Being in Portland seemed to take our mind off our eventual landing in Cambodia. It was unbelievably wonderful to spend a few days with Marissa and Skyler, unfortunately just one day with Jenny (Sky's GF). They were terrific hosts and it truly felt we were living in the moment. Except for us talking about food all the time, which included what we were eating at the moment, what we ate previously and where we would eat our next meal. This we all enjoyed doing, ok maybe Jess was not thrilled with this food obsession. She did say more than once "please no more talk of food". What's her problem? One of the best if not the best trip to Portland!
We had a bit of difficulty with our luggage situation. Yes we had a lot of luggage, after all we're moving to Cambodia! And granted we were pushing the outer limits of carry-ons, perhaps beyond the limits. But we were lulled into a "what's the problem?" attitude by the wonderful airline Jet Blue who had no problem with beyond the limits luggage. Suffice to say we had to dole out some bucks and spent some significant time rearranging our 4 BIG bags with one at 70lbs and the rest @ 50, not over of course. And then we had to check a 5th bag later as we couldn't consolidate our carry-ons to pass muster. We felt like they were being luggage nazis though at final boarding a woman let us fit our tube of pictures and posters into a bag, it went into the bag about 2 inches. Alright you light travelers, we were/are normally also light travelers, so don’t scowl at this as this is a somewhat big move. We did finally make it to Cambodia and the 5 checked bags arrived also with no problems. The only problem was that a fellow Costco shopper ended up with our 70# bag and we ended up with his filled with diapers and granola bars. We wondered why his felt so light. Fortunately thanks to luggage tags and email we were able to exchange bags the next morning. Very nice folks with the cutest 2 yr. old.
The plane trips were fine I liked the relatively short 10+ hrs., ha ha, ride to Seoul. And then the really short, 5.5 hrs., jaunt to Phnom Penh. Definitely recommend Asiana Air. Halfway decent food and lots of it, whoops there we are with the food thing. Well anyone reading this better get used to that. Our daughter Jaz once wrote a paper for school on our family’s obsession with food.
So we’re in Cambodia! Oh I should mention we met up with Jess’s cousin, who she hadn’t seen since she was a little kid, at the Seattle airport. A very nice and personable young man (ha ha early 40’s). I thought he looked like a Whitney. A special treat to talk with him, short a visit as it was. We were greeted at the airport in Phnom Penh by Rithy and Mr. Hang with a big van. They work for the family who have the Seven Candles Guest House http://www.sevencandlesguesthouse.com/ and the PLF http://www.theplf.org/ . We know them well so it was a pleasure to see familiar faces. We got to our hotel around midnight and collapsed as we would be off to Siem Reap in the morning.
Part of the family was in Phnom Penh visiting relatives, so the next morning we had the pleasure of seeing them and going to the Cambodian National Museum with them. We were lucky because Dara, the brother, is very knowledgeable of Khmer history and would tell us some of the history behind the artifacts. I still am amazed that the Western world is generally unaware of the incredible Khmer Empire and it’s achievements. We had great fun on the ride, @ 5 hours, to Siem Reap. We got to see the countryside and passed through various villages/towns/farms. We played games with Ya Ya, She’s Dara and Arina’s 5yr. old daughter. And I got to talk to Dara about the Pol Pot era. I am reluctant to bring that up ever but so very interested. Fortunately he mentioned it and that opened the door for me. Amazing that I can talk to someone who lived through it. He was 11 when Pol Pot came to power. Incredible perspective and stories. Talk about resilience.
I was also able to talk to Srei the older sister, who is deaf. We communicate by writing. Always fascinating talks with her. She’s quite intelligent and knows a few languages. We will talk again as she remembers that era quite well she says. Can’t wait. We stopped along the way and were approached by several young girls selling fruit. We paid way too much for a bag of fresh pineapples and mango, 1 dollar, as Rithy told us should have been a quarter. Ha ha foolish Americans. They were also selling fried spiders, no I didn’t buy any though I hope to get my nerve up to try them someday.
We were greeted at the Guest House by the rest of the family Ponheary, Marina, the kids, Lori AND Jasmine! So great to see her and the family as well. After a quick beer Jaz and I went to get take out. I’ve been avoiding Asian food the last several weeks knowing I would be here so I got a chicken/veg curry dish and Jaz got a tuna melt and fries from a place around the corner that serves Asian and Western food. Jaz said it was expensive and I over tipped, total $7. It was good and then I hit a wall and could not keep my eyes open. I slept fairly well and long with weird dreams. One was me back at the office with one day to go before leaving for Cambodia and trying to find, for my former boss Toki, notes on HIPPA. Hmmmm.
I woke @ 6am there was a nice breeze and then it rained and now it’s very pleasant not at all hot. I am so very happy to be here and begin our Cambodian life. House hunting soon! Till next time. -Steve
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