Friday, February 20, 2009

some pix to tide you over

Yeah yeah yeah...

I know it's been forever since I posted. Effing internet here makes posting such a chore.

Anyway... here are a few photos...maybe a video too






this is a video of my old house. you can get a bit of an idea of the place (if I uploaded the right vid). I ended up moving to where I am now because it was just too far outside of town for me. I now live very near the market and can come and go as I please. woo hoo!

While I'm waiting on the vid to upload, here's a quick quip about Cambodia:
Everywhere else in the world, if you touch your poo once a month, they say "You're a sick bastard!" In Cambodia, if you aren't touching your poo at least once a day, they say "I think you're sick, bastard!" this is because 99.9% of Cambodian's do not use toilet paper. They use their left hand for cleaning the old #2 chute! Think about that next time I'm shaking your hand! In place of TP, more modern places (like my new house) have the "butt blaster". This is a small hose with a spray attachment on the end that comes out of the wall near the toilet and allows you to pressure wash the ol bung hole. One of the first things you learn however is to test spray the hose as some have brutally strong water pressure and could detatch your colon. Those who have older houses (like my old one) have a cistern of water near the squat toilet and a water dipper. You have to splash your water on the "spot" and then, yes you guessed it, let your fingers do the washing! This sounds pretty bad but in practice it ends up being a lot cleaner than using paper (provided you wash your hands afterwards with soap). Only thing is, the average Cambodian male (at least the ones who want everyone to know they have money) lets their nails grow to be very long. (to demonstrate that they don't have to work in the fields everyday) Long nails on a person who wipes their ass with their hand isn't a good combination. I personally can't stand the whole "I've got money" thing. Many students who have money here think they can do as they please, coming and going during class etc. It's been fun for me to bring them back to Earth from time to time. Man... this vid is taking a long time to upload. What else can I talk about... let's see.

I've started working with an NGO here called the Tiger Foundation (www.tigerfoundation.com). They are working with a school near my own and I hope to work with them on various community development projects in the future. One project I'm already on board for is a fundraising motorcycle trip. The trip involves travel from Singapore to Cambodia, moving through Malaysia and Thailand. I'll be acting as logistical support during the trip but won't get to ride any bikes sadly. Damn Peace Corps rules! I sure hope you readers enjoy this damn video coz it's taking forever to upload. Hell, it's probably the wrong one anyway.

Ok... this vid is taking too long so I'm leaving it out. I'll try to post some photos and stuff later on! See ya soon!

6 comments:

A. Harvey said...

So, have you had any trouble being a lefty? My understanding is that we're looked down upon for the very reason you listed.
Miss you.

glenna said...

Well, now I'm pretty grossed out. Pooey! And how about that big lead up to the video. Pooey 2! I'm sending tp next time. Love Mom

glenna said...

Well, now I'm pretty grossed out. Pooey! And how about that big lead up to the video. Pooey 2! I'm sending tp next time. Love Mom

glenna said...

Might know I'd post that comment twice. Don't know when to hush.

Margaret said...

If I remember your a lefty arent you!! :) Sounds like fun! Well the whole world isnt like the US! Its not surprising to me-and your Im sure your right its probably cleaner that way! We're probably the only country who is ashamed of our bodies! Unless you throw some pretty dollars bills in exchange for sex and most people forget their shame LOL! People are so interesting and yet boring at the same instance!

Unknown said...

Now it's never been said that you were one for the mainstream...you go where you go. And I hope you are doing well in your part of the world while the financial giant that once was the USA crumbles...so, what is your time table for staying? Too bad you can't ride the MCs on your trek. You can ride my Harley if you get back to Tampa. Stay well, my friend and I'll check in on you soon.