Friday 27th April

Yesterday we went out to Mr Neil's land to harvest some durian.

Here's the farmer's house.



We load the durian into a basket to transfer into town by moped.





Our first durian sale went very well we thought, but we didn't realise there are two grades of durian, and of course the best ones went first (the better ones should get a higher price). It is interesting to watch the selection process by our customers. Each fruit is smelled, tapped, stroked, compared with the others and after about half an hour, a selection is made.

Well we sold the lot so we were doing something right (or maybe not - Chenda says we are not good salesmen, and should have negotiated higher prices)

Sunday 22nd April

This is the Festival of Poon Phnoms (to erect sand hills ).

I think they build 12 of them, one for each Khmer year (this is the year of the Golden Pig). When it gets dark, everyone goes round the castles and places incense and sometimes money in them. You pay special attention to the castle representing your birth year - I am the Year of the Goat apparently.

The Children then play traditional games into the night.





The final ceremony is washing the Budha. I did't get a picture of it, but this is the where it happens

Saturday 21st April

Some images from Khmer New Year celebrations at the Pagoda.

On the final day, the local community gathers to provide food to the monks. People line up with and hand each monk a portion of rice. Many also give a few hundred riel to each monk.

Monday 16th April

Here's the last pictures from the party. We had some donations to provide some prizes for the hardest working students and all the scholarship class received a gift.





I made a speech which was apparently nearly identical to the speach Neil made at the same event last year.




After the party we went to Mr Recka's house for a meal. The Chief of Commune came along too and enjoyed beer with us all. After the meal we went to Karaoke which is an interesting experience. The teachers all enjoyed the day and we all want to say a big thanks to the CLS supporters who helped make it happen.

Friday 13th (Part 2)

Next up is the sack race




Then it starts to rain for a bit



But it stops soon and we get on with the spelling game

Friday 13th April

The next party game we play is "Slow bike ride". The idea is to ride as slowly as possible and some of the kids are really good at it.




Then we play the fruit eating game. I think you can get the idea.

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 ?