complaint!

Catch ya later West Coast!

Risk-Taking

Back in America for over a month now, I can say that a year away has left me without any greater understanding of my own culture. In fact, I feel more confused about America than ever. It has been challenging to adjust to life here, much in the same way it was so challenging to adjust to life in Cambodia. I am trying to remind myself of that 3-month hurdle... after about 3 months in Cambodia, although things still weren't always easy, life began to make some sort of sense--ie, I could get a tuk-tuk from Point A to Point B, had made a few friends, was understanding how to teach a little bit, was settling into life in Phnom Penh. I think adjusting back to being in America, albeit incredibly easier than adjusting to life in Cambodia, will just take a little time. Growing pains, I guess?

In life updates, I'm currently in Long Beach, CA and planning yet another location change! This time it will be on the same continent, don't worry! I am moving to New York City in late November. I have felt for a while that it is the right place for me, at least for right now. Perhaps it is the right time to jump headfirst into a big city.

It is a risk; I don't have a job lined up there (YET!) and it is a whole new weather climate, but the last big risk I took (Cambodia, duh!) turned out well, didn't it? I never realized I was a "risk-taker." But then when I think about it, hmm... maybe that time I went sky-diving counts as "risk-taker" behavior? Or, you know, that time I moved to another country (Cambodia, duh!)? The countless times I've performed on stage or shared my writing, those were risks in a way, too, I suppose. Now that I think about it, I live for and LOVE the risks I've taken! Perhaps risk-taking has too many negative connotations.

More updates to follow soon as I tackle the next country: New York City!

Bali, Indonesia

An update on my recent trip to Bali. Bali is an island within the country of Indonesia. Indonesia seems to be so vast and rich in interesting cultures. One day, I'll explore all of Indonesia. But for now, it was just the stunning, idyllic island of Bali.

I'm finding it difficult to put Bali into the right words. Bali was like... a breath of fresh air. The sky was just so... blue, and constantly filled with kites. The trees and plants were green and everyone was smiling (including me!).

We stayed in an apartment in the Kuta beach area. I had heard some negative things about Kuta but found it incredibly beautiful and pleasant, if not a little crowded. I couldn't imagine Bali in high-tourist season; it was crowded everywhere and high-tourist season hadn't even begun yet! We spent most of our time in the Kuta beach area, beaching and shopping and relaxing and eating. They have a crazy nightlife in Kuta, too. We also rented a motorcycle and explored other parts of the island. It isn't really that big so we were able to go and get lost, finding a few less-crowded beaches and coves, as well as seeing many different cities and towns via the (confusing) roads. The traffic--if you'll believe it--was somehow worse there than in Phnom Penh! Phnom Penh traffic, although absolutely insane, has a sort of rhythm. Bali's did not seem to have a rhythm (or at least I wasn't there long enough to learn it's rhythm).

I was in Bali for at least two major holidays. The first was Indonesian Independence Day. There were flags adorning nearly every possible public place in celebration. The second holiday was for several days. I'm not sure the actual name of this holiday, but it was to celebrate the return/visitation of the gods to Earth. There were ornate decorations, again, everywhere for this holiday. It was fun to watch our neighbors working on decorations for the front of our apartment complex's shrine. During the holiday, a lot of performers took to the streets with drums and masks, even dragon costumes.

Bali is incredible slowed down and relaxed. Thus, my trip to Bali allowed me to decompress a lot of what has happened in the last 13 months. A year of living ridiculously far from home, of traveling to places I'd just barely heard of, of meeting people from all over the world, of adapting, of listening and sharing, but most of all, of having fun. I am trying to think of a better or more sophisticated word, but sometimes a word as simple as "fun" is the most accurate. Fun. And as for the word of right now? Tired.

Bali Mini-Update

There is so much to say... But the words aren't right yet to say them. I'm in Bali, Indonesia having the greatest time. I literally don't think I've ever been so happy. Being a jobless, worry-free beach bum suits me just fine. There's so much more-- but this is an update for now! Xoxox

Battambang

Hello everyone!

A quick update, since I think it's been too long since I logged on!

As I type, I keep thinking about one of my writing icons... Nora Ephron, who passed away today. It feels right to write on a day like this.

So, I will. About a recent trip to Battambang, Cambodia during a holiday for the Queen of Cambodia's birthday. Battambang is in the Northwest and is the second biggest province of Cambodia, second only to Phnom Penh. But, it is by no means large! It is famously sleepy and closes down by 7pm. You read those things, but, no! Really. Sleepy and closes by 7pm. No complaints--we got rest most of the time and still managed to make it to the only night club in town. (That in itself was an adventure--the club shuts down at 1am, and at EXACTLY 1am, the entire club, I MEAN EVERY SINGLE PERSON INSIDE THE CLUB, rushed out the doors and within MINUTES the club was empty, right on schedule. For a country that is not rigid or often very organized, this was the most organized, regimented exodus of a nightclub, of all places, I've ever seen). In Battambang, we stayed in a pretty bad Chinese-run hotel, but still managed to enjoy the long weekend!

The first day we arrived we took the "famous" bamboo train. Bamboo train seems like it would describe something dinky, bumpy, even slow-moving, but NO--this was a fast-paced adventure roller coaster! The train zoomed through the jungle, and at every bump my body sort of flew into the air off of the bamboo mat that was this train. Every time I opened my mouth, huge insects flew into my mouth and I nearly lost my sandals as we sped on the questionable train tracks! It was amazing. I bought a t-shirt.

The next day we saw the Khmer Rouge Killing Caves. Battambang was a Khmer Rouge strong hold until relatively recently, and in the natural caves of the mountains, the Khmer Rouge murdered over 10,000 people. 10,000 in one small area lost their lives by being flung, often still alive, into a rocky pit. There are still human bones, teeth and fingers in the dirt as you walk through the caves. It just reminds me of the horror of the Cambodian genocide, but also of the timing--this all wasn't that long ago (1975-1979). It reminds me of how far Cambodia has come in such a short time.

We also went on some hikes around mountains and caves which I wasn't a huge fan of. I really don't care for caves. I just don't and I don't know why, because everyone else seems to think they're pretty cool. Oh, well.

We also were able to check out some art galleries. Battambang has a really funky, creative side, and is sort of considered the "artist capital" of Cambodia. There are some cool art workshops for kids, too.

Other than that, we pretty much just relaxed and enjoyed being out of busy, loud Phnom Penh!

Back in said Penh, I'm just enjoying the... weather? And good friends and good times before it all ends more quickly than I could have ever imagined! As we head into July, I look forward to a few more small weekend trips around Cambodia to tide me over until my big trip to Indonesia in September and my imminent and epic return to the states!

Love!!!

To Be Announced

A quick update as we descend into June.... I really can't believe it is June already! Which means only a few more months until my epic return to the US. Official plans for said epic return TO. BE. ANNOUNCED.

June is off to a great start with many events and plans already under way. I had my international playwriting debut as part of a short play festival I helped conceive of and produce with the Phnom Penh Players. The play festival was called, "Life in Limbo," and showcased all original plays by me and other expats living here. It also featured a dance performed by Epic Arts, a disabled dance group based in Kampot, Cambodia. The proceeds from our show went to their organization. It was a really successful night and I'm actually really proud of the work I did with my actors and my script. The whole night ended up being surprisingly low-stress and high-reward! Can't complain about that!

There have been a lot of events, like birthdays, holiday, parties, around Phnom Penh and my friend and I are just soaking them up while we can. I can't believe I will not live here forever. I mean, I can, since it is still shocking that I live here every single day, but, to leave seems equally as shocking. There is so much that I am gaining by moving on, but there is so much that I am leaving behind. Phnom Penh is in my heart. It gets under your skin and before you know it, your heart has opened to Phnom Penh. As much as I may complain about this place, there is something magical here. I can thank Phnom Penh for so much. Good friends, good memories, so many lessons learned. And, I continue to learn and have fun here! Pass me another Angkor beer, will ya?

May in Cambodia

Hello again! A quick update of events in May... recently recovering/cleaning up from my brother Wolfie's visit. He was here for nearly 2 weeks, and in that short time we managed to squeeze in some amazing nights in Phnom Penh as well as a trip to Siem Reap and a trip to Sihanoukville and Bamboo Island (Koh Ru).

Siem Reap is always pretty fun, and I was happy to see all the temples again, having only seen them once back in October. They are still so ridiculously beautiful! The only downside to the trip was Wolfie was here in the height of the hell-ish hot season, and walking long walks in the blazing sun to see ancient ruins is about as fun as it sounds... Overall it was a fun short getaway.

We had only one night there because I wanted to stay in Phnom Penh over a weekend for another Khmer wedding. This one did NOT live up to our expectation because there was no alcohol at this wedding. Not to say an event is only fun with unlimited booze, but the free-flowing beverages are sort of a staple of a Khmer wedding, and seeing old Khmer men drunkenly dance is half (or all) of the fun! So, unfortunately, the weddings of Cambodia I so hyped up to my brother ended up being unimpressive. Oh, well.

Wolfie was able to spend a few days exploring Phnom Penh on his own while I was at work. He saw the usual tourists sites. He was also able to meet my students, who are obsessed with him, and also play with the kids from SFODA orphanage. He brought lots of clothes and dolls for the children at SFODA and they were really excited.

We had a long weekend (Cambodian national holiday for the King's Birthday), so we headed straight for the beach! Lying in the sand, drinking Angkor beer, and ... well, that was about it. I never get tired of Sihanoukville's fun and crazy beaches. Since we had a long weekend, we all took a ferry to Bamboo Island, a deserted island that could only be called Paradise. It was like someone dreamt up this fantasy, dream land and then realized, it does exist! Bamboo huts, soft light sand, salty water, coconut trees everywhere. We slept in hammocks and bamboo huts. It was out of this world. The weather wasn't so great due to the sudden return of monsoon rains. They took away the heat, thank goodness, but brought intense rain. The ferry rides to and from the island were the stuff of horror movies... like drown in the water tsunami horror movies... BUT, we made it back alive with enough time to spare so Wolfie didn't miss his international flight home! He's gone now and I'm just settling back into routine life.

My contract ends in September and I'm looking at the next chapter. Going to miss Phnom Penh and my life here but also of course excited for the next challenge! Coming up for me is my international playwrighting debut with the Phnom Penh Players! A short play of mine, entitled, "Carnival Games," will be presented at a short play festival I'm co-producing. I am excited to reach one of my goals for my time in Phnom Penh, which was to put up at least one play of mine. Gotta keep up my career and my writing! And, ya know, party at the beach and relax in this heat and rain. ;)

Until next time, enjoy the last bits of cold weather you may be experiencing by remembering how jealous I am of any temperature below 85 degrees....

Myanmar

The tales of my recent trip to Myanmar (Burma)!

On an easy, direct fly from Phnom Penh to Yangon, I met Mom (who as on spring break from teaching) for 7 days of exploring. I had a few days off from work due to Cambodian New Year holidays. It also happened to be Burmese New Year or Water Festival during the same time, which proved to be both an exciting opportunity to witness the biggest holiday of the year and also an... annoyance. For the New Year, Myanmar residents take to the streets and the stage and throw water on each other, beating the heat and blessing each other for the coming new year. While fun to watch and refreshing in the heat of April, after 5 days of seemingly constant wetness at the hands, buckets, and hoses of locals, Mom and I got a bit tired of being drenched, trying desperately to protect our purses and cameras. While it was enjoyable to participate, pouring water on sellers in the market or Mom squirting a little boy with a water gun, it was rather unfortunate timing to travel to Myanmar, because most shops and markets were closed. Still, it was an amazing trip and memorable experience!

In Yangon, we met up with our friend Chris, who is Burmese (Mom met him in Long Beach), and he was able to show us around his city. It is always better to see a place through the eyes of a resident. Chris' family has a stunning home that they opened to us. In bustling Yangon, we were able to visit the famous Shwedagon pagoda. We also drove past Aung San Suu Kyi's house and former prison. Mom actually saw her going from her car to her office, although I missed that rare treat. Now officially an elected member of Myanmar's government, Aung San Suu Kyi's presence and face are everywhere. Despite being in the country during this politically exciting time, I still don't feel like I grasped a concrete understanding of how the transition of power is or will proceed. But the people sure are charged and excited.

From Yangon, we flew to Bagan, the site of approximately 4,000 ancient temples. Often compared to Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Bagan was astonishing mostly for the sheer amount of ornate and ancient temples. From higher peaks, we could see that every inch of the area seems to give was to marvelous structures. To imagine the area during it's prime is overwhelming. I feel that the comparisons to Angkor Wat are misguided for nothing truly compares to Angkor! But, Bagan was beautiful, to be sure. I wished there were more regulations--there were hawkers INSIDE the temples--but overall, the experience proved worth it all as we watching a marvelous sunset from a high temple.

At our hotel in Bagan, we saw a traditional Burmese puppet show! It is truly an art form unto itself.

Next, we flew to Inle Lake. This area, more North East and closer to Thailand and Laos, was my favorite. We stayed in a cute bungalow and, all the while soaked with the icy waters of New Year parties, enjoyed the residential town of Nyaung Shwe. We took a woodern boat on the lake and hit several lakeside destinations, most notably the Jumping Cats Monastery, which is exactly what you think it is. There, monks have famously trained their felines to leap through small hoops. Despite having become a major tourist destination, the cheesy, overt "tourist-trap" nature of the whole set up proved, to me, to only add to the charm, authenticity, and distinctly Myanmar nature of the monastery and the whole experience. The formerly sleeping cats jumped for treats for a novice monk in a t-shirt while the monk in the photograph we clipped from the "LA Times" in 2005 passed out asleep in his chair during the show. The cats were hilariously reluctant to do their "tricks" and had to be prodded by the trainer via some nudges to their butts. It was awesome but my photos don't do the event justice!

Back on our wooden boat, the setting sun against the hills, the radiant sky and the rice fields and their birds... well, like my photos, my words cannot do it justice.

The next day in Inle we took a horse-drawn-cart (yes) to some hot springs in the mountains that turned out to be pools with water "from the mountain." I think this still would have been acceptable had said water not been incredibly hot. All the other people there couldn't get in either--Mom and I weren't just being wimps! So that a was a bust. After long afternoon naps (a wonderful habit during our trip), we ate, for the second night in a row, at a cute Indian restaurant.

The next day it was back to Yangon for a final, finally water-free (the New Year had ended) night in the city.

Now, back in Phnom Penh and back at work, I feel that the trip to Myanmar came at the complete wrong time and at the complete perfect time in my life. Myanmar was complex, as were (and are) many outside situations in my life, and will take a while to fully process, much less comprehend. The place is vast and I feel like I just touched the surface. It was a lovely trip and I am thankful to my Mom for experiencing it with me.

Coming up next is a visit from my brother and hopefully an enjoyable trip within Cambodia with him during upcoming May holidays. Gotta love the constant public holidays here in Cambodia! Until next time!

Early April Thoughts

Hello everyone!

Heading in a few days to Burma. Never, ever thought I'd be saying that, much less doing it. This seems to be a reoccurring theme in my life right now: doing things I never thought I would. In the best way possible.

I'll be meeting Mom there for a week of fun, exploring, and HOPEFULLY relaxation. I've got a week off work for Khmer (Cambodian) New Year. A break from teaching kindergarten couldn't come fast enough. As much as I really can't or shouldn't complain, I am ridiculously excited to not be "Teacher Monica" for a few days.

I will have a lot to tell, I'm sure, about Burma. They seem to be on the precipice of major changes. How exciting and coincidentally that Mom and I will be there mere days after historic elections in the nation! Timing is my friend over and over again.

Also, it's bloody hot. Like it couldn't even be this hot in hell. I was so spoiled my whole life living in Southern California! But what's wrong with being spoiled? I dream of winter coats, knee-high boots, cold toes, frost-bite. But really this is insane. And the rain appears to be on a path to come early. Hot, muggy rain, I remember you from August. I remember you from that first moment I stepped out of Phnom Penh Airport, confused and jet-legged. Wow. In a few days, I will have been in Cambodia for 8 months. Even though that isn't that long in terms of, I don't know, life, I can barely remember living in another world. In 8 months I have done more than I could have ever dreamed. I have literally lived so many dreams, met so many people, and have no plans to stop!

Upcoming: besides Burma, of course, Wolfie will be visiting me for 2 weeks in May! Can't wait to show him around. This crowded, hot, dirty city becomes new again when you get show a visitor. Also, in June, my Phnom Penh playwriting debut! Through the Phnom Penh Players, I am helping to put up a short play festival of original works. One play in the show will, of course!, be mine. The theme is "Limbo," which applies to my life in a whole new way right now. I am so excited to put on a show. It will be my first play produced post-graduation.... BIG SMILE :D

So, into the limbo of the airport, a plane to a new country (Burma is a very new country, in a sense), and on my way.

Talk soon,

Monica

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Hello all! Updates on my recent trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. We found out we had two days off of work for International Women's Day so right away we tried to see where we could fly to cheaply! The final selection: Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia.

Shae, Leigh and I headed out last Thursday and wound up in an amazing, contrasting, bustling but pretty relaxed city! After a quick flight from Phnom Penh, we arrived at our charming guesthouse. It was really more like a house with guest rooms and it made the experience so wonderful! We shopped and explored the city. To have malls! And Starbucks! It was nice to treat ourselves to the comforts of home.

Friday we headed out early to explore Chinatown, which looked a lot like any Chinatown and a lot like any market, but was enjoyable all the same. We also saw the twin Petronas Towers, which used to be the tallest structures in the world, apparently. And now, of course, a massive mall is situated between them. Needless to say, we explored the area closely ;)

Friday night we met up with a friend of Shae's who is Malaysian and lives in KL (Kuala Lumpur). She took us out and showed us some good nightlife! They have amazing clubs and bars in KL! It was so much fun to be in a big, busy, exciting city at night.

After a late night and sleeping in late, we trudged over to the oldest mosque in Kuala Lumpur. It was quite the experience. We had to wear the robe and full head covering to enter the grounds. At first we felt silly, and then just unbearably warm in the hot, humid climate. Then we sort of accepted we were wearing it. The I guess interesting part of wearing the clothing was taking it off as we were leaving the mosque. In my jeans and tank top, I suddenly felt entirely exposed. It was a strange and jarring feeling.

We cut over to the National Mosque for another round of sweating in borrowed robes and headdresses. The architecture inside the prayer room (which we could see but could not go inside) was stunning. Then we met our friend from Cambodia who is studying abroad in Malaysia for dinner. Korean BBQ! KL has amazinggggg food!!!!

And today, Monday, we left. It was a fabulous trip full of already priceless memories. I would for sure go back to Malaysia. The people were friendly, the city was easy and fairly clean, and we had a blast. I could not have asked for a better trip.

Through all the trials of living here in Cambodia, and through all the times I have questioned choices I have made and my surroundings, I have to say, I truly feel like I am living a fantasy dream life. In what life but a dream life is one able to send one's self around the world by plane on a whim because of a work holiday? No stress, no obligations, no doubts, just get on the plane. What life is that? I guess it is mine. And even in this awful heat and tiring job, I know deep down I can't complain. I am 22 and am seeing the world.

One month until Burma with Mom!!! Really, is this my life?! Happy right now. Tired but happy.

Until next time homies :)

Singapore!

Hello all! Lots to update! I just got back from four days in Singapore. I gave myself a holiday and took two days off of work. I visited my friend Chris, who is Singaporean and last year studied abroad at UCSB. He is also a theater major and we met in a playwriting seminar last year. It was so amazing to experience life through someone who lives there. It is always a better experience to visit a new city or country with someone who is resides there. Anyway, so I don't carry on, waxing poetic about a city-state that has quickly risen to my list of favorite places I've ever been, I'll outline what I did during my jam-packed trip:

Thursday:
I arrived in Singapore late Thursday night after work. I checked into my nice hostel and caught up with Chris.

Friday:
Chris was a bit busy during the day, so, with his crucially clear instructions, I explored a bit of the city on my own. First stop, of course, McDonalds, Starbucks, and Forever 21. The comforts of home!!!!! After some shopping, I headed to the gorgeous Botanic Gardens. Singapore is pristine, and the gardens were a perfect example of the order and beauty of this place. I was able to ride the MRT trains around easily. Singapore might be one of the easiest places to navigate that I've ever been to. Signs and clear instructions are everywhere! There is such a sense of order to this city. I responded openly to this, given the complete lack of order in my current residence, Phnom Penh!

After the gardens, Chris and I met up and I went with him to a cold reading of a new play by a Singaporean playwriting student. Theater people! So nice to be around my people ;) After the reading and discussions, we went out for drinks and clubbing! A real night life with current music! Oh, Phnom Penh, you try so hard, but I'd forgotten how a "real" bar or nightclub can be. I also forgot how expensive everything is, especially drinks! No 50cent beers to be had here. Hmm... maybe Phnom Penh has something going for it in that sense!

Saturday:
Despite a late night Friday, Saturday we were up and moving right away. I made my way on the train out to Chris' neighborhood and was able to see his family's home and eat at a local breakfast place. Then, we headed back into the proper city and I saw the National Library. We then saw a movie with one of Chris' friends. A real cinema that was playing current movies that weren't all just blockbusters! Quite exciting for me! I watched "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close," which was spectacular.

Next, I was lucky enough to join Chris at a rehearsal for an upcoming performance he is involved with. Everyone I met was so welcoming and excited. Despite the fast-paced, rushed, even, pace of the city, I did not find the people rude, dismissive, or rushed in their interactions with me. A rare aspect to an international city!

The day seemed to go and go and go! We rushed off to a play at the Singapore Fringe Festival. It was a German play performed by a Russian company. The play was called, "At the Ark at Eight." We were beyond tired after our busy day and headed home.

Sunday: On Sunday we headed to the Skypark. The Skypark is a... structure that looks like a ship or spaceship sitting on top of three tours. For a fee, you can go up and walk around an observation deck. What's really crazy about this view is the deck is open-air, so you sort of feel like you're just... in the sky. It was surreal to say the least. After some window shopping, we headed to the HIGHLIGHT of my trip, seeing the musical "Wicked." It was the Australian production of the Broadway musical. It was divine. I said I wouldn't wax poetic, right? I'll leave it at divine. Thrilling. Wonderful.

Then, we headed to a delicious Thai food dinner with some of Chris' friends. After some relaxing and chatting, it was time to head home to my hostel. I wasn't ready for my last day to end!

Monday:
Today, Monday, Chris escorted me to the airport for my quick flight home to Phnom Penh. I usually feel bittersweet at the end of a trip; not wanting to leave, but at the same time, ready to go home. This time, this was simply not the case. I didn't want to leave at all! I already have a list going of all the sights to see on my next trip over there. I sort of fell in love with the place! The food, the people, life, civilization, culture, need I say more? It made me miss the "life" I suppose you could say I "left behind" when I came to Cambodia. I am going to appreciate the time I have here in the "less-developed" city of Phnom Penh, but it sure was nice to join the "developed" world, if only for a few nights.

Until next time :)

Angkor Wat International Film Festival

Hey, all! For a quick update, last weekend I was lucky enough to be able to go up to Siem Reap for Cambodia's first international film festival, the Angkor Wat International Film Festival! It was small and the first of its kind, but I was impressed by the films I saw. A few were made in Cambodia, most international, almost all Asian, Southeast Asia, or political in theme. The festival was small and well-staffed enough that they did not really need volunteers, but of course, I was somehow able to still be a volunteer and announce a few of the film titles before they were screened. It was held at the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort Siem Reap which was mind-blowingly pristine, elegant, and gorgeous.

The films I was lucky enough to see were:

AMONGST WHITE CLOUDS, directed by: Edward A. Burger
BORN SWEET, directed by: Cynthia Wade
CLIMATE REFUGEES, directed by: Michael P. Nash
DREAMLAND, directed by: ÞORFINNUR GUÐNASON & ANDRI SNÆR MAGNASON
FJORD, directed by: Skule Eriksen
READY MADE, directed by: Bingjian Zhang
SILENCE, directed by: Ava Lanche
TAYLOR CAMP, directed by: Robert C. Stone
THE TRIALS of HENRY KISSINGER, directed by: Eugene Jarecki

Not bad for only a three day festival that, due to my, ya know, day job, I was only able to attend about 50% of! Every single film I saw was wonderful in its own right, and I can honestly say I have never attended a festival where I felt that way. Cambodia is full of surprises, isn't it?

In other news, off to Singapore for a quick mini-vacation. I've taken 2 days off work because I NEED it! I will be seeing a good friend who lives in Singapore and seeing the Australian production of the musical "Wicked," so I couldn't be happier! Just to be in a real CITY, a place where things are moving, fast, and exciting... my Thursday flight couldn't come fast enough!

Until then... I'm sure I'll have a lot to report on my adventures in Singapore ;)

February in Phnom Penh

Hello everyone! It's been about a month since I've updated... I really don't know where time goes. It sounds so silly and cliche, but I really lose track of time out here like I never have before. Maybe the routine of a full-time, 7:45-4:30 job makes the time go faster, too.

Anyway, as I sit here thinking about what has happened since my last post, where I went to a Khmer wedding, I realize a lot has happened that I suppose is "blog-worthy."

Trips-wise, I have only done one quick weekend trip to Sihanoukville, the beach-resort-party town a few hours out of Phnom Penh. It is always a blast there. I miss the ocean so much here in the city. The riverfront is just not the same!

The big news is future-related. For the last few months, I've been trying to decide where to go next. My contract with my teaching job ends in September of this year. I wasn't sure where I wanted to go, or if I wanted to stay in Phnom Penh. I knew for sure that I didn't want to teach at my current school, but that was about the only thing I was sure of. Until, all of the sudden, it hit me what I should do. My friend Shae who I live with here in Cambodia is Australian, and she will be returning to Australia in September to study at university, and, now, I will be joining her and moving to Australia! She lives an hour out of Melborne, and has invited me to stay with her. I can easily get a work visa and work a job in the beach town she lives in. I'll probably work at a cafe or restaurant and begin my slow and painful return to the Western world. The minimum wage in Australia is quite good, so the plan is to lie on the beach and save money for a few months. After Christmas 2012, I shall finally finally make my way back to LA. I can officially announce this as more than just scheming because Shae and I booked a one-way ticket for September so I am sure leaving! We'll hit Bangkok and also Bali on our journey to Melborne. I am so beyond excited at the new adventures ahead. And now, with a solid plan and a flight booked, I can bask in the beauty around me here in Cambodia. I've got a lot to do before that September flight.

This weekend has been a blast because I got to visit with an old friend. At my high school we had Japanese exchange students, and, after they studied with us at RHP and then went home, I was able to meet up with 2 of them back in 2007 when I went to Tokyo. This past weekend, one of the girls was backpacking through Southeast Asia. Luckily I saw a post of hers on facebook and we were able to meet up while she was in Phnom Penh! She stayed with me and I got to show her our "expat way of life." I was so happy to share this city with her. For most tourists, Phnom Penh is either really great, or a place they can't wait to leave. I'm always glad to convince another visitor that this is a great, relaxing, crazy, and just altogether amazing city.

I think that's all for now, although that was quite a bit, wasn't it?

Khmer Wedding

Last weekend on Sunday, I attended the wedding of one of my Khmer co-workers, Teacher Kim. It was a traditional Cambodian wedding, from mid-afternoon until as late as you can go! It was similar to a Western-style wedding in a lot of ways, but, of course, strikingly different. The first difference I noticed was that guests pretty much showed up at any time they felt like it. Things picked up later in the evening for the ceremonies, but for the dinner, we arrived as we pleased and sat wherever we could salvage a chair in the outdoor, devilishly-hot tent on Teacher Kim's street. Another difference was that female guests wore whatever they pleased (except black, the only color off-limits). They wore dresses that were not concerned with taking attention away from the bride, were of a ridiculous array of colors, and of varying lengths, patterns, sequins, cuts, everything. And then, of course, there were the guests in the ubiquitous Khmer pajamas. I wore a more "Western-style" dress (read: sequin-free). The food was amazing and unlimited, as were the sodas and beers. Almost everyone I work with was there, including some of my students! It was fun to look nice at an event with my co-workers since I am usually at school in whatever clean clothes I can salvage, wearing no makeup and, of course, covered in sweat. My students were excited to see me outside of school.

The best part for me was realizing the similarities between "Western" weddings and Cambodian weddings. They are both simply expressions of love, family, wealth, joy, and culture. The bride looks stunning, the groom looks overwhelmed and shocked, and the parents look happy and proud. The guests look full, happy, and drunk. The ceremonies were confusing and came fast, but seemed similar to ours (as far as I could read them). The parents of the betrothed presented some sort of something--I think it was a fruit--the bride and groom walked in circles around a pile of fruit (okay maybe that one's not so similar), and walked through the crowd as we threw flower petals on them (as opposed to rice). Teacher Kim seemed so happy and deeply in love with her new husband, and it was so wonderful to be there to share it with all the people who know and love her!

I am happy to have experienced a Khmer wedding while I am here. It is not an event to be missed. I can't wait until my next one--a true Cambodian seems to attend one once a month (especially in December and January, lucky wedding months)!

Now, just working, working, working, trying desperately and inefficiently to plan the future, and getting ready for small and large trips ahead. Until then :)

Kep and Rabbit Island

Welcome back from a beautiful weekend at the beach! A couple of girlfriends and Mom and I all grabbed a taxi to Kep, a soon-to-be-completely-developed beach town two hours from Phnom Penh. It is heaven on Earth, an when the French were here, it was their resort town. Deserted colonial structures stand ominously amid shanties, reminding you of the Khmer Rouge's anti-Western path of destruction in the area just a few decades ago.

From our cute guesthouse, we hopped onto a wooden boat and floated to Rabbit Island, which locals say looks like a rabbit from above, although I really don't see it.... It was fairly deserted, except for the wealthy Khmer families on weekend holidays. One group decided to splash us while we were wading in the bay's clear water. Hilarious....

Doing absolutely nothing and laying in a hammock in the sun--perfect Saturday! On Sunday, today, we went to a Kampot pepper farm (Kampot is just around the corner, is a bigger beach and a little more developed and is my next destination!). We also saw some caves, weird statues, and got pedicures. In a nutshell, a fabulous weekend! It just felt so good to be near the water. Phnom Penh is the farthest I've ever lived away from the water and it wears on me. The water relaxes me. It's not the Pacific Ocean, but Kep's bay was wonderful. I loved watching little Khmer boys fly kites on the soft sand over a perfect sky and clear waters. Life doesn't get much better than that. And did I mention the crab?

2012

Hellllooo all!

Just realized it's been almost a month since my last post... I have no idea where the time's gone. On that note, happy 2012! I know it is going to be a great year.

Right now I am just enjoying having my Mom visit me in Phnom Penh. She came mid-December and got to see my classroom, spend time at SFODA Orphanage, and see my house and every day life here. It is always incredible to see your life anew, from an outsider's point of view. It has only furthered my feelings of complete awe and confusion as to my life here in Phnom Penh. It's easy to become immune, to see extraordinary things as normal, here, but having a visitor reminds me to appreciate the bizarre aspects of life in Cambodia. I'm reading a great book, "Off The Rails in Phnom Penh," which was written back in 1998, but so far is an accurate portrayal of the normalcy of the abnormal of life in Cambodia.

But, ANYWAY, the Christmas party at Sacrifice Families and Orphan Development Association (SFODA), went amazingly well. We raised enough money to support a fantastic party. All the children had the best time! It was so wonderful to see them all so happy. Mom also brought a whole suitcase of clothing donations from various sources in Long Beach, so those items were also appreciated. SFODA has a facebook page which we are operating, so if you want to see photos from the Christmas party or any of our other events, check out the facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001951694077

Right after the party at SFODA, and numerous celebrations in my classroom, Mom, Shae and I jetted off to Bangkok, Thailand for our Christmas holidays! It was soooo amazing!!! The first thing I did when we landed in the Bangkok airport was, obviously, eat a Subway sandwich. It tasted exactly the same, in case you were wondering. Bangkok is everything Asia but with things like flush toilets, Subway, Starbucks, McDonalds, English speakers, and prices to boot. As much as it is crazy, overcrowded, and has traffic that makes LA traffic seem minor, I really enjoyed my time in Bangkok. I felt inspired to see busy, city people in their fashion and quick step. I really realized how much I miss that fast-paced, excited, inspiring albeit stressful, lifestyle. I also saw how much Phnom Penh, the capital, differs from Bangkok, Thailand's capital. How can two neighbors, of deeply similar cultures, differ so much? Well, I know the reasons, namely the country's respective histories, governments and leaders. But that is a whole other story.

After a Christmas filled with shopping, Tom Yum Kung (a spicy, sour shrimp soup that I ate literally every meal), and a movie (THE MOVIE THEATER IN THE MALL IN BANGKOK IS CINEMA HEAVEN OMG), we headed off to Chang Mai. Wait, let me go back and give the Pargaon Cineplex the praise and devotion it deserves... my goodness it is an entire floor of the mall! It has an IMAX screen! A "Popcorn Bar!" Everything is electronic, even the standees advertising movies! There is a convention center area inside the movie theater, which on Christmas hosted a dog show. And, the most interesting part, before every film, the National Anthem (along with highly-produced video clips) plays to honor the King. It was an experience that makes even a movie at the Arclight in Hollywood seem dull.

Anyway, we were off to Chang Mai in the North of Thailand. It was actually pretty cold and we got to see some other aspects of the culture, including exposure to different ethnic groups, a lot of the same groups who inhabit Laos and Burma as well. We, of course, shopped and ate our way through Chang Mai in the same manner we did in Bangkok! In Chang Mai we booked an elephant trek that took us to this elephant camp that rescues, cares for, and even trains elephants! It was surreal and beautiful. The elephants, many of whom have escaped elephant-work-factories or other mistreatments including drug-addiction, have been trained to perform in a wonderful show! They all smile wildly as they show their fans how they can dance, lie down, play musical instruments, shoot basketballs, kick soccer balls, and, most impressively PAINT! Suda, the elephant artiste, literally understands color and paints by her own free will, without vocal commands from her Thai trainer. She holds the paint brush in her trunk and paints what she feels. One of the volunteers at the camp told us that the other day she worked on a mural for four nights straight without any trainers guiding her. They knew she wasn't finished because she hadn't curtseyed, expecting her applause (she's quite the diva artist), but on the fourth day she finished her mural and curtseyed. It was astonishing and powerful and beautiful--an animal can express something through painting just the way a person can. I have pictures on my facebook of Suda's masterpiece. It was a wonderful day.

The next day we went zip-lining through the forest! It was so scary and fun! The forests are so green and the air was so clean--a far departure from Phnom Penh.... The rest of our time in Chang Mai was devoted to sleeping, resting, shopping, drinking and eating! The trip of a lifetime.

And who could forget a New Year's Eve spent on Koh San Road in Bangkok?! 2011 saw me graduate college after completing a senior thesis honors project. This year also brought me advancement in my writing, including the completion and even production of several plays. I visited Las Vegas multiple times and also went to London and all over Greece. Then, of course, I moved to Cambodia, where I've become a kindergarten teacher, directed a play, visited Laos and Angkor Wat and now Thailand. And I also turned 22. And then watched thousands of people scream and throw streamers in the air as we rolled in 2012. Not a bad year in the least. But, based on my New Year's Eve, and based on the way things went in 2011, 2012 will only be better. Sounds good.