Khmer Fonts

Today I've been learning a little about Khmer script and fonts. It looks very difficult to type on a keyboard. Here is how my name looks:

21st July 2007

This week I will have a try at planting rice on Mr Rekha's paddy field. It looks like really hard work. Yesterday Rekha and I did some home visits and got some good feedback from parents. Many families were out planting in their fields.

Friday 13th July

I've just finished the first cut of the web site for the Kampot Childrens' Fund. It was quite hard work as I'm not very good at doing web pages but I'm pleased with the result. Neil has kindly offered to pay for the hosting so we should have it properly hosted soon. [The site is now at its permanent home at:

www.kcfkampot.org/]

Any comments on the site would be appreciated.

Tuesday 10th July

I now have a kitten. She is very cute but doesn't have a name yet. She is fed rather well as they don't seem to sell cat food in Kampot. Therefore she gets tuna and fresh fish and pieces of cooked chicken.

Since she is a 3 coloured cat she is considered very lucky in Cambodia if she stays with me. I haven't given her the opportunity to run off yet however she has had a wee look outside. Since it was raining she didn't venture much past the front door.

Monday 2nd July

Mr Sokol's older students took a final exam after finishing their current book of study. Three students did exceptionally well and we gave them each a conversation book as a present. About 35 of the students will now move on to the next level of study.

Sunday 10th June

Today I went to visit a couple of projects at Banteay Meas District, Kampot Province being run by the Cambodia Children's Advocacy Foundation with Mr Rith who runs the projects within Cambodia. Rith has asked me to help him compose progress reports on the projects for his major spponsors.

The Day Care Center/Early Childhood Education and School Integration project has recently completed a new Nursery building in the area.

This is Jen, who is the nursery teacher who also gives the children basic English lessons.


Then we go to see one of the Family Fishponds.



The nearby Pagoda

30 of the poorest farmers in the area are invited to a discussion on the use of natural fertilisers as part of the Home Gardening project. 10 farmers have already been trained and they share their experiences.


The technology is Effective Microorganism fertiliser which is able to assist with organic crop production. Regional TV are interviewing one of the farmers obout her experience.



Before lunch is served, I have a wee wander around the area and take some pictures.

Thursday 7th June (Birthday Part 2)

On Sunday we went on a birthday boat trip. We took a big box of fruit and went up as far as the waterfall, where we had a swim.

After passing under the railway bridge, we approach the palce where I live on the left bank of the Tek Chou river.

You can see the deck in the foreground and the roof of the house in the background


The neighbours place. If you visit you could stay in one of their floating bungalows.


We travel up the river to the rapids where we stop for a swim


Mr Rekha's wife on the right with her sisters and daughter.

Rekha's wife made me a beautiful hand made shirt for my birthday. It is cut in a design that indicates that the wearer should be shown respect.

Tuesday 5th June (Birthday Part 1)

Saturday was my birthday. Sarom surprised me with an Epic Arts cake which we ate out at Mr Neil's land.



The cake says 1967 Sundy MacKenzie and has 35 candles (I told Sarom to tell everyone I am 35, but the year at the top gives it away)









Then its time for Durian





And as the sun sets we go and pick hairy pink fruit (Sour Mouth I think they are called)




Afterwards I visit the neighbours. John and Hugh are preparing fireworks for me which they launch later from the bridge.





After the fireworks, more cake and the obligatory "Depth Charge" (ask Neil)