Haggling

In Phnom Penh, there are several large markets where you can buy almost anything found in the grocery store/supermarket. These markets are paradise for hagglers, frugal people, and bargainers. Now I love a good bargain as much as the next individual, but to get that bargain you have to be good at haggling. That is where my skills lack ALOT. When I try to haggle, the vendors always give this puppy eye face and then I feel guilty for trying to bargain. I know it is relatively cheap already...I mean 3 pieces of Tupperware is $2.00. That is a great deal, right? Apparently it is not a great deal because you can get those three pieces of Tupperware for half the price. 

Personally, I do not think it is a big deal that I cannot haggle. Clarification...I can haggle a little bit. If I try really hard, I can get it down fifty cents. That is right, a whole fifty cents which is like using a coupon. That is good enough for me! After all, I only recently started using coupons. :)

Goal#4 for the summer: Expert Haggler

Things I Like

Deodorant.

Handwashing clothes...the best way to get out stains and reduce stress!

Family Motos

Garlic Pills. I have only been bit once while here! 

Riding my bike. Tessa and I have mastered the two person bicycle. Pics to come soon.

Raid. Goodbye cockroaches and ants! Hello poisonous air.

Things I Have Become Obsessed With

Since coming to Cambodia, I have become obsessed with several things:

Coca-Cola (With real cane sugar...none of this high fructose corn syrup stuff)

Fried Bananas....Delicious!

 Khmer Curry

French Bread

 

 

 

 

Rice- If I don't get rice at every meal...I go crazy

 Mango :)

95% of these things are probably not new obsessions, but they are definitely what I crave the most while in Phnom Penh. So go try some today!

-M

Fish Pond

Day 7-

Wow, who knew that blogging everyday would be so difficult. I applaud the individuals who do this on a regular basis without being graded. Truly, I am amazed.

The past few days Rachel, Tessa, and I have been researching grants and best practices for fish farming. The fish farming is part of the child nutrition sector. In Cambodia, many households have a pond outside of their homes. RACHA is proposing that instead of using these ponds for visual appeal, households can use these ponds to breed fish. By doing so, families will have access to more nutritious meals and possible revenue. In order to implement this project, RACHA has to know what has made these programs successful in different countries. 

As I have researched fish farming in other countries, I am amazed at the success programs like these have had. It will be interesting to see the progression of this program throughout the summer.

Personally, I think that RACHA should breed these types of fish. If not for the visual appeal, then for the nutritious value....haha

Paradise

Day 6 – Paradise

This past week I have been going to a hair salon, which is a slice of paradise in this humid weather. In Cambodia, salons offer hair styling, coloring, and cut as well as a simple hair washing for 3500 Riehl, which comes out to .75 cents. The hairdresser sits you down in a chair and pours a modest amount of shampoo and water into your hair. Using her nails she will then work the shampoo into your scalp while massaging your neck and head. After about 20 minutes, the hairdresser will lead you to the rinsing station.

At this station they will wash out the shampoo and add conditioner. Once they have rinsed out your hair, they will stretch out your scalp. To stretch out your scalp, they take little sections of your hair, twist it, and then pull it. Depending on who your hairdresser is, the stretching of the scalp can be very painful or incredibly relaxing. The next step is to massage the skull by smacking the head with two fingers. I burst out laughing the first time I had this done. Once this massage is finished, your hair is then styled and you are sent on your way.

Confession time, I am addicted to getting my hair washed at the hair salon next door. I have been 3 times this past week...

-Mel

Sunday Funday

Day 5 – May 20, 2012

Today I had the opportunity to go to church! Why am I so excited? Well there are several reasons why I am excited 1) going to church abroad is a learning experience 2) it has air conditioning. I know that number 2 is a tad bit shallow, but let us be honest here...98 degrees F and 93% humidity is not a good combination. No, that is not an exaggeration but actual fact. Well enough about the weather...let us get to the important part!

Today Tessa, Rachel, and I went to the international branch that meets at 10 am. It was a very small branch, but I truly enjoyed listening to the talks. Compared to talks in the states, the ones that were given in this branch were a lot more relaxed. The speaker actually used audience participation in order to reemphasize some of the gospel principles. Following sacrament meeting, we left to go meet Beau and Rosemary. The other meetings had been cancelled in order to prepare for Elder Dallin H. Oaks who was scheduled to speak at the Phnom Penh district conference later that evening. Thousands of people from Phnom Penh came to hear the general authority. Now to be honest, I do not remember all of the details about Elder Oak’s talk, but I do remember the important parts. Posted below are some snippets of his talk

1)    Create a schedule of good habits

2)    Thank the record holders within the church

3)    Avoid temptations

4)    Smile

5) When in doubt, dance it out

I may or may not have added the last one...either way it is sound advice. J

-M

Transportation

So, I am thinking of bringing one of these home with me. Good idea? Yes.