88, sunny side out

Today rings success. I was able to make a full Face Time connection with Nick. This morning he experienced my morning routine.  I brought breakfast to the lobby, yogurt and fresh Khmer bread, to the lobby.  My wifi connection allowed me to take him for a 1 minute ride in a tuk tuk.  He was able to see us turn into crowded street traffic and meet some of my fellow co-riders.  Then me, Nick, and the wifi parted ways. Altogether, kinda fun!

Then there's class, 88 degrees F inside, 60 degrees F inside. *Note to self: always bring a sweater to class, don't leave sweater at the breakfast table when you are talking to a Nicholas.  I presented/performed a dialogue in class today, with good reviews, great feedback.  Today learning entailed dialogue development, grammar (so fun), and presenting language in a reading format to varying academic levels.

Lunch took place a few blocks from the university.  I had a flatbread with chicken, peppers, various vegetables, and a bland sauce...served with mayo.  I don't really understand the mayo, perhaps a Westernized complement to then meal. Oh, and some complimentary tea.
 As a I sat and enjoyed my lunch, I took advantage of the wifi connection and sent family emails and texts..secretly hoping to reach them at 1 am, because I know they were up anyway thinking of me. At meals end, 8-10 golden floats made their way along the street in preparation to honor the king's passing.

Later in the afternoon, music hit the square, hear inside and outside via speakers as class trailed on.  Imagine 2 instruments 1) someone playing a low key bagpipe 3.5 notes on a loop 2) someone playing 4 notes on a xylophone with 6 second pauses between each...for at least an hour.  Dedication! I presume there will be even more for the next 5 days, I am guessing that was only practice.  The next few days will be interesting observing the preparation and and honoring of this king. a unique experience none-the-less.

Every evening, after a full day of class, my soul is instantly warmed by this. Too beautiful not to share.

On the way home from class, I enjoyed the ride through the city.  I observed families setting up the night markets.  I believe I am watching venders and locals purchase product and grocery for the upcoming day.  The displays are so beautiful.  Vegetables and fruits, colorful and strategically displayed along the curbside.  The best moment, as I faced oncoming traffic from my tuk tuk I saw a brown-eyed, brown-haired 3 year old with looking my way. She was sitting between her father (driving) and mother.  She and I made eye contact, she smiled and waved my way.  I waved back, and this continued for several blocks.  Soon enough her father caught on and had a huge smile on his face. They followed us til traffic swallowed them up.  Ha, it was pretty cute. Still makes me smile as I write this.

Arriving home, I decided to tackle some homework with the company of my ipod and the lizard straddling the yellow wall.  Music choice: Bruce Springsteen.. Hey, it was either that or Hank Williams Jr. - not sure how that got on my iPod...((Nick)).  Anyways, I got the job done - homework, Asian resume, cover letter and all completed.

Lastly, I would just like to add that I really like my fellow classmates, they are just the right amount of spunky, fun, and intelligent. Good times ahead. And then there are my blog followers, you are making this experience so great. Thank you.