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September 7, 2008
A short one for the road.
I seem to be living a charmed existence here in Phnom Penh. I've been here a week, and I've managed to get a phone, find an apartment, and turn down an opportunity to be involved in shady business at the big casino here in town. In addition, I've managed to find a couple of friends in the local expat community.
A few days ago I managed to run into Brendan Brady, last year's PIA fellow at the Phnom Penh Post, who's staying on independently. His command of khmer is pretty impressive, and he imparted some advice on settling in. Chris Shays, this year's PPP fellow, is coming in a week. I hope to greet him with a fully furnished apartment and tickets to go see some Khmer boxing (also known as Kun Khmer or Pradal Serey; basically Muay Thai's neglected cousin). Things are shaping up to be a great year.
Yesterday, for instance, I hung out with Miwa and her friends on their roof until a sudden downpour, and ended up going to see a drag show, cambodian style. The performers did the classic lip-syching routines, except they were singing torch songs and emulating sirens I was completely unfamiliar with. They tended to be well enough put together to be alternately amusing and threatening to the female spectators I had come there with, though their hair needed work. All in all, a surreal experience. After that we went to the semi-obligatory First Friday party at Elsewhere's, where my highlight was meeting someone taller than I, though I probably had about 40 lbs on him. He's british, but went to high school in Singapore for some reason, and was looking to play college basketball somewhere in the states until he found out he had a heart condition. Apparently he's teaching in Kep for a year or so until he goes to college. Seemed like a standup guy; he might come up for the water festival. Most of our conversation revolved around sports and how low doorways are in this country.
Anyways, travel sickness plus consumption of Angkor Beer (and its competitor, Anchor Beer) equals a poor morning. But I persevered, and ended up going out to meet with my rental agent guy for the second day in a row. After a number of nice but too-expensive places, we just happened to wander by a place that fit both my price range and my sense of style. I move in on tuesday..pictures to come.
Anyway, tomorrow I plan to work out at the old school gym, see about buying a bike, and settle my rental contract. If I have time I will reward myself by blogging about the five best things I've had to eat here so far, which should be really enjoyable.
Posted by flynn at September 7, 2008 1:10 AM
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Comments
Glad to see that the Adamsphere extends all the way to southeast Asia! Staying away from shady "bidness" at the casino seems like a wise choice ... that path might lead to Gerard Depardieu's bar/hotel, Russian gangstas, etc.
Posted by: Ann at September 7, 2008 2:43 AM
You are not the tallest man in Cambodia.
Do not pass Go. Do not collect two hundred tall dollars.
(But maybe you can still get second place in the beauty competition from Cambodian Community Chest.)
Posted by: kunstlerin at September 7, 2008 6:04 AM