As I sit here on Saturday 12th May 2007,I am wondering why I didn't do this years ago.To set the scene,I festered at Heathrow Airport for more years than I care to remember,participating in a job that became mundane,stifling and about as exciting as a wet weekend in Bognor Regis.Some might call it the classic mid-life crisis,but fearing severe depression,or worse,contemplating ridiculous ideas,I decided to pack it all in,store my life away,and move to a country where help and support are needed.That country was Cambodia.
After settling in surprisingly easily,I now find myself after nearly six weeks,feeling more at ease and relaxed,than at any recent time in my life.
I have been teaching Cambodians to speak English,and they have amazed me with their desire to learn,and have broken many stereotypes that I,and many other foreigners,probably have.Having lived in London for many years,it's so refreshing to notice a distinct lack of cynicism,selfish attitudes and the"something for nothing"culture that presides in the UK.I really get a sense of living in a country that is growing and developing before my very eyes,and whilst not being naive enough to realise that there are many problems here,the overwhelming feeling is one of rebirth.(Hell-we even had Ronan Keating perform here last week,although some would say that was a step backwards)
In future I will write in more detail,and we will find out if my thoughts change with time.
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sarahjane1234
- 2007-05-12 @ 08:06:19
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- 2007-05-12 @ 10:32:20
Brilliant Dave!! So pleased to hear you are settling in. Have you broken anything yet and just why did it cost you an extra £400 to get there?
Chelsea have bid £30m for Baz Savage! -
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davidcambo
- 2007-05-14 @ 10:41:08
Here is a short story to illustrate how SUVs/Landcruisers are causing problems in ways that you might not have thought about.
Whilst taking a short stroll near the Tonle Sap river in downtown Phnom Penh,I decided to stop at a local riverside cafe for something to drink.The afternon was passing off peacefully when I happened to notice a man pull up in a tuk-tuk,and help a physically disabled man onto the street.The guy had no legs from the waist down,but had ingeniously created a contraption made up of a heavy piece of board with four trolley like wheels attached to all four corners.He manouevered himself along using his considerably well developed arms.
As he was sorting himself out,an absolutely huge landcruiser pulled up and plonked itself in the very spot where the poor guy was.For one horrific moment I thought the worst had happened,but was relieved to see that he was o.k. if not a little shaken.I leapt out of my seat,shouted at the driver,and managed to retrieve the man's hat,which had somehow got caught up in the veichle's back wheel.Thirty minutes later I passed the scene again and the western driver was still with the man in question,and seemed quite contrite.
This story shows yet another evil side of the SUV,and perfectly encapsulates how the driver sees himself as some sort of godlike figure,sitting in his parapet,completely oblivious to the world around him,whilst he belches crap into the air.
Unfortunately,here in Cambodia,these monsters are increasing by the day,and have multiplied since I visited a year ago.I should say that you can buy a bicycle for $15!Lets hope this country retains some sort of perspective,and encourages the use of alternative transport and quickly.-
- 2007-05-15 @ 13:49:17
when do you think cocko will add to the blog dave?
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- 2007-05-15 @ 14:06:07
Great stuff Dave. Delighted you're enjoying it there, although slightly disappointed I won't be able to have a quick pint with you at Heathrow on Saturday, as I wait for my connection to Brussels (stag do - Brugge). So how long do you think you'll stay there?
P.S. Why DID it cost you an extra £400 to get there??
P.S. Are you the first mail order English husband to be snapped up by some Cambodian lady?
when I was growing up I enjoyed many a wet weekend in bognor!