Back to work

After a quiet weekend, Phnom Penh is noticeably busier this morning.  Traffic, shops open, school is back, and a general buzz.  The New Year holiday is over.  At the office its the usual chat about what everyone did during the break.  Most of the locals went to the home province to visit family.  There is a sense of sadness too.  Unfortunately one of our CARE colleagues in the Koh Kong office was killed in a car accident during the break.  It’s a small office in Koh Kong so naturally this will have an impact on the team.  Road accidents are the most common cause of death in Cambodia.  Its not surprising – no speed limit, overcrowding on motorbikes  (5 on a motorbike is still the most I have witnessed)) – not to mention people crammed into buses and trucks like sardines, and little observation of lanes and right of way, make for hairy conditions.  It’s a tragedy. I make sure I call Sathya and Aspara who were so helpful to me when I visited Koh Kong.

It’s a busy day in the office for me finishing stakeholder interviews for the communications strategy.  Its really important I take into the account the needs of CAREs target audiences.  I have some good discussions with CAREs partners at various UN Agencies.

Its really hot today.  I spend lunch checking on some Optus emails in the western café next to the office.  Not great food – but the aircon and the wifi compensate!

After work Frank & I take advantage of the fading daylight and power-walk around the parks.  Its around 5.45 and the streets are full of locals promenading and exercising.  In the park large groups gather for outdoor aerobics sessions.  As far as I can tell there is nothing official about this – just an enthusiastic, and relatively fit, young person who starts up the ghetto-blaster, gathers a crowd and starts a class.  Looks like fun and one would certainly not be intimidated by the fitness levels!   Further on we also stumble across some street performers whose show appears to be very hammed up lip synching to Khmer love songs.  Think of the most mournful country and western ballad you have ever heard, multiply that by 50, and you start to get the idea about the music!! 

Craving a change from Asian food, dinner is at “Tamarind”, a lovely Mediterranean, & middle eastern place on St 240, which is a “trendier” area of Phnom Penh.  The Tapas and chicken tangine are delicious.  Home via a walk by the river to assist the digestion!  Loads of Khmers are paying respects at the pagoda by the riverfront  - looks like the new year celebrations continue.

I'll finish today's post with a funny photo from Siem Reap for a sign prohibiting entry to those carrying hand grenades, guns, swords, syringes, and wearing pirate hats!!  I wonder what sort of people go to this nightclub?