Rolling with Heat
Good Afternoon.
I apologize for my month-long absence from posting. I know there are many of you who have been faithful followers of my misadventures. My life has changed a bit since I stopped travelling a few months ago. When I was travelling, there was always something new to report, but now, I have something like a regular life. I will make an attempt to update more frequently from now on, though I think the subject matter might change a bit.
A few weeks ago, I had an interesting Sunday. I believe in one of my previous posts, I mentioned that I teach English to a few guys at CMAC, in Kampon Chnang. Also when I am there I give lessons to the Governor, his excellency Sou Phirin. Teaching the Governor is loads of fun, he is a hard working student and often will tell tales about his life. Being in his early 50s, he lived and survived the Pol Pot regime – he literally ran home to his province when the Khmer Rouge captured Phnom Penh. At the time, he was a law student and was unable to complete his studies (most of the intellegencia was killed off, so he was lucky to have survived) and so now that he has the means, he wants to get his doctorate of law. My school is working with him to set up a program with an accredited western universtiy so he can do this while remaining governor. But first he needs to really improve his English. This is where I come in.
So getting back to that sunday, the Governor invited my two bosses, Neil and James (who both teach him as well) and myself for a tour of his province. The week before, I could tell he was getting real excited and wanted to really impress us. We pulled out of Phnom Penh in two Land Crusiers, each with an AK-47 under the front seat and about 8 clips of ammo, with an additional car ahead of us providing “security and logistics”. Our first stop was Udong mountain, a Wat containing the remains of a 16th century king or something. I don’t know, I wasn’t paying much attention (hey, it was early on a Sunday morning). The view was nice, we had a great vista over rice patties dotted with Palm trees. It was more interesting to watch the Governor work the crowd. I have never really hung out with a politician in a public setting, and I must say he knew how to keep attention focused on himself.
Afterwards, we vistited the airport in Kampon Chnang, which is now basically a runway and a few decrepid buildings. Appearantly it is soon going to be refurbished and will handle all the cargo flights into the country. I think the hope is to make Kampon Chnang a bustling hub of commercial activity. Though I don’t see this happening too soon.
Our final stop was lunch on the Tonle Sap river. We piled into a few boats and headed to a local commune chief’s house where we ate freshly caught river fish. Glasses of Hennesy, Black Label, and some good Bordeaux were practically forced upon us, which made the rest of the trip much more enjoyable. We stopped by a fish hatchery and watched the workers moving different sized fish into various pens, all the while trying not to fall in the murky water.
And that about wrapped up the day. We saw a few interesting things, though I could have thought of some better ways to spend a Sunday (sleeping for instance).
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In more recent news, my friend Ryuji from college, is here for a month or so. Last weekend, we headed down to Sihanoukville for some beach action, and to try out the local offshore fishing scene. We hired out a boat for the day, making it clear to the organizer that we wanted Barracuda. As we pulled out to sea, I was wondering where the fishing rods were. When we arrived at the fishing spot, our guides pulled out plastic bottles with some fishing line and a hook wrapped around them. We put on some squid and dropped them down into the water. We did catch some fish, though most of them were pathetically small. We brought them back to Chivas to cook up – it wasn’t too bad, though I have had better fish.
Tags: Cambodia
Neil
February 14th, 2005 at 9:09 am
Hi Neal, Thanks for repyling to my post on BnA. I’ve had a look at your blog now, and am impressed. You can read mine as well, it’s called “The Great Mahoney Adventure” and you can find it using a search of BnA. I will try what you said as far as trying to find work. Cambodia really calls to me just like I think it does for you. I am likely to stay about 6 months on my next visit, which will be in about 2 months. Maybe we can meet up for a beer and a talk. I’d love to hear and tell some stories with a fellow barang. 🙂
February 14th, 2005 at 9:35 am
Sorry, tried the search thingy I was talking about, and it didn’t work, so here is my blog. I’ve been there twice, so it’s both trips put together.
http://blogs.bootsnall.com/shonda/
I’m going to swallow my fears and get an apartment in PP soon, so cantact me okay? I’ll need some true friends, not the fake kind in Cambodia who really have ulterior motives (money American citizenship, etc). I’ve learned that lesson… 🙂 Take care.
February 17th, 2005 at 3:06 pm
I expect more from the great Japanese Tuna fisherman than a few measly reef fish! Ryuji, hope all is well dude. Neil, word at the BFC headquarters is that this barracuda trip included some interesting “supplies”. Rock on G’s. …And we still smokin’!
February 19th, 2005 at 4:08 pm
I was hoping to see a photo of the AK47 hide in the land rover. see the fire power in case of action… keep your trigger finger ready..
February 21st, 2005 at 12:07 pm
Hi, Neil – I figured Dad would want to see the firepower. Always looking for some excitment!
Reading your blog on this 21st day of February, 2005 and reading of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson’s death yesterday adds a new texture to this experience. Makes me want to pack my bags and push off.
Keep the letters coming- Bart
February 23rd, 2005 at 7:51 pm
Did the Governor have drivers as well?
Politicians are incredible. Take it from me; the best seat is as the guest in the rear left. After all the hoopla, imagine doing it with a boisterous American with too big of a head.
Stay safe…