Life

Hello all. It has been a crazy couple of weeks. My friends from America-Kelley, Gof and Karen came to Thailand for two weeks. We had a great time together. They met me on  ko phi phi island where we snorkeled, lounged on the beach and ate some great food. We then flew to Chiang Mai. We did a Thai cooking class at an organic farm about 45 minutes outside of the city. It was such a beautiful spot with lovely people. We shopped at two amazing night markets.  There is nothing like the night markets in Chiang Mai-- so much to see, smell, taste and touch!!  We then headed north to a darling town called Pai. I fell deeply in love with an elephant but decided it was much too big to fit in my pocket and take with me. We were definitely kindred spirits (at least I thought so).  My friends and I spent our last night together in Bangkok.  I got up at the crack of dawn to take the bus to Bangkok while Kell, Gof and Karen flew.  For $18 you get a 10 hour bus ride, three pastries, one water, one orange juice, one strawberry milk, one green drink and lunch.  They just kept giving me things- I could not believe it!!  We had an incredible dinner at an open air restaurant on the water. Kell was so sweet and treated us all to the feast!  It was so lovely to travel with friends that know me well- there was a lot of inside jokes, laughter and exploration of Thailand. 

My reality has changed dramatically from just four days ago. In am currently in Cambodia. It is such an amazing county. I spent two days in Phnom Phen. I met a man from Norway on the plane and shared a tuk tuk with him to an area that I wanted to stay. It was so great to meet Sam, the tuk tuk driver-- he drove me all around to find a good place for me to stay. It is the Chinese New Year so it has been crazy busy. Finally we found a dorm room. No, that is not good enough for you, he exclaimed. He found me a safe, clean and affordable place to stay with a room and bathroom all to myself:) 

I hired Sam to drive me around the next day. He came to my guest house in the morning.  I had tea and breakfast with him.  I took one look in his kind eyes and began to cry.  I learned some sad news of a friend the previous night and did not sleep well.  He calmed me and told me that life has many windy roads and it was ok to be sad.  I was so grateful to have him there at that time. 

I learned many interesting things from Sam as we spent about 5 hours together that day. He explained that many marriages in Cambodia are arranged. He told me his story.... his parents requested that he come visit them one day. As he walked up to the house he knew that something important was happening; there were many pairs of shoes outside. That was the day he met his wife. He knew her for 3 weeks before their wedding. He has three beautiful children.  Sam advised me to stay single.  I giggled and told him that I still believe in love.

I had a really intense time in Phnom Phen.  I visited the Killing Fields about 15 km outside of the city.  It is a mass grave sight from when the Khmer Rouge ruled from 1975 to 1979.  It was one of the most humbling, somber, unreal experiences of my life.  Sam told me he lost his brother in a village due to this cruel regime.  I later visited the prison located in the city.  This country has experienced so many years of brutality and war.... I am in awe of the people.  They are always smiling, laughing and have been unbelievably kind to me.

The next day I walked to a shopping mall about one block from my guest house.  I was sooo excited-- a movie theater!!  I watched a Cambodian movie called Lost Loves.  I was really happy for the Cambodian couple that was in the theater with me-- it would have been even more emotional to watch the film all alone in such a large theater:)  It was a film about the Khmer Rouge. 

I arrived today in a small town called Kep.  I decided to come here for a few reasons:

1.)  Not many tourists
2.)  They have fresh crabs to eat
3.)  They have pepper plantations that host the most delicious pepper in the world

I walked to the crab market today.  It was my favorite dining experience so far.  It was unbelievably busy- with people selling octopuses, shrimp and crab.  The crab fisherman (actually most were women) were catching the crab right in front of me.  I walked to the waters edge and said I would like to buy some crab.  One woman grabbed my hand directing me to "her crabs."  Her friends were trying to steal me away from her- but I remained loyal:)  I bought 6 crabs for $3.00 and paid $0.50 to have it cooked.  I then went to buy some sugar cane juice from a woman that pressed it in front of me.  She offered me a seat, gave me some napkins and showed me the best way to open the crab.  I am a spoiled American when it comes to eating crab-- I am usually armed with special crab utensils.  She was the sweetest. 

As far as traveling in Cambodia-- it has been very full-on.  There is so much happening- I am completely aware of each moment- it is great.  I am so in love with this country.  I appreciate this opportunity to be plopped into these lovely peoples lives for a short period and share with them. The three most common questions:

1.)  Do you want a tuk tuk?  My answer, no thank you
2.)  Are you alone?  My answer, no- my boyfriend is right around the corner
3.)  Are you married?  My answer, no- but I am planning on getting married in 2 months time :) 

It is just easier that way.  I think I have been called a beautiful lady and beautiful woman by both men and women more times in Cambodia than in my entire life put together back home.  The children are even more incredible-- they are always smiling, waving and shouting out hello.  So nice.  I am heading north in a few days to meet up with my friend Lulu.  I will post again sooner this time:)