Hi, on Thursday evening twenty Grace House children were invited to a very posh hotel in Siem Reap to an art exhibition. it was a continuation of the one I went to a few weeks ago, but this time it was focusing on art by children who have been landmine victims - either because their parent/s had been killed by one or they themselves had been maimed. These children are now living in an orphanage run by Aki Ra, the guy who is working hard to demine Cambodia. The students aged between 13 and 15 were chosen by secret ballot and had to arrive at 5:45pm wearing their Grace House pink t-shirts ready to jump on the truck and drive to Siem Reap. Mom, who lives next door was asked to see that all was Ok but then she decided to join us too.

We all waited patiently outside the hotel for them to arrive, watching the wealthy Japanese and US guests alight from their buses after a day at the temples. It was fun watching it get dark and seeing the rush of traffic at the lighs, mainly tuktuks, motos and bicycles, but a few 4x4 lexus and tourist buses added to the queues. Eventually we saw the blue truck with a load of pink topped kids waving and looking around excitedly. I think the driver realised the special occasion and drove the truck up tp the doorway under the palatial covered entrance. Unfortunately, before they were allowed into it the hotel manager gave them a lecture on how to behave a) towards the art, b) towards any food or drink they may be offered, c)other people there. I know it was their first experience of such an occasion, venue etc but it was so patronising and it seemed as though he thought they were animals. Despite expectations they were excellent although rather nervous. It was great watching them look at the pictures and eventually having the confidence to talk to other people/artists. They found the sculptures more difficult and could not comprehend their price tags of 24 000 US $ also they found the analogy between the artwork and victims difficult to understand. However, they were keen to drink the delicious juices handed around by uniformed waiters and eat the delicious pizzas, cakes and cookies being continually handed round. We all thoroughly enjoyed a display of Bokara, an ancient form of Cambodian martial arts put on by the orphans from another NGO in town. It was an impressive display, they were well trained and well rehearsed.

The following day the children who had been had plenty to talk about and hopefully it will encourage them to work hard as their is another world for them to enter with education. Also the tourist industry including hotels is where some will find employment.

On Friday I was persuaded to go to a hut up from school to have my toe nails painted for the wedding on Monday, and then I was tempted by the pretty flowers, so for the first time I have very fancy nails all for the princely sum of 60p andthat included a tip!

The weather has changed slightly and all the locals say that winter has come. The temp during the day is in the high 20's early 30's but is cooling more overnight and possibly gets as low as 20, but to make t cooler there is quite a strong north to south wind blowing which lasts for the whole of November.

There are big Halloween parties in town tonight for tourists and expats, the young are going, but us older ones are avoiding the scene as it will soon become a drunken orgy. Although I would like to see all the costumes as I'm told people really go to town with them.

Have a good weekend, take care and love to all, J