Thursday 12th April

Well we had our internet link cut off so I haven't been able to post pictures from the party but we are finally back on line.

The party was great fun and the teachers work to make it a success really paid off. We had some lovely donations to provide gifts and prizes for the children.

Here is Mr Recka arriving with the stuff for the party:





The first came we play is bash the clay pot (Piñata)





The idea is to break the bot with the stick while blindfolded. The pot is filled with talcum powder, sweets, and a few hundred reil.





You get three swipes then your turn is up. I managed to hit it first time, but did I cheat ?

Monday 9th April

Lots of photos from the party yesterday.

Here is Mr Recka with his wife and daughter.

Sunday 8th April

Yesterday, we went to the wedding of the state school director's daughter. It was a really big affair with 800 guests.

Thy says that he feels really shy when he puts on his good shoes.



The wedding is held in a long marquee in front of the father's house.









Thy and Darra seem to be enjoying themselves

Saturday 7th April

Yesterday I went to a house blessing.



The monks chant to bring good luck on the house



They are given gifts



Then they speed off back to the pagoda



And we eat some food

Thursday 5th April

Today the sign for the office was completed. It looks pretty good and we should be getting it put up tommorow. The Dar-laing seems to be generating some interest in our activities with some folks turning up who want to help at the school today, and two expressions of interest in Khmer lessons

Fishing with the youg lad from Little Garden Bar, Boontang I think his name is. He wants me to teach him how to use email.







I manage to lose my hook and weight with a bad cast and he dives straight in to try to recover it.





Kicking a shuttlecock about with the older guys at school. A variation on this game involves kicking a deck shoe.

Tuesday 3rd April

The other day we went to visit PTC (Provincial Training Centre - Kampot) and the Womens in Development organisation. Both these organisations provide training in traditional skills like weaving kramar. Hopefully we can sell some of their produce from the volunteer centre. I've bought a small amount of stock and we'll see how it goes.

Weaving classes at PTC:





I had a meeting with the director of Women in Development - she explained how they give training in skills like weaving and sewing to poorer women from remoter villages. The intention is that they can then take what they learn back home and set up a business. I couldn't quite figure out if there is a scheme available to provide startup loans to for example buy sewing machine. It was clear however that funds are a problem with most courses being funded by sponsors (usually NGO's).

Monday 2nd April

The school I'm working at is based at Chumkriel Commune which is about 10 minutes moto ride outside the main Kampot town. The Commune is centred around a Pagoda and the school. Here's the entrance to the commune:



A drive down a tree lined road takes you to the centre of the commune





then you reach the school



And the Pagoda is just beyond









The monks live in shared houses around the central area:



This young monk comes to one of the more advanced classes. He usually has really technical questions about English grammar.

Sunday 1st April 2007

Woke up this morning hearing some crashing about in the garden. I didn't quite expect to see this however:



I know I've said I wanted a cat for the house but I don't think this guy would bother much with mice ! Anyway he didn't hang around after he saw me and I was lucky to get this photo. Who'd believe it ?