So, I have now been in Cambodia for 6 months and overall it has been a great but sometimes challenging experience. I feel like I have learnt a lot about myself in this time, including that I am not a very reliable or consistent blogger (also that I like hot weather and variety in my job!). I started out with such good intentions with the blogging but life got in the way and I got distracted! But I have good intentions for the future!
My role with VSO finished up in mid April and I then returned to Australia for a few weeks. I hadn't originally intended to return to Melbourne at this time, but I had to return for training. Whilst at VSO, I successfully applied for a role through the Australian Volunteers for International Development (AVID) program and I had to return for pre-departure training. It was great to be back in Melbourne as it feels like I left a bit suddenly in November, so it was good to catch up with people. Plus of course getting to eat all the foods I missed!
I arrive back in Cambodia a couple of weeks ago and had two weeks induction and orientation for the new job. I am pretty excited about the new role, it is with a really great NGO called Friends International and I think it will be an interesting and varied positions. The only thing is, that it is in Siem Reap!
After 6 months of getting settled in Phnom Penh, I did think hard about whether I wanted to move again but it was too good an opportunity to turn down. So, on Sunday I made the 6 hour bus journey from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and I need to start building my life here.
I was supposed to start work on Monday but due to an office move they have given me a few days off to find somewhere to live and get settled. I have spent the last couple of days finding a place to live and move in to my new place tomorrow. Next up, I need to find a bike, a gym and make some new friends!
There is lots that I want to say about my time in Cambodia and with this new start (in a new city with a new job) I hope to become a better blogger. We shall see!
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Saturday, February 20, 2016
Finding my fit
Before I came to Cambodia, I knew that I needed to try to get into a regular exercise routine as soon as possible. After 5 weeks in Europe in September (where a large proportion of the time was spent eating and drinking) followed by a busy 5 weeks in Australia packing up my life meant that I had let my exercise regime slip a bit. I thought that the longer I left it in Cambodia, the more likely I was to avoid it!
How hard could it be? I was used to being pretty active, I should be able to get into a good routine pretty easily. But....there were a few barriers! As a volunteer I am on a very limited budget which could restrict my options. In addition most of the cheap/free options, like running or cycling, are a bit harder as the traffic is terrible, there are very few parks or open spaces and it is very hot and humid!
I decided pretty early on that I would have to get over the limited budget thing and just splash out the cash - it would be my luxury item, a treat to myself. Having made this decision, it should have been pretty easy. But it still took me a while to figure it out.
There are a number of western style gyms here - the most popular being The Place (https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Place/160594707332623). I seriously considered this as an option, but for short term it was just a bit too expensive and also not that close to either my home or work. A number of the fancier hotels also have gyms and pools but I decided against these too for the same reasons.
There are also so cheaper local gyms, but they seem a bit old, dirty and sweaty. So I was almost giving up hope when I discovered a CrossFit gym just around the corner from my house - CrossFit Amatak (http://www.crossfitamatak.com/). I have always been a bit intrigued by CrossFit and know a few people who are really into it. But I was also a bit nervous , partly because I know heaps of people who have been injured from CrossFit but also because it can seem a bit cult like and I really don't want to do the whole paleo diet thing!
Amatak also offer a Bootcamp class - so I thought I would give that a try and see how it goes. The Bootcamp is a bit like CrossFit but with less equipment and heavy weights. I have really enjoyed the classes - the people are really nice and I think that the small group format really works for me. After a couple of months I have definitely noticed an improvement in my fitness so I decided to be brave and take the step up to CrossFit.
So this week, I started the 'On Ramp' induction where we learn about all the different moves and vast number of acronyms in the CrossFit world. I am still a bit nervous about it as I am really not that strong. But I guess there is only one way to get stronger!
In addition to the gym, I have also been trying to keep up running but it is difficult mainly because it is quite hot and can difficult running around the streets - but if you get up early enough it is not too bad. I also want to get back into swimming, so my next challenge is to find a good, clean and cheap pool!
How hard could it be? I was used to being pretty active, I should be able to get into a good routine pretty easily. But....there were a few barriers! As a volunteer I am on a very limited budget which could restrict my options. In addition most of the cheap/free options, like running or cycling, are a bit harder as the traffic is terrible, there are very few parks or open spaces and it is very hot and humid!
I decided pretty early on that I would have to get over the limited budget thing and just splash out the cash - it would be my luxury item, a treat to myself. Having made this decision, it should have been pretty easy. But it still took me a while to figure it out.
There are a number of western style gyms here - the most popular being The Place (https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Place/160594707332623). I seriously considered this as an option, but for short term it was just a bit too expensive and also not that close to either my home or work. A number of the fancier hotels also have gyms and pools but I decided against these too for the same reasons.
There are also so cheaper local gyms, but they seem a bit old, dirty and sweaty. So I was almost giving up hope when I discovered a CrossFit gym just around the corner from my house - CrossFit Amatak (http://www.crossfitamatak.com/). I have always been a bit intrigued by CrossFit and know a few people who are really into it. But I was also a bit nervous , partly because I know heaps of people who have been injured from CrossFit but also because it can seem a bit cult like and I really don't want to do the whole paleo diet thing!
Amatak also offer a Bootcamp class - so I thought I would give that a try and see how it goes. The Bootcamp is a bit like CrossFit but with less equipment and heavy weights. I have really enjoyed the classes - the people are really nice and I think that the small group format really works for me. After a couple of months I have definitely noticed an improvement in my fitness so I decided to be brave and take the step up to CrossFit.
 |
| One of my least favourite exercises - wall balls! |
In addition to the gym, I have also been trying to keep up running but it is difficult mainly because it is quite hot and can difficult running around the streets - but if you get up early enough it is not too bad. I also want to get back into swimming, so my next challenge is to find a good, clean and cheap pool!
Friday, February 5, 2016
Dogs of Cambodia
Back in 2010 on a trip to the Philippines, I took a series of photos called 'Dogs of the Philippines'. I can't really remember why I did this. It might have been because there were lots of dogs (many of which were very cute) and I really like dogs! Needless to say, I didn't do anything with all these photos of dogs and they are just sitting on my computer.
But seeing as I am now in Cambodia and I have a blog, I thought I would revive my 'Dogs in' series and post random pictures of dogs in Cambodia. I only have a few at the moment.....but there will be more. I might even go back to my Philippines photos and post them too.....who knows.
But seeing as I am now in Cambodia and I have a blog, I thought I would revive my 'Dogs in' series and post random pictures of dogs in Cambodia. I only have a few at the moment.....but there will be more. I might even go back to my Philippines photos and post them too.....who knows.
 |
| Puppy in Kampot |
 |
| Relaxing by the Kampot River |
 |
| Phnom Penh pup |
Saturday, January 23, 2016
Getting around Phnom Penh
I imagine this will probably be the first of a few posts about transport in Cambodia....as it is just such an interesting topic. I was chatting to someone the other day about how you can tell a lot about a country by its traffic....strange but true.
There isn't really any public transport in Phnom Penh.....I have seen a few bus stops around but not that many buses! There is however, a variety of other transport options for getting around PP. But one thing that is noticeable is that people do not walk....not anywhere.....ever!
The closest things to public transport are probably the motos and remork-motos (or tuk tuks). The motos are basically motorbike drivers who just pick people up. I have no idea if there are actually official motos or if it is just random people who pick people up and take them where they want to go in exchange for a few dollars. VSO requires us to wear helmets on motorbikes, so I don't use the motos very often. But I think that the ones I have taken are just random people who have picked me up! But I have always ended up where I need to be (sometimes not via the most direct route).
Tuk tuks are modified motorbikes with a carriage on the back. They are a bit more expensive than the motos but a really great way to get around. Trips are usually about a couple of dollars, which isn't that much but does add up if you use them a lot. The drivers seem to have patches where they hang out and it is beneficial to have at least one (if not more) tuk tuk driver who you can use regularly.
You also don't see many car taxis.....they have them at the airport but other than that you really don't see them around.
The most popular form of transport is undoubtedly the motorbike.....they are everywhere and as seen in other parts of Asia they can be used to transport pretty much anything!
There
is also an increasing number of cars and in particular new, big, fancy
cars which might not be the most suitable form of transport for PP
roads...but there are a surprising number. You don't see that many old
or small cars but an abundance of Lexus (Lexi?!), Range Rovers and I
even saw a Rolls Royce the other day and a Rolls Royce showroom has opened near my work!
My preferred mode of transport is by bicycle, largely because VSO provide volunteers with a free bike! You don't see that many bicycles around, they are mainly ridden by barang (foreigners), old people and school kids (although quite a few seem to ride motorbikes). Cycling in PP is certainly an experience and a little bit different from cycling in Melbourne. But I think I have adapted well to my new environment and have got quite into cycling around the streets of PP.
 |
| Phnom Penh traffic |
The closest things to public transport are probably the motos and remork-motos (or tuk tuks). The motos are basically motorbike drivers who just pick people up. I have no idea if there are actually official motos or if it is just random people who pick people up and take them where they want to go in exchange for a few dollars. VSO requires us to wear helmets on motorbikes, so I don't use the motos very often. But I think that the ones I have taken are just random people who have picked me up! But I have always ended up where I need to be (sometimes not via the most direct route).
Tuk tuks are modified motorbikes with a carriage on the back. They are a bit more expensive than the motos but a really great way to get around. Trips are usually about a couple of dollars, which isn't that much but does add up if you use them a lot. The drivers seem to have patches where they hang out and it is beneficial to have at least one (if not more) tuk tuk driver who you can use regularly.
 |
| Phnom Penh Tuk Tuk |
 |
| View from a Tuk Tuk |
You also don't see many car taxis.....they have them at the airport but other than that you really don't see them around.
The most popular form of transport is undoubtedly the motorbike.....they are everywhere and as seen in other parts of Asia they can be used to transport pretty much anything!
 |
| Motorbikes everywhere |
 |
| Motorcycle truck |
 |
| Can be used to transport anything |
 |
| One of the increasing number of large cars |
 |
| My bicycle |
Sunday, January 17, 2016
New Year in Kampot
So whilst Christmas Day was not a public holiday in Cambodia, New Year's Day was....so I thought it would be a good opportunity to get out of the city for a few days. Phnom Penh is a great city, but it is pretty hectic and full on - so I was excited for a chance to escape!
One of the other volunteers (Jelena) and I decided to go to Kampot (Adriana is still in the States, so couldn't join us). Kampot is a small town on a river (famous for pepper), a couple of hours by bus from Phnom Penh.
The office closed early on New Year's Eve, so we took the 1.00pm Kampot Express bus which conveniently leaves from just round the corner from my office. After a few hours on the road, with the obligatory snack stop, we arrived at our destination.
We had left it a bit last minute to book accommodation, so were a little bit limited for choice, but managed to find a cheap place on the river. We stayed at the Kampot River Bungalows (or Bungalow Kampot River depending on which website you look at). The room was pretty basic, but what can you expect for US$6 a night. It had two beds, a fan and mosquito nets, so pretty much everything that you need (or could ask for at that price). But the location more than made up for the basic facilities, as it was situated right on the river. The restaurant overlooked the river and you could just jump out of the restaurant into the river for a swim.
On New Year's Eve we met up with another volunteer (Wiske) who is based in Kampot who took us to a nice restaurant for dinner and a few bars for further celebrations. We saw in the New Year in a rooftop bar, watching the fireworks and drinking free shots!
The next day we just took it easy hanging out on the river, swimming, reading and relaxing. In the evening we went on a sunset river cruise, which was lovely - very peaceful and included seeing fireflies once it got dark.
We ended up back in the town and had a very interesting dining experience! We randomly selected a restaurant which seemed nice but turned out not to be a great choice. The food was OK, but the service was terrible....it took over an hour to get our food. I think that they were just cooking one meal at a time. Once one was done they would move on to the next one! No one seemed very happy with the service and a few people got tired of waiting and left. But we stuck it out. Strangely there seemed to be quite a few people working there but obviously not in the kitchen.
After we had finally got and finished our dinner, the owner came out to apologise and then proceeded to talk to us in the strangest mix of Khmer, French and English.....we had no idea what she was talking about. It was quite an experience.
On the Saturday we had organised a countryside tour in a tuk tuk.....or so we thought. It was a bit of a surprise when a van arrived to take us on the tour. After some strenuous negotiations...we managed to get our tuk tuk. The tour included a visit to the salt fields, a fishing village, some caves and a pepper plantation. The trip ended in Kep where we got to sample the famous crab with green pepper and hang out on the beach for a few hours. Due to some seriously poor planning, I had forgotten to take my swimsuit/bathers with me...not sure how that happened! Luckily I had matching underwear on....that did the job!
Not having suitable swimming attire does not stop the Cambodians either, as it seems that you don't need any particular swim wear at the beach. You just walk into the water in whatever you are wearing at the time......shorts, skirts, jeans whatever....no fancy beach wear required.
The final day was spent hanging out on the river at our guest house with Jelena and Wiske - swimming, reading, relaxing (there is a theme here) before taking the bus back to Phnom Penh. It was a really great trip. Even though it was just a few days, it felt like a lot longer and I definitely felt a lot more relaxed. I think that I will make a few more trips to Kampot whilst in Cambodia!
One of the other volunteers (Jelena) and I decided to go to Kampot (Adriana is still in the States, so couldn't join us). Kampot is a small town on a river (famous for pepper), a couple of hours by bus from Phnom Penh.
 |
| Kampot Pepper |
The office closed early on New Year's Eve, so we took the 1.00pm Kampot Express bus which conveniently leaves from just round the corner from my office. After a few hours on the road, with the obligatory snack stop, we arrived at our destination.
We had left it a bit last minute to book accommodation, so were a little bit limited for choice, but managed to find a cheap place on the river. We stayed at the Kampot River Bungalows (or Bungalow Kampot River depending on which website you look at). The room was pretty basic, but what can you expect for US$6 a night. It had two beds, a fan and mosquito nets, so pretty much everything that you need (or could ask for at that price). But the location more than made up for the basic facilities, as it was situated right on the river. The restaurant overlooked the river and you could just jump out of the restaurant into the river for a swim.
 |
| The view from the Kampot River Bungalows |
 |
| Watching the fishing boats go out to sea |
On New Year's Eve we met up with another volunteer (Wiske) who is based in Kampot who took us to a nice restaurant for dinner and a few bars for further celebrations. We saw in the New Year in a rooftop bar, watching the fireworks and drinking free shots!
 |
| Happy New Year |
The next day we just took it easy hanging out on the river, swimming, reading and relaxing. In the evening we went on a sunset river cruise, which was lovely - very peaceful and included seeing fireflies once it got dark.
 |
| Sunset river cruise |
We ended up back in the town and had a very interesting dining experience! We randomly selected a restaurant which seemed nice but turned out not to be a great choice. The food was OK, but the service was terrible....it took over an hour to get our food. I think that they were just cooking one meal at a time. Once one was done they would move on to the next one! No one seemed very happy with the service and a few people got tired of waiting and left. But we stuck it out. Strangely there seemed to be quite a few people working there but obviously not in the kitchen.
After we had finally got and finished our dinner, the owner came out to apologise and then proceeded to talk to us in the strangest mix of Khmer, French and English.....we had no idea what she was talking about. It was quite an experience.
On the Saturday we had organised a countryside tour in a tuk tuk.....or so we thought. It was a bit of a surprise when a van arrived to take us on the tour. After some strenuous negotiations...we managed to get our tuk tuk. The tour included a visit to the salt fields, a fishing village, some caves and a pepper plantation. The trip ended in Kep where we got to sample the famous crab with green pepper and hang out on the beach for a few hours. Due to some seriously poor planning, I had forgotten to take my swimsuit/bathers with me...not sure how that happened! Luckily I had matching underwear on....that did the job!
 |
| Caves |
 |
| Fishing village |
 |
| Kep beach |
Not having suitable swimming attire does not stop the Cambodians either, as it seems that you don't need any particular swim wear at the beach. You just walk into the water in whatever you are wearing at the time......shorts, skirts, jeans whatever....no fancy beach wear required.
The final day was spent hanging out on the river at our guest house with Jelena and Wiske - swimming, reading, relaxing (there is a theme here) before taking the bus back to Phnom Penh. It was a really great trip. Even though it was just a few days, it felt like a lot longer and I definitely felt a lot more relaxed. I think that I will make a few more trips to Kampot whilst in Cambodia!
Saturday, December 26, 2015
Christmas in Cambodia
Despite having lived in Australia for nearly 13 years, I never really got used to Christmas in warm weather. It just never felt right, some how it never really felt like Christmas.
Well it is even less Christmassy (is that even a word?!) in Cambodia. Which is not surprising, seeing as it is a Buddhist country. You do see the odd Christmas decorations around and some shops play Christmas songs, but it all feels a bit tokenistic and half hearted.
Some of the Christmas decorations are also quite interesting. There is a car show room near me which has decorative tinsel seals with lights on - nothing quite says Christmas like a seal balancing a ball on its nose! It was quite sweet though because when I started taking pictures of the Christmas decorations, the security guard put on the Christmas music and played Jingle Bells. I felt a bit bad when I walked away after he had made a special effort to please me....but I really couldn't spend any longer looking at the decorations!
 |
| Christmas Seals! |
 |
| More traditional snowmen |
I think part of the lack of Christmas spirit might also be because it is traditionally a time you spend with friends and family. With Adriana in the States and having only been here 5 weeks, I didn't really have much of either around. However, despite the short time I have been here, I have met some really nice people and thankfully some of them took pity on me. So on Christmas Eve I went over to a new friends place for a Christmas celebration. It was a really great evening, good company and delicious food. We even did Secret Santa so there was some gift opening!
On Christmas Day, I went to the office. I would say that I went to work but to be honest I really didn't get much work done! It didn't feel right to be working on Christmas Day and the office was pretty quiet. Weirdly, there were more Westerners in the office than Cambodians who it seemed had decided to take the day off (I think a lot of people are having to use up their leave before it expires).
In the evening, some of the volunteers organised a boat trip on the Mekong for volunteers and staff. We hired a boat for 3 hours and everyone brought some food and drink to share. It was a really beautiful evening, the full moon on the river was incredible and it was very peaceful (something that you don't experience very much in Phnom Penh). A very enjoyable Christmas celebration.
 |
| Phnom Penh skyline |
 |
| Moon on the Mekong |
 |
| More moon |
Sunday, December 20, 2015
The benefits and perils of living above a market
OK.....so perils might be overstating it a bit......but who doesn't like a dramatic title?!
So, my new pink apartment is located above a market - the Royal Mart. They don't seem to have big supermarkets here. A lot of food is still bought from the fresh fruit and veg markets but if you don't feel like buying meat from the street, there are a number of smaller markets that are generally pretty well stocked. Think of a big 7-11 (hopefully without the staff exploitation http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-08-31/exploitation-part-of-7-eleven-business-model-insider-says/6733682) or an IGA, tesco metro type store.
One of the main market chains here is Lucky (http://www.luckymarketgroup.com/stores.html), which definitely caters for the expat crowd and apparently even stocks Waitrose products!
Unluckily, I didn't end up living near a Lucky store (sorry for the terrible pun!)...but to compensate I do live two floors above the Royal Mart (https://www.facebook.com/royalmartcambodia) where "everthing is reasonable price". Although it isn't that big, they do have a pretty good selection of Cambodian and expat food.
The market is run by a family and I think there are about 4 generations involved. The owners of the market also own the rest of the building and are my landlords. The store takes up the ground floor, the family live on the first floor and floors 2-5 are apartments (I am on the second floor)
So going back to the title of this blog.......there are several benefits to living above a market. For one thing, I think it adds to the security of the place. Security is something that you have to think about in Phnom Penh and I have heard a few scary stories of places being broken into when people are sleeping. Living above a market means that there are always people around during the day (well from 7am-10pm when the store is open). Also, I realised when I got home late one night that there is actually a security guide who spends the night sleeping on the ground floor. I am sure that his role is to ensure that no one breaks into the market....but it does provide more security for residents as well. Although to be honest I am not sure how effective he would be if someone really wanted to get into the building!
It is also handy having your landlords on site and knowing where they will be if you have any problems or need something fixing (like the cable TV for example!). But probably the best thing about living above a market is just the convenience of buying things. If you find you need something you just pop downstairs and get it. For example, I ran out of water last night and it was so easy for me to go down two flights of stairs to restock. Although I was a little disappointed that one of the young guys who works there didn't help me carry the large container up the stairs as they have in the past....but I guess it was good exercise for me!
However, the main benefit of living above a store is also the biggest disadvantage (peril!). It is just way too convenient to buy things. I have a bit of a weakness for snacks.....crisps are my particular weakness. My consumption of crisps is generally moderated by my laziness. Even if I have the desire I generally can't be bothered to go to the shops to buy them. But now....all I have to do is go down two flights of stairs, it is way too easy. Another weakness is alcohol and again it is way too easy to buy if I feel like it and I don't have any at home. The cost is also not a deterrent....beer is about US 60 cents a can (they even have a 4 for the price of 3 special at the moment) and Bombay Saphire Gin is an incredible US$10 a bottle!!
In my first few weeks I was dropping into the store everyday on my way home from work just to pick up a little treat! But I have had to exert all my will power and show enormous restraint not to continue this habit! I have a few moments of weakness but overall I have been better.
It is also a bit weird as sometimes I buy supplies from other places (including the fresh food markets) and when I do, I feel like I have to sneak in the back door in case the landlord sees that I have been shopping in other places. I have this strange feeling of guilt, like I am being disloyal or something!
But overall the benefits outweigh the disadvantages and I think I could get used to living above a market.
Footnote: I have been eating crisps and drinking gin whilst I write this blog.....delicious!
So, my new pink apartment is located above a market - the Royal Mart. They don't seem to have big supermarkets here. A lot of food is still bought from the fresh fruit and veg markets but if you don't feel like buying meat from the street, there are a number of smaller markets that are generally pretty well stocked. Think of a big 7-11 (hopefully without the staff exploitation http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-08-31/exploitation-part-of-7-eleven-business-model-insider-says/6733682) or an IGA, tesco metro type store.
One of the main market chains here is Lucky (http://www.luckymarketgroup.com/stores.html), which definitely caters for the expat crowd and apparently even stocks Waitrose products!
Unluckily, I didn't end up living near a Lucky store (sorry for the terrible pun!)...but to compensate I do live two floors above the Royal Mart (https://www.facebook.com/royalmartcambodia) where "everthing is reasonable price". Although it isn't that big, they do have a pretty good selection of Cambodian and expat food.
 |
| The Royal Mart |
So going back to the title of this blog.......there are several benefits to living above a market. For one thing, I think it adds to the security of the place. Security is something that you have to think about in Phnom Penh and I have heard a few scary stories of places being broken into when people are sleeping. Living above a market means that there are always people around during the day (well from 7am-10pm when the store is open). Also, I realised when I got home late one night that there is actually a security guide who spends the night sleeping on the ground floor. I am sure that his role is to ensure that no one breaks into the market....but it does provide more security for residents as well. Although to be honest I am not sure how effective he would be if someone really wanted to get into the building!
It is also handy having your landlords on site and knowing where they will be if you have any problems or need something fixing (like the cable TV for example!). But probably the best thing about living above a market is just the convenience of buying things. If you find you need something you just pop downstairs and get it. For example, I ran out of water last night and it was so easy for me to go down two flights of stairs to restock. Although I was a little disappointed that one of the young guys who works there didn't help me carry the large container up the stairs as they have in the past....but I guess it was good exercise for me!
However, the main benefit of living above a store is also the biggest disadvantage (peril!). It is just way too convenient to buy things. I have a bit of a weakness for snacks.....crisps are my particular weakness. My consumption of crisps is generally moderated by my laziness. Even if I have the desire I generally can't be bothered to go to the shops to buy them. But now....all I have to do is go down two flights of stairs, it is way too easy. Another weakness is alcohol and again it is way too easy to buy if I feel like it and I don't have any at home. The cost is also not a deterrent....beer is about US 60 cents a can (they even have a 4 for the price of 3 special at the moment) and Bombay Saphire Gin is an incredible US$10 a bottle!!
 | ||
| My apartment is the one on the left on the second floor...so convenient for snacks and drinks! |
In my first few weeks I was dropping into the store everyday on my way home from work just to pick up a little treat! But I have had to exert all my will power and show enormous restraint not to continue this habit! I have a few moments of weakness but overall I have been better.
It is also a bit weird as sometimes I buy supplies from other places (including the fresh food markets) and when I do, I feel like I have to sneak in the back door in case the landlord sees that I have been shopping in other places. I have this strange feeling of guilt, like I am being disloyal or something!
But overall the benefits outweigh the disadvantages and I think I could get used to living above a market.
Footnote: I have been eating crisps and drinking gin whilst I write this blog.....delicious!
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