Hello Thailand

Hey all, I just arrived in Pattaya, Thailand. An 8 hr trip that turned into a lucky 12. suspension went out in the massive Asian van (they call them buses). I will plan to fill you all in with my Sihanoukville weekend details soon. I start back again with training tomorrow morning. This is so crazy. And it's Chinese New Year today, it is celebrated in many parts SE Asia. I am a little tired but hoping to work on a new post tonight or tomorrow at the latest. I have lots to share.

Cambodia Eh

I am about to close a week and half of a small part of my adventures.  I have not been top notch for the past few days, but that has not shorted the sweetest of things.  I thought I would fill you in on some of my favorite moments of this week thus far.

First off, laughing to tears with my friends - with my Barbie-Shrek dialogue.

One of the greatest parts of this experience has revolved a lot around food.  I will say that I enjoy trying new food and getting a piece of culture by plate.  But, I do miss cooking.  I am feeling more like a nomad, keeping my things in a suitcase and walking the street for some food.  A few days ago, 4 LC students and I went out to grab some dinner.  In Cambodia, most restaurants/buildings are set up looking like one or two stall garages.  So they are left open all day and typically have an outside patio in the front.  I was sitting there took a glace to my left and it was like a live commercial - the commercial I am thinking of is the one where you are asked to donate money to fund a child for a year. Then, they run the picture of a barefoot child in torn and dirty clothes before you. The 6 year old girl I say had big brown eyes and long brown hair, she stopped for a moment in her dirty clothes and sandals emotionless.  After about 10 seconds, she ran off before I could even react.  Her face stuck with me up throughout the meal. I had ordered a simple vegetable curry.  I wasn't hungry, not feeling the greatest and couldn't finish my $2 meal.  As I was sitting there two young boys, I would guys they were both around 4 or 5 years old.  They spoke no English.  They too were in dirty clothes.  They were standing off to the side of me.  The waiters were shooing them away, the two boys took a few steps back.  I pointed to my stomach as and the food and asked if they were hungry.  They just looked at me.  Typically children put their hands out for money, but these boys (and the young girl I saw didn't appear to be asking for money).  I motioned them to come closer.  I took two bowls from the table and filled each of them with my vegetable curry and gave them chopsticks.  Meanwhile, my friends are noticing looks from others around us.  The place wasn't busy.  But a Frenchman looked over the scene is disgust.  As I looked around the waiters were watching us, they were emotionless - I had no idea what they were thinking.  At this point I wasn't sure if this was culturally acceptable, but I wasn't going to change my actions.  The two boys immediately sat down next to me at the curb and ate every last bit of the food.  One boy handed me his bowl and took off.  I noticed a waiter walking my way, I was thinking to myself, 'here it comes, he's going to tell us the is not acceptable in the restaurant.'  He picked up my plate and scraped a small piece of bokchoy that I had missed, into the boy's bowl.  I smiled inside. The other boy sat there quietly holding his bowl.  My friend filled his bowl with some of her food. He sat there and ate more.  He later looked up at me handed me his bowl and walked off.  All I can say is, those boys were hungry.  I keep thinking about them.  Often kids are out late at night walking around barefoot.

It is frequent that handfuls of kids will be seen scattered around the streets, days or night.  Some wanting to feather dust window for money. Others waited along side tuk tuk's wanting money.  Obviously I can't give money to everyone.  I often turn them down.  From what I have gathered, these children's parents have the kids go out asking for money.  In America these kids would be playing, sleeping, or in school. 

Last night, some of us chose to do a night boat cruise down the Mekong. This was quite beautiful.  The weather was calm and cool, and some nightlights lined the banks.  The boat was large.  It was $40 for 2 hours - $3 each. As we set out, there was some "interesting chanting music in the distance, kinda had an eery yet awesome feeling as we set out into the darkness.  And then there were fireworks, ending the celebration in honor of the king, we picked a good night.  I may have been pulled into a California blonde conversation that lasted a beautiful 20+ minutes...I'll cut it short...it involve about 18 - So, ya like umm.....so like I (LONG PAUSE) think that darkness is super creepy, like if you look over there, how it's so dark, like ya know, (LONG PAUSE), you know what I mean like. Just look. Like don't say anything, just look at it then listen. Do you like get what I'm saying. It so like creepy.  The conversation was good because I was forced to be creative and think of 18 synonyms for "yes, ya, uh huh, yep.." She's cute, really. What will be even sweeter though, is her class of twenty or so.. that she will be teaching the hallmarks of the English language. She is a nice girl, gin or no gin.

After the cruise, some of us chose to head out to go dancing. However, we quickly found out that Wed night was the last night of silence.  So no music.  It was fine by me.  Some of us went to sit in a outside bar to visit.  A couple of us girls noticed a little girl, 8 years old, came over to our table.  She didn't get to close.  She was SO cute! She was really shy.  Just behind her were her two parents.  We quickly found that she knew English and it was obvious that she and her parents were so proud of it.  He dad was just as cute as she.  Whenever we would talk to her, she would smile and shyly look away.  Soon enough we asked her if she knew animals, she nodded.  Her parents at the table behind her/us kept looking at us smiling.  Her dad repeatedly would get up and tell her things in Khmer (I think he was telling her to talk and tell us words in English and Khmer). He must have gotten out of his chair ten times. Did I mention how cute this was. This dad was so happy.  Then, he brought his daughter a pen and napkin.  She then started writing animal names, in flawless handwriting..."deer, dog, monkey, lame (lamb), cat, etc" She was so proud.  As we asked her more questions she would say English words then say them in Khmer.  This made my night even better.  This is seriously what me being here is all about. I am looking forward to more of this.


Today I finished my last day of training in Cambodia at Pannasastra University of Cambodia (picture on L). Wow, it has been truly great.  Tonight is the seeing us off night at the LC hotel.  I was outside after getting back from class and was talking with some kids ages 6-10.  Boy 1: What is you name? What fruit do you like? What do you job? What is your dad's name? Where you live? Boy 2: Asking me know if I know the song Africa - we both sang and did some dancing with it, he laughed with me then walked away? Several little girls: What is your name? Boy3: Hey, you know Gangnam Style, this was my transition into some random dance moves with him. Hes was so cute. He laughed the whole time.  The security guards were laughing at me too.

Girl 1 (never met her before): YOU! - I make I contact with her emotionless face as she puts her hands up and out.  There was no communication.  She looked serious. I turned my head to see if my friend was outside yet. The girl turned toward me quickly said one word LOUDLY to return my attention.  Her hands out again.  We then broke into the ABCs with hand claps. It was intense. Then she stared me down again, emotionless and with no words.  We then proceeded into vertical and alternating hand-claps with the ABCs.  The song ended. We made eye contact. We both walked away in silence. - I don't think just anyone can do this..it was like I was being called upon.

What do you get when you mix some German, Swedish, SoDak, deep Texas, and a a few Khmer? ..some feather kickin' fun.  In Cambodia, it's popular to play a badmitten-like kicking game.  It looks like a feathered dart with 8 plastic rings at the base instead of a needle/stem.  It is was less arrow dynamic than a hackey-sac.  We kicked it around for a while, kinda fun! They had a BBQ for us, with the weekly Karaoke Thursday.  All of my friends have told me that I have to do Barbie Girl after my exposure in my presentation this week. I keep getting laughs about this as the week has trailed on.  I will miss my new friends as we part ways.

Tomorrow we set off for Sihanoukville, Cambodia. This is to be a fun weekend trip after intense coursework this week.  We leave tomorrow morning (Friday).  Those of us leaving for Thailand training will depart Sunday morning for Pattaya, Thailand.  I am not particularly looking forward to the overall location, but there are bound to bee good attributes.  I have been told that Pattaya is a very touristy area, run by Russians, overused beaches.  I will make the most of it as I get into my training. Come Monday, 8am I will be in teacher mode.  I will be working with English beginner level English speakers 20+ years old.  This will be for two weeks, as a part of my graduation requirements.  In about a week I will be setting up job interviews. 

I just got my Thai visa today, things are getting real. I am so ready for more.  "Oh, goodness I am being called for some Barbie Girl karaoke." Yikes, this is crazy, I don't even like the song unless Julia is singing it, what did I get myself into?  People in Cambodia are really serious about Karaoke.

Love ya all, thinking of you all everyday.

PS I am almost to 1700 page views, kinda cool. And I have 12 official blog members so far (some of you need pics on yours by the way - you don't have to use a pic of yourself).

PPS I am not proofing this because I am not as perfect as my twin. Instead I will embrace my rugged influences.

Simon - Symes

Today was another sunny day here in Cambodia. My day started with sunshine in my window and some smiling faces.  I FaceTime'd with Nick, Elliott, and Daevani.  While they were finishing up eating supper, I introduced them to some of my LC friends at breakfast. My new friends found Elliott and Daevani cute and hilarious.  The crazy Wisconsin kids were full of energy, dancing, singing, talking in crazy voices.  They may have made me smile and laugh and then some! The two were asking me all sort of questions about eating spiders and such.  Daevani didn't think she would like to eat spiders.

As I was talking with Elliott, he pretty much just made me laugh the whole time.  I had to mention to him that nearly all kids in Cambodia, love Gangnam Style. I am told that kids in deep jungles of Cambodia know of this video.  In the early after noon, I received these top two pieces of computer art.  Elliott's is the top one, 'Gangnam Style.'  It appears that Nick and I are drawn-in as stick people and Elliott and Daevani are doing the dance. And yes, in the door is Psy saying, "cool."  It's autographed and I love it! Thanks bud :)

The second one was designed by a cute 6 year old.  Pretty touching. I am told that the picture means that, 'she is sad and misses me.' I miss you too Daevani. We can keep talking and sending each other messages.  I think about you guys everyday.  I am looking forward to our next conversation together.

Before I left, Daevani painted me this picture. I like to think of it as my dream catcher.

Today went well for class.  I was pretty tired today.  I did my presentations and surprised a few people. We laughed so hard we cried. And the laughing continued. I have such a great class of students.  It not easy being away from the people I love, but I certainly feel blessed to be surrounded by such a genuine group of classmates. We all seem to look out for each other. All 14 of us. To all that say there's always 'one in the bunch' - I disagree.  Sadly, I only have a few more days with them.

Just go this in my email, thanks Daevani!  Came at just the right time. I think I will sleep and feel better now.

Now for a little more fun. I received the following from my Symes family.  In my luggage was a white envelope. I was told not to open it on the plane.  I have been reading it a little each day. I finished it today. I thought I would share it with all of you. Enjoy!

 

 

j

Going to miss these girls, none great weekend!

 

 

 I see him everywhere I go.. everywhere

 

 Trouble x5

 My favorite kind of spider!

 

 Miss ya too

 I will rest easier knowing this.

 

 

 

 Noted

Thank you, I love my book! It would be selfish to keep it to myself.
I may have kept a few pictures to myself..

no money no honey no happy no baby

We left for the trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia Friday afternoon after the exams. PS passed both exams. It was about a six hour drive. I LOVED IT.  It was so great, I got to see rural Cambodia! Zebus, cattle, water bison, people plowing fields, farm work, tiny villages,etc.  We traveled by bus.  As we passed though villages or among cattle chilling on the road, the driver honked.  Honking, graceful swerving around trucks, motorbikes, etc. We had a tour guide on the bus, not really sure why.  He mostly just laughed and drank beer (cheers).  He talked about Khmer culture and how most people pass their time.  As he talked of his culture he would casually say, 'no money no honey no happy no baby' and would laugh. It's catchy, I'll give him that - it's is a cultural thing around here for sure. Long story short, there's not much to do in poor parts of Cambodia, no TVs, ipods, etc - so they start with 8-10 babies at age 12-16.

As you have probably seen in the previous blog, it was eventful and unique. While in the 'tarantula-happy village,' one of the young girls following me around asked me my name. After I telling her, she smiles, paused, and said, "Happy Holly." You are happy. She then led me through the village encouraging me to try various insects, fruit, etc. I talked with her a  young boy for a while.  I was mostly curious about how the find, prepare, and cook the tarantulas. 

They gave me lots of detail.  This was a more rural or remote area and their English was quite good (oh gosh, I think I am picking up on a classmate's Swedish/Scottish-English accent).  They told me that their English teacher was from Australia.  As I walked the market scene, I wanted to find out with this apple-looking purple fruit was.  The girl told me it was "mill fruit."  The texture was soft on the inside. An older women section it into four pieces. Each piece had a pit in it.  Not then best, not the worst thing I have ever tasted. Interesting enough, I wasn't going to buy the fruit, the little girl said,"here I buy, you try, you try" - so cute. She bought me the fruit with her own money. Before I left the village I gave her a dollar, her eyes got really big and she thanked me.

We arrived at the Okay Villa to stay the night, around 8pm.  We were greeted by a large Cambodia Buddha, surrounded by beautiful landscaping, golden lighting, incense, and lily pads. Depending on where you are in Asia, the Buddha's have different physical appearances. For instances, the Cambodian Buddha's typically have large ears to signify a long life. This picture is taken just outside the lobby.  Guests are to remove shoes before entering. There was intricate artwork throughout the lobby, including tall black clay pots with colorful flowered lily pads near all entrance-ways. To get to my room, I walked down narrow corridors in a zig-zag fashion.  That evening we dined at "Happy Herb Pizza." You can order your meals with varying amounts of happy.  The food served varies from pizza to tradition Khmer food.  I already felt pretty happy and didn't feel the need to over-endulge in happy.

  On Saturday morning I woke up at 4:30 am with a few of my classmates and I got up to see the sunrise of over the temple, Angkor Wat (meaning: 'temple city'). This was so beautiful and mesmerizing.  This is the largest religious temple in the world. The structure was build in the early 12th century, I have never experience anything like it. The precisions and intricacy was unbelievable.   

Around 5:10am, just before sunrise 2/2/13 

 Sunrise, Angkor Wat

There is a large moat that encompasses the temple. Originally build as a Hindu temple, it has alternated with varying kings - Buddhism or Hinduism, but now the temple is a combination of Hindu and Buddhism. The temple is made of sandstone from a mountain that is approximately 25 miles from the temple.  The millions of tons of sandstone was brought to the site via elephants and water-scaffolding made of bamboo and rope.  The inside of the temple was encrusted with diamonds.  While the diamonds are no longer present, huge holes remain in the inside temple walls.  The holes are around 3" deep and have the circumference of a golf ball.  The are hundreds of holes.  I can't imagine that many diamond! To this day the structure is a mystery to many architects.

 

The great thing about checking out the temple is that you can navigate as you wish. This was one of a few monkeys just chilling near the temple.

 Side temple on Angkor Wat grounds

 

 Other temples - not sure of names (was written in Khmer)

Ready for some Indiana Jones and Tomb Raider? This was unbelievable!

 

This temple (to the left and right) was built as a model to Angkor Wat and was so neat.  A ancient kings decided that the temple was not big enough, therefore Angkor Wat was assembled.  This temple is visited by less people and is hidden in a jungle.  It is ancient and crumbling in parts, which added to the fun.  It was great climbing around the sandstone.  Little girls led me around this temple - they kept saying, 'mind your head.' They were barefoot and knew every square inch of the crumbling temple, even through the dark tunnels.  Giant trees and tree roots were entwined with in the stone.  The little girls would give me little pieces of history as they drug me all over the temple.  They pointed out stone coffins, water ways that once were covered in flowers, etc.  At times they would swing from vines. So great!

I have so many picture, it is difficult to chose what to put up on the blog.  After a day of temples we went back to the hotel and swam on a rooftop pool.  Later some of went to a local market, grabbed some food, and then headed to the fish tanks.  Have you ever seen the tanks where people put their feet in the water and fish come and nibble? Well, it is rather popular in SE Asia.  The fish eat the dead skin off your feet.  I passed on the fish foot sucking business (which included bar-side service of Angkor beer). I choose a foot massage by a 17 year old Khmer boy with a lisp that had random outbursts of signing and dancing - Gangnam Style.  If that doesn't put a smile on your face, you need more happy.

After the fishy massage fun, 6 of us trailed off to Pub Street Market, where we went to a bar, Angkor What?.  The Bar was dec'd in neon colors and black lights with great art painted on every square inch of the place.  There was no music, due to the King's passing.  And without the music, I would say I still faired well.  I was entertained by Dutch, Aussies, and a couple Brits and my fellow classmates, two of which are foreigners.  I took a tuk tuk home with some friends and called it a night.

In these pictures, Alex (LC Cambodia) is the young little German lad next to me. The two girls are Hannah (LC Thailand) and Olivia - she's hilarious (LC China). And the Under picture is me and Megan (LC China). Quite the bunch, they keep this comical and lively. I had maybe 1/4 mug of Angkor beer, Nick wasn't there to share the mug with me so I had to poor some in their mugs.  I can't keep up with these kids - fine by me.

Sunday, I Skyped with Nick and had to fill him in on my adventures and he filled me in on his weekly projects :) I think he is enjoying the snow! Looking forward to our next conversation.

 

Today, Monday - we had class. Went well, but I was pretty tired.  This blog is getting plenty long, so I will leave you with my assignment that I am presenting in 10 hours.  We were to create recorded dialogues in goofy accents to present teaching "listening" lessons.  I chose Glen (Scottish, Swedish) as a voice in my dialogue. The two voices/accents I chose were Shrek and Barbie from 'Barbie Girl' for voices in a date scene.  I will say that it is an interesting piece that I am not sure my parents or grandparents would understand. 

It is almost 1 am.  I hope you appreciated this crazy rambling of mine. To sleep I go. Love you all lots!