2nd Half of the Year (in review)

It's my 3rd month in Cambodia.

2nd half of the year, done.

Spent Q1 in the Philippines, Q2 in Cambodia. Hopefully, I'll get to spend the a few days of Q3 in the Philippines and latter part of Q4 in the US with Siops.

So, what's up with me? Oh, nothin' much.. just a few milestones..

..managed to get my career going outside the Philippines, away from my family, my friends, my comfort zone.

I think, Cambodia is the new, New York. If you can make it here, you'll make it anywhere! Hey, it's my opinion. Try working your way around a non-existent traffic system, literacy rate of only 40%, mall-less, cine-less..hay, restless!

Well, you would think. Buti na lang, I drive in the Philippines. (Chaos pa din dito. Multiply the *worst* Pinoy drivers by 20). Buti na lang, marunong ako mag charades. May I charades my way around! They have updated boot-leg dvds naman. End of story. All-in-all, v livable, otherwise I won't be here. I like it here. Quiet with a stress level of 10 (or less). Plus: in just 6 hours, you can be in Vietnam for $24 (RT) bu bus. Or in an hour, you can be in Thailand for $80-$120 (RT), depends on the airline and the season. Kewl!

...I am now officially engaged. Key word "official". (I assumed I was, even waaay before..) Being offered a ring was a nice surprise. Wearing it is even better. I think I will name my ring, B- not short for bato- but for bulaga! (Corny.) Scratch that.

...Living alone is a milestone. But I'm not alone. He's just not here. YET. Birit: How do I get you Alone? How do I get you Alone? Alooooone!

Ok na. Quota na ko. Thank You, Lord. Love you.

Cambodian Dessert

First Khmer Parteh!

Ok, it's not really a parteh, parteh in its truest sense. I just attended a house warming get-together. It was held on a Thursday, holiday in Phnom Penh because it's the Queen's birthday! Hail the Queen!

The reason why there's a "formal" invitation is, you have to return the envelope to the host and traditionally, you put $10 if it's a house warming party To cover at least the food that you ate at the party. $15-$20 if it's a wedding, and I think 30,000 riels, should be (3) 10,000 riels (or $7.50) if it's a funeral. (Three is a special number as in Christianity, The father, the son, the holy spirit- or something like that).

Back to the parteh..you know what they say, pictures says..and pictures will.

This is the entry hall of the party. You'll often see this around Phnom Penh (I see at least one everyday). It blocks traffic as it eats up almost 3/4 of the street. It blares loud *lata* music (but the neighbors don't seem to mind). It's colorful if it's a festive celebration. Black and white cloth surrounds this make-shift venue if it's a funeral.

All tables look like this. It seats 10. You have to fill out the seats before they serve you food. Also, Johnny Walker Black Label is present in all tables. They say it's staple. So, cool.

This is their own version of a Chinese lauriat.

First on the menu is the eight kinds of cold appetizers. Yummy!














Then the noodles/salad.












Garlic beef w/ pickled vegetables. Mmmm..













Followed by the plain rice/fried ice.












The soup came with the rice. I asked the locals what it was called, and they said it's sour soup. I asked my Pinoy friend what it was, and he says it's tom yam. Ok... It was tom yam.. only with pineapple. It's sour, spicy and sweet at the same time. Surprisingly, it's delish. Although, I'd much rather have the pineapple for dessert- not on my main dish.

Speaking of dessert, the dessert deserves its own blog entry. It needs proper labeling and introduction. :)

That's it. Happy Father's Day to my dear, dear daddy. I heart you, Ike!

Miss You, Mea!

Daming dogs dito na may breed, iniwan sila ng mga expat owners nila! So you'll see poodles, labs, shih tzus, rotweillers (God forbid..haven't seen one) walking around town without a leash.

In all the dogs I've seen, you're still the cutest (and most baho) doggie. Hope dad gives you a bath and gives you hugs and kisses always.

My Cambodia 100 (1st of 5 parts, the list is just too looong)

Early on, before moving here to Cambodia, I've made a list of the things I wanted to do and experience here in Cambodia (I like doing lists). I got most in several websites, I forget what, so I'm sorry I can't jot down my references.

After almost three months, here's my take on it now.

My 100 (first top 20 list)

1. Take a river cruise along the Tonle Sap from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. It's a great way to laze through Cambodia's wetlands. Uhmmm, I just found out that this takes almost a day- vs. taking the bus (6 hours) or a plane (1 hour) to Siem Reap. I know what I am, and I don't think I'd want to be "enjoyong" (stuck) along Tonle Sap for more than 3 hours.
2. Go for an elephant ride in Raettanakiri and Mondulkiri; remember to grab a tour guide. Yes, I'll do this, first, let me find out where those places are.
3. Be a part of the extravagant Water Festival. Taking place in October/November, it is around this time that the Tonle Sap changes direction, leaving behind an abundance of fish. Crowds mingle on the river banks in Phnom Penh to watch hundreds of brightly coloured boats and their paddlers battle it out for top honours. I plan to. I know traffic is the worst during this time around the city and around Mo Tonle. The crowd size rivals EDSA 1 and 2 (comnbined), but the crowd can smell like EDSA 3 (sorry, but true).
   
4. Watch a traditional Cambodian Apsara dance. Siem Reap is probably the best place to watch a dance display, although travellers can occasionally catch a spontaneous one in the villages. We've (Pao and I) saw one briefly in Siem Reap at Temple Bar. We said we'll come back the following night to watch while having dinner. We didn't get to. I think we did something that's more fun instead, so it's still on my list.
   
5. Go dolphin-spotting near Kratie. Viewing Cambodia's fresh water dolphins is immensely rewarding. The best time to go is early morning or late afternoon. I better get me a travel buddy. Asan na ba tong si Paolo..psst, lezgo!
6. Swim in volcanic Yak Lom lake near Banlung town in Rattanakiri province. The water is clear and cool and the surrounding forest is ideal for a picnic. Ok, I'll hit number 2 and 6 in one go.
7. Fire a rocket launcher or M-16 in Phnom Penh. There aren't many other places in the world that would let you near such lethal weaponry. A serious reminder of the troubles Cambodia's been through. I fired an AK 47 in Vietnam. The rocket launcher seems like a sweet, sweet idea. Iz nice (said like our good friend, Borat).
8. Cambodia Cooking Class . The Cambodia Cooking Class will be one of the highlights of your trip. Even the kids will love it, too! Lots of mortar and pestle action to make the curries, then you get to eat your delicious... oh yes, you're on my list baybee!
9. The Killing Fields (Choeung Ek). These were the execution grounds for the Khmer Rouge. Can't believe I've ever been here. I'll do this + #7 in one go.
10. Wat Phnom. Bring plenty of small change because beggars are pretty thick on the ground here, even early in the morning. Take it one at a time visiting inside the temple, as there are plenty of small children...I've seen it, haven't been to it. It gets pretty scary at night because of the young gangs (word úp).
11. Heart of Darkness. This dark bar is known as one of the more popular nightlife attractions. haha, ok, better see what thie Emba of Phnom penh is about soon.Get it off my list.
12. Independence Monument. This obelisk commemorates Cambodia's freedom from France in 1953. Yes, see this every single day, but haven't had a photo taken next to it.
13. Martini Pub. This popular pub is centrally located, affordable and features a movie screen. aba's nasan ka ba, Martini Pub? You'll be 12.5- not very important. Sharky's. This bar, a rock music venue, is a favorite of American travelers. ok. you'll be 13. I know where you are, just don't know what the fuss is about.
14. Naga World Hotel Casino ok, a NFF (new found friend) works here. Let's see what it has to offer. Maybe I'd hit 12.5, 13 and this in one go.
15. Schools for Children of Cambodia; School Tours Reviews. Organizations like Schools for Children of Cambodia (SCC) offer free tours of local schools for tourists. The tour guide is a long-term volunteer at the organization and gives a great description on the education system in Cambodia including teaching conditions and cultural issues. alright, as a future educator (yes, still want to teach) I have to know how education is like here in Cambodia.
    
16. Hot Air Balloon Ride. I didn't get to do this in Siem Reap when Paolo was here :(
    
17. Travel through time and learn more about the various periods of architecture with Khmer Architecture Tours on the city's most relaxing from the transport- cyclo tingnan natin kung kailan ko maisipang gawin to.
18. If you can't fit in a guided architecture tours with Khmer Architecture Tours, then download their free walking tour map for Phnom Penh and walk around some of the city's architecture highlights. alrighty then. Maybe?
19. Pay a visit to NYEMO's boutique in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap for charming silk handicrafts and that make for perfect souvenir for both adult and children alikdo the, and tour a production work shop if you have time. Do I really want to do this?
20. Relax after a visit to Killing Fields by dinning at Lotus Blanc, vocational training restaurant, or getting a massage at spa, two of initiative from Pour un Surire d'Enfants , set up to look after children who live and work around the Steung Mean Chey dumpsite. I'll do this together with 7 and 9.
21. Treat yourself with beautiful silk handbags and accessories produced by the disable artisans from Rehab Craft Cambodia in both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. sure, I would!

There are a couple of things I've done that's on my list. Will blog about them if I get the time. Soon!!

Pinoy Fever

Cambodia celebrated it's very own Philippine Independence Day celebration last Sunday. The ambassador hosted lunch at emba (the real emba- I wasn't there), and the SAMAPI (Samahang Manggagawang Pilipino- I'm not a member) "hosted" dinner at Intercon Hotel.

Not bad for $8. Buffet dinner and overflowing beer. (Money well spent). Although, I was expecting the beer to be San Miguel- since they were a sponsor of this event.

The highlight of the night is the Pinoy's Got Talent competition. Cheers to our two "pala"Eng and Eric.

Engrid came in as 1st runner up. Performing Kuh, Zsa2, Lani and Regine. I definitely heart drags!! My gadz, I didn't get to capture the whole dress and the killer shoes!

His outfit comes second to his 4 diva renditions. Walang sinabi si Anton. The sound system was crappy at that, but he still delivered. Clap, clap, clap, clap!

Our ultimate contender was Eric. He didn't win, but he did a mean Ogie A. performance. I really felt in my heart of hearts that he should've won. Ganon talaga. Hindi naman ako ang judge. Hahaha!

Over-all, it was an experience, to be in a room full of Pinoy's in Cambodia. For a second there, I thought I was in Manila.

A Nose for a Nose

One of the most fascinating characteristics I've seen in most Cambodians, is that they're very coy and unassuming. They smile by default if they don't understand you or when they're embarrassed, they're generally polite...which brings me to this question, "How come they can pick their nose in public, even in the middle of a meeting without a hint of embarrassment?"

I'm Quite Impressed

Is it just me, or most people over-look "civilized" invitations?

While I accept sms, verbal invite, last minute advise for parties, I got a formal (printed) invitation from one of my co-workers for his house warming party a week and a half before the "event".

My other Pinoy NFFs told me to get used to it. It's common practice here. Sooo classy, right? I'm impressed! Walang ganyan sa Pinas! :) The last f0rmal invite I received back home was for a wedding-and NEVER for a house warming party! (Well, there's always a first).

Kaka-aliw!! Heart it.

Pwedeng, pwedeng, pwede!!!

My Samsung phone got busted (rest in peace), so I was out yesterday to hunt for a replacement. I was thinking of getting a Nokia 6500 (because it's just sooo pretty!) Instead, I got me a point and shoot Sony DSC-S950 and a Sony Ericsson W350 phone. (I need a handy digicam since I can't lug my SLR around everytime- yes, I need to justify that).

I usually go to Amazon to score my gadgets or to compare the price..The verdict, something to love about Cambodia more, the price tags for gadgets are very competitive!!! The camera I got costs $129.97 (plus 8.25 %tax) so roughly it's around $140 in Amazon. I got it for $150, baybeh!



I didn't really need a high-end, 13.1mp camera. If they actually had an 8mp, I would have preferred that. Needless to say, I'm very happy with this purchase. (Even used it for my new 'do portrait shot).

Now, on to the phone. The phone was a very good buy. I got it for $85. It may be cheaper in Greenhills, I dunno. But a (wicked) phone that costs roughly Php4,000, I'm not one to complain.

It sells for about $100 (w/tax) + shipping.

Diba? Pwede!!!! Woohooo!! -insert happy dance here.

Sporting the new 'do

Yeah, baybeh!

Kulot na ako ulit! :P

Vietnam on the other line..

It's a witch hunt!



First Pao and I saw this, thought it read Viets eat tourist (our bad!)



hehe.


Courtesy of lovely city, HCM.


I'll be back!