I could write about the very kind folk here and sticky rice. It has been a kind of holiday here the past several days. Kind of a Day of the Dead type thing, folks go to the pagodas and give offerings and rememberances to their ancestors. Often sticky rice is offered. So the folks downstairs gave us some of their sticky rice they were preparing. And Jess went to Battambang with our friend Rithy, to his family home. And he gave us some sticky rice also. It's not Jaz's favorite but I think Jess likes it. I do like it. It's sticky rice very tightly wrapped with palm leaves or banana leaves. With the rice can be banana or beans and I couldn't figure out what else. In any case Rithy suggested we eat it with banana. The more beany ones I like with a little sweet and spicy sauce. Very filling.
Continuing with food, last night we went to a locals BBQ place, not touristy. It's Cambodian food that's inexpensive, very good with the added bonus of cheap pitchers of beer. We started with grilled duck with red ant sauce. It was very tasty, though I'm kinda glad my eyes were still a bit cloudy with pink eye as it was difficult to see the ants. We had rice of course though it wasn't just white rice but a veg rice. And beef salad and veg salad. I loved the grilled squid, simple but cooked perfect. Strips of tender beef, still red/pink that gets dipped in a black pepper lime sauce. Oh and grilled frogs which were also meaty and tasty, mostly the thighs and calfs. They also served a most interesting corn dish. Kernals toasted I believe, very good. Some folks said it reminded them of kettle corn but I didn't think so. Everyone was well satisfied with food and drink. I tried to save a dish for my scraps/bones but Jess pointed out the Khmer way was to throw all that under the table. Couldn't bring myself to do that. Lest I forget dessert, we had honeycomb fried with bee larvae. Jess and i seemed to be the only ones who liked it. Definitely a different kind of taste, good but a watery consistency. that's the only food pic. I need to take more food pics.
I could mention the weather. The weather here has 'cooled' a bit (low 80's/high 70's) and it doesn't rain every day. Very pleasant and it does in fact seem cool in the morning at 77 degrees. I'm surprised myself at this. We don't always use the fans as there are cooling breezes and rare if we turn the air on, mostly if the humidity is high.
Perhaps I should talk about my feeling that I haven't changed my life as much as I changed location, in other words have I changed my life or just locations? Jess and I have talked about how it feels like we've recreated the lives we lived at home. And did we come here to change our life or to help people in need. Probably a combo of both and more. Of course it's very different here and the work we do and the conditions we work in are vastly different. I don't think we'll understand much and get a handle on our feelings until we are here for much longer period of time. Well that's my prediction at least.
I wonder if there is a subtle, gradual change in our thought process, our perceptions. For example I seem to be aware of the use of certain words/phrases. When I say I need something, like a middle sized pot, ( I have a lg. and sm.), I don't really 'need' it I want it. In a world of so much dire need the word's meaning changes. In a way this kinda gets back to our motivation for moving here. I and I think Jess wanted to simplify our lives. Did we simplify or do we 'need' more cushions for the chairs? Sure we don't have cars and don't have to mow our lawn but we still like the creature comforts. I guess it's difficult to leave what feels comfortable.
I could also state that I really miss our good friends and family, and I know Jess does also. We miss getting together with folks and just talking, bouncing ideas around. I terribly miss sharing meals and food with friends and family. I'm already looking forward to getting together with people when we return in May for Dylan's wedding.
Well we have off for a few days and will have the house to ourselves. Jaz is going to Battambang with Sovann for a few days. I hope Jess forgives me for being in a not so good of a mood. Luckily I don't get sick often or Jess would have 'hit the road' years ago. She's a very tolerant and loving person. Ha ha Jess, you reading this? Hopefully we'll relax and not do too much related to work. We are going to 'trivia night' tonight with some friends. And we are also going to Battambang on Sat. We're taking the slow boat ride there. We've done that before and it's just a fascinating way to see people who live along the lake and river (Tonle Sap). We'll meet Sovanns family and return Sunday by bus with Jaz. A city to the West where they are known for their huge rice production. It's nice to have some time off.
No comments:
Post a Comment