Okay, so it's the year of the chicken or some such thing, so I decided to have some chicken today at dinner, maybe it'll bring me luck or something. :) Asians are big on luck, they either think you are or aren't and that you don't really make your own destiny as much as it's all up to fate.

Did I mention that it's HOT? Yeah, I'm sure I did. And there is just no relief in sight. Not even late at night does it feel noticeably cooler, only slightly, and that gets old. I am glad that this is as bad as it gets because I am sure I couldn't take staying here if it were even worse.

Back to the New Year craze. The city has pretty much emptied out. Apparently most Khmer go home to their home provinces to stay for a few days right now, so the city is pleasantly less busy in the last day or so.

I bought a Phnom Penh Post newspaper this week because it had some things about the 30 year anniversary of the Khmer Rouge in it. But I found it interesting that the article was short and didn't say a whole lot. Hmmm...

Well, I have been here in this sweltering heat for what, almost 2 weeks now? All I've done for the most part is sleep and eat. Sleeping is about all you can do all afternoon, it's hard enough just to move around.

I will soon be out looking for a job or volunteer position, after the city returns to normal. It didn't take long to figure out that nothing gets done for a long time in preparation for the New Year, and so I knew it was hopeless.

I did find a great little apartment in a perfect location right across the street from the National Museum and only about 2 blocks from the Royal Palace. It's within easy walking or moto distance to everything in town. It has a huge balcony, and is just right for me at only $180 a month. :) I'll take some pictures once it's ready and I'm in there. The owner needs another 5 days or so to get it ready, it's being renovated now.

Well, that's all for now folks. I'll write again soon. ~Shonda