First Impressions
We have been here a week, and already experienced so much. It took us only a couple days to get over jet lag, but mornings and bedtimes are early here so we haven’t had the energy to write yet. But here goes…
Traffic…in theory works like in the US. One drives on the right hand side of the road. Lanes are marked. There are some traffic lights. But beyond that, everything is different. Cars, motorcycles and bikes fill the road. Each moves wherever there is space, including over the center line whenever necessary. Lanes are fairly irrelevant. If convenient, one turns left right next to the inside curb, and then you move over to the correct lane whenever it is convenient. One can cross oncoming traffic to park on the opposite side of the road. No problem. U-turns anywhere – no problem. Cars and motos frequently meet in the center of an intersection and then everyone takes their turn getting through. I’ve been able to trust our drivers – they have been pretty good. But at times, you just close your eyes. Rules of the road…you are responsible for everything in front of you. Those behind you are expected to do the same. Ron hopes to learn to drive a moto (motorcycle). I may just stick to my bike! Getting around as a family may require a tuk-tuk for quite a while.
Heat…it is hot. Definitely not as hot as it can be and the winds are nice. But after a cool Pennsylvania summer, we are generally sweating like pigs. Showers any time of the day are a necessity. It is the rainy season – although it isn’t raining every day. That cools things down.
Food…mostly very good. Our children, Austin and Acacia especially, have delighted in all the new fruits, anxious to taste every one. They truly have been very good about everything – already up for a Khmer breakfast at the corner shop on our second morning, and even finding a dish with fermented fish paste to be pretty good. That was one of the first things we read about, long ago. The whole fish served one evening at retreat was a little scary, but after trying it – the kids found it to be their favorite part of the meal…well besides the fruit and dessert. I tried a papaya fruit shake, and couldn’t stomach that. That happened early on – so the kids now have an out when they find something they do not like. But the pizza party at the MCC retreat was a welcome change, and we had Honeycomb cereal for breakfast today!
Sleep…under mosquito nets, in front of fans. Early to bed, early to rise. We haven’t quite adapted to that yet.
Language…we know very little. Our MCC guides have covered for us completely. All of us feel anxious to learn, so that we can get manage a bit on our own.
Sites…the streets are full of vendors, making their livings, selling everything. It seems constantly busy. It is hard for us to know exactly what is safe to eat yet for our American digestive systems. We’ve seen the Royal Palace – our MCC host said it was the prettiest place in Cambodia, gardens, unique architecture and very clean. We also toured Toul Sleng – the former high school that Pol Pot used in the 1970’s to interrogate, torture and kill those that opposed his rule. That was sobering. One afternoon at a water park…a wave pool, swimming pool, lazy river and slides. Kind of like in the US. But the power did shut down in the middle of the afternoon, so the pumps didn’t run. Janaya loves the Russian market – well, except for the meat / fish corner. So many interesting things to see. She always has liked shopping. We concluded the MCC regional retreat with a dinner cruise on the Mekong river. Chinese food, a nice breeze – nothing like we have ever done before. We have always tried to give our children many experiences – but we’ve had more new experiences this week than perhaps ever before.
The country… we braved a trip into the country with other MCCer’s during our retreat. As kids would, they chose the back seats of the bus. Pretty bumpy ride – occasionally got 6-12 inches of air on the biggest bumps. Who needs Hershey Park? The rice fields were beautiful – but of course, we don’t make our living that way. Looks like very hard work. Our hosts were gracious, feeding us a huge noon meal which included our first coconut juice drink. Squatty potties – a challenge…including an emergency stop at someone’s house for Acacia. We won’t say anymore about that.
The work of MCC in the village we visited…we visited a village where in the early 1990’s MCC helped to establish several programs, which are now run by the villagers. Forestry – MCC helped to reestablish a forest that had been destroyed during the Khmer Rouge – half for economic reasons, the other half as a preserve. Charcoal plant – the villages make their own charcoal, which can be sold. A giant still collects the “vinegar” which is used as an insect repellant. Chemistry at work! Village savings and loan – the village has established its own bank. One day a month, members come to the local Pagoda to pay interest, pay off their loans, or borrow money. Many women and children were gathered on this day. Rice bank – the village had established their own rice bank, to help those in need during poor growing years. Families no longer need to go outside to get help. The rice and resources stay within the community – helping their own people.
Challenges…we live in the city, so we’ve got it nice…a washing machine, so far meals cooked for us so far at MCC or restaurants. But keeping up with laundry is a big job – considering how much we are sweating. We are learning to use our new cell phones – a necessity here – the only way of communication. Thank goodness for our teenager! Yes, even Ron will be carrying one this year. Our digestive systems – nothing serious, but there have been some adjustments. Learning our way around, the city isn’t large, but we haven’t learned many landmarks, and of course we don’t know the language. We’ve got much to learn about managing to live here. Language – we need numbers, names of food and directions – quick!
Thanks…our kids are doing wonderfully. More than one person has commented on their willingness to try new things, and their adaptability. I would agree. We’ve had fights and tears – but generally over the same issues that would cause problems in PA. Our hosts – we have been graciously taken care of over the past week. The national staff here will do anything for us – set up our house, call a tuk-tuk driver, get our cell phones, arrange doctor appointments, fix things. A very good support system.
This week – on Wednesday we will move into our house. It seems clear across town from most all of the other MCC staff. It seems to be a quieter part of town – which may make learning to drive easier. We’ll need to get our kitchen set up, our mosquito nets and fans ready. We’ve bought toilet paper already – very important right now. It is close to our work and the kid’s school – that is good. But we will learn to find our own tuk-tuk drivers, the market, an Internet shop, a language teacher, a western grocery store, the corner noodle shop... Prayer….very helpful as we make this transition.
Roseann
