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Hi, trying to jot things down before I forget them! Photo was taken on our cycle ride last Sun am, the two tone hair coloring on the children 'is caused by mal nutrition.
Great excitement last week, the moon was waxing to about half it's full size when all the Cambodians decided that they could see the face of their deceased king looking down on them, I don't think anyone was amused when I told them that we always looked for the face of an old man in the moon!
Sun 7:45 am 32 degrees
Riding to school the other morning I was overtaken by a moto, two passengers and the back one was carrying a live duck, flapping its wings with one hand and in the other his take away coffee in its obligatory plastic bag. Twice I've seen lady road repairers sitting in potholes sweeping out the dust and debris before they try to refill them. Is it job creation, or do they seriously believe it will help the repair last longer? One mode of pothole filling this week has been concrete, it will be interesting to see how long it last before being washed away in one of the storms.
This week has seen the departure of Meychyi and Sue, both were very distressed at their leaving, but intend to be back when circumstances allow. Courtney left on Friday, but only to Thailand, as she doesn't fancy Scotland and work just yet! Always sad to see people you've been friendly with depart, but it's frightening how quickly you and everyone else moves on. There are a few people returning that I was with for a while last year, so it is good to catch up with them, and new people to dine with. Last night's dinner and beer cost me the pricely sum of £1.20, very nice yellow noodles, vegetables and a fried egg on top, but also part of the deal was free popcorn, nicely seasoned with salt which is something we crave in these temps and free fruit salad for dessert - pineapple and watermelon, last night.
Yesterday's cycle ride was a disappointment, some decided to go on a long one, as a trial for the big bike ride, but I was worried that I wouldn't be able to keep up with them, so opted to go on the other one, howevr, that was too slow, too short and the last few kms were on a busy, dusty, noisy, and dangerous road, fortunately I was wearing my helmet. Trucks seriously overloaded with both people and goods and a driver struggling to steer, everyone weaving in and out, across and through to get to the other side, people riding/driving on the wrong side, young kids on bikes majorly oversized for them, handcarts being pushed, serious westerners cycling trying to do the correct thing amid mayhem. When I cross a road I'm always amazed that I'm still alive, how everyone misses each other is a mystery. Luckily I haven't seen too many accidents. This afternoon I'm going cycling from Grace House, as some of the 18+ yr olds are hoping to do a shorter ride in the big race and this pm is a practice for them. Strangely, this barang, is the only one, local or otherwise, who knows a pleasant route to Bakong Temple, part of the Roulous group of temples, without having to go on Route 6. I'm going to rent a geared bike for the afternoon, but I suspect the ride will be slow.
I'm sitting in front of Globalteer writing this, the road has been busy for the last couple of hours, many motos and bikes, but I have seen two trucks full of women, I think they were probably being taken to building sites to work, many are employed on those type of jobs. Plenty of building is going on around, although, it is in the form of either hotels or single but large houses.
I was talking to a couple of tuk drivers I know yesterday and they are every concerned by the lack of tourists, there are Asian ones around, but very few westerners, other than young backpackers. Unfortunately, the Asaian visitors stay in hotels owned by their own country and staffed by their own people, are transported everywhere by bus and very little, if any of their money enters the local economy. At least western run and owned hotels employ local staff and do support NGO's in many different ways.
Need to decide what I'm going to do this morning, a swim and lie by a pool sounds good, but will I want to go cycling after that? What a difficult decision!
Take care and have a good week, love to all, J. As the children say every day - 'Sweet dreams for you, good luck for me'. X
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Doreen Weather here changeable, some days really cold, others not too bad. Must be bonfire weekend as torrential rain overnight, although ok last night for Great Lines. Cade fell asleep on the way and only woke to tell us " I go home now too noisy". I would be terrified of travelling on their roads it sounds scary, so make sure you take care, and stay safe xx