May 16, 2012 – Day 2 in Cambodia

Well, today is day number two in the beautiful city of Phnom Penh. Since coming here, I have noticed a lot of similarities between Phnom Penh and Hyderabad, India. First, there is a large poverty gap between the rich and the very poor. The ratio of Lexus and Toyota vehicles to bicycles is astonishing for a developing country. Second, the best way to tour the city is not by nice motorcar, but by tuk tuk/rickshaws. Although the drivers try to take advantage of my recently arrived status, the majority of tuk tuk drivers are more than willing to barter down. Third, the food here is delicious and the portion size is ginormous. The host mother does not speak any English, but she makes amazing dishes and her plating skills are incredible.

Today Tessa, Rachel, and I met with RACHA to discuss possible programs to intern in and toured the different departments. As I learned about the many programs RACHA is implementing throughout Cambodia, I was somewhat overwhelmed. The individuals who work here are doing so much good, and clearly are passionate about the projects they are working on. I did not pick a specific department to work with because there was so much information to digest and contemplate. The one thing I can say is that this organization has created a lot of positive change in Cambodia. I am incredibly honored to be interning with this organization.

P.S. The cockroach welcoming party continued on today. For some reason, the cockroaches love to visit me while I am brushing my teeth. Thankfully Tessa was here and I did not have to take my turn to bat during cockroach baseball. I have never laughed so hard. Perhaps I will finally be able to kill spiders when I get home. None of them compare to the cockroaches here.

Seriously, why am I the only one that spots them? Perhaps that is my secret ability and my end goal is to eradicate cockroaches off the face of the planet. I will have to brainstorm a cool superhero name....

-M 

Jumbriasua Cambodia!

After over 24 hours of sitting in close quarters and smelling questionable scents on the airplane, I have made it to Phnom Penh! I am exhausted but incredibly excited to be here. Rachel, Beau, and Rosemary came to the airport to pick me up and I was definitely excited to seem them, but more importantly my new bed!

The apartment Rachel, Tessa, and I are staying at is quite nice. As you exit the vehicle, the spiral staircase that leads up to the apartment immediately draws you in. Yes, it may be narrow, slippery, and questionable but it makes one feel as if though she or he is living in a castle. Once you are at the top of the staircase, you open the door and enter Rachel’s room. Rachel’s room is nicely decorated with a large bed in the top right corner, wooden shelves to the right, and holes at the top of the wall to allow for air and small creatures to enter the apartment.

Towards the left of Rachel’s room is a hallway, which leads to my and Tessa’s room. Not quite as large as Rachel’s, but the room has two beds, a small rack for clothes, and a lovely fan whose air is a blessing everyday. My room shares a similar decoration with Rachel’s in which there are holes at the very top of the concrete walls. Not only does this allow creatures that enter Rachel’s room to visit Tessa and me, but it also allows us to speak to each other without moving from one’s bed.

 As you exit our room and turn to the right, there you will see the watering hole and the bathroom. For a developing country, the bathroom exceeds expectations. Yes, the toilet does not flush, but at least it is a toilet and you can wash down toilet paper. The shower does not have hot water, but the cold water feels amazing after a day of soaking in humid air and my own sweat. Seriously, it is so humid here that a crouton would turn into a moist piece of bread in 2 seconds.

Well, that concludes the tour of my living quarters for the next few months. I am so excited to be here and I can tell the creatures of Cambodia are happy I am here too. Today a lovely cockroach the size of a Milano cookie decided to greet Rachel and I. Boy, I am going to love it here. Thank you Mr. Cockroach for visiting me as I brushed my teeth. I apologize for having to sweep you off the front porch, but you are not cute or cuddly.

-M

P.S. Although this post may come off with sarcasm, the apartment is incredibly nice given the circumstances and the host family members are gems. I think I am going to like it here. J