http://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/General ramblings,that are purely self satisfying,based around experiences of a middle-aged bloke who packed it all in and went to hide in S.E.Asia. en-EUMokoFeed10http://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/72/ae3fa9f9a25e751b56a2c641700c69_160x200.jpghttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/08/11/red-tories-6702850/tag:davidcambo.blog.co.uk,2009-08-11:/2009/08/11/red-tories-6702850/Tue, 11 Aug 2009 21:45:25 +0200 <p>It's a strange feeling that overcomes you when you're sitting on a beach near Brighton Marina, quietly reading the Saturday edition of 'The Guardian' when you turn the page to see a double page spread interview and large photo, with a bloke who was one of your brother's best friends at university and has now created a think tank,is raising millions of pounds in a short space of time and is providing your friend and mine,David Cameron,with a lot of his current thinking.<br> His name is Phillip Blond and he is without doubt a highly intelligent man whom, whenever I met him,was quite happy to make that fact abundantly clear.He has certain views that are rooted in theology(he was a lecturer in divinity for a long time) and his latest wheeze is what he calls 'Red Toryism'.I found the interview illuminating,but thought the interviewer found him out. The very idea of a kind of red Tory suggests a chameleon like belief and indeed even Phillip's background propagates this,as he himself points out,having led what he says was a mixed upbringing in Liverpool. Sure, he followed the standard working class existence but also wallowed in middle-class frivolity as his father was a gallery owner/artist and this possibly is now reflected in his political views. When I think back 20 years or so to the Thatcher hating pair that were Phillip and my brother(as most of us were) and now gaze upon this man who is supplying the Eton educated Tory leader with some of his ideas,virtually saying that abortion should be criminalized but at the same time railing against Tescos I'm left thinking that if one seeks the limelight then it brings upon you certain changes in thinking. No doubt Phillip would out think and out argue me and probably make me feel inferior as he usually did but I was left with one overriding impression having read the article........ Phillip,you're all bluster but then what do I know,I'm just a nobody. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/08/11/red-tories-6702850/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>phillip-blondhttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/08/11/red-tories-6702850/#commentshttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/07/29/moving-6611125/tag:davidcambo.blog.co.uk,2009-07-29:/2009/07/29/moving-6611125/Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:58:21 +0200 <p>Am in Bedford now and spent the last ten minutes trying to think of positive and fascinating things to say about the place........nope,it's impossible.I suppose the park is well designed and it has some varied bird life(saw a huge heron diving for fish)but other than that I'm struggling.This is the place where John Bunyon wrote 'Pilgrim's Progress' for gods sake and where the great Ronnie Barker grew up trying to find a place that sold four candles.<br> The 'campus'that is the University of Bedfordshire is quaint,to put it politely and my room resembles a cell which if I turn in one direction can actually envelop me and swallow me whole.I won't even mention the food.......well yes I will actually.It is like stepping back in time when I was a mere youngling and was eating vile stuff such as swede and runner beans.I have even discovered butterscotch mousse here,possibly bought from the people who brought us 'Angel Delight'.It is safe to say that together with my running I will hopefully lose a few pounds on my sojourn here as my plate becomes increasingly emptier each evening as I decide on less and less of the fare on offer.<br> On the positive side ......no,it's still a thankless task trying to think of one.The town centre is a desparate place full of men who look like weasels,with a pallour to match walking around in shapeless tracksuits and an air of despondency everywhere.Why is it that all mid-size town centres look the same now?<br> If you are from Bedford I probably sound very disparaging about your town,but I can only write about what I see and think.Burgess Hill has never seemed so welcoming!!! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/07/29/moving-6611125/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>burgess-hillbedfordhttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/07/29/moving-6611125/#commentshttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/07/20/evensong-6553020/tag:davidcambo.blog.co.uk,2009-07-20:/2009/07/20/evensong-6553020/Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:06:17 +0200 <p>So here I am in Canterbury teaching 13-16 year olds from the far flung depths of Europe and beyond and loving every minute of it.It is quite amazing to see how well Serbians mix with Spanish students,how well Russian fraternise with Italian students.To be honest,as far as a lot of the students are concerned they could be from Mars as teenage hormones are flying around and the main object seems to be the pursuit of happiness if you know what I mean!<br> We visited Cambridge on Saturday with mainly Greek and Spanish students and yours truly conducted a walking tour!I suppose I volunteered as knowing that my voice has a certain boom like quality,I thought that it would be heard above the massed ranks of tourists.Consequently I amazed the students with my knowledge of Lord Byron and his bear(no cats and dogs allowed),the fine art of punting,the gothic architecture of Kings College and the fact that "Heffers" is the second biggest book shop in the UK(even though I would dispute that having been in)<br> It was gratifying to see that the students,being surrounded by fantastic architecture,seats of learning and graduates bedecked in their gowns and finery arrived back at the meeting point having bought "whoopee cushions" from a local joke shop.So it's not just the Brits then.<br> Not having spent a great deal of time in Cambridge before it was pleasant to wander round and take in the vibe,as they say.One thing did strike me however.....why do we seem to have no shame in placing a cheap,tacky "Bonne Marche" retail store directly opposite a 700 year old building or creating signage that does nothing for the historical integrity of the buildings in front of you.I noted numerous examples of this and just think it devalues our heritage,brings everything down to a cheap level and feel that if I was in a similarly historic town in say,Italy for example,the local town square or equivalent would not be festooned with bright neon and adverts that are aimed at the urban sub-class.... oh-oh I'm revealing my latent snobbery.<br> Another revealing sign of this is in Canterbury.It's Sunday I think to myself,so I'll take in the cathedral as I have the day off.Easy to locate,find the entrance and what do I see before my eyes? A branch of "Starbucks" adjoining the entrance of Britain's most important and venerated religious sites!!! Now,I am no soap box shouting,religious zealot but one of capitalism's most potent enterprises stuck next to the place where Thomas Becket was murdered..... I think not!<br> I wandered in and took in evensong,which to many of you reading this will be a surprise as you'll be thinking "when did he ever set foot in a church on a Sunday?"<br> Unfortunately,Dr.Rowan was away but the whole experience was really quite moving.Now before you start to wonder,I haven't just seen the light but will explain why I found it all so memorable.<br> Basically it was the music,and not the lessons that were read that grabbed me.Backed by the boys of the Canterbury choir who are apparently up their with the best,the organist was performing his last evensong before leaving and he really went for it!The music was soul enhancing,bewitching and incredibly powerful and the organist performed a solo at the end that matched any great individual musical performance that I've ever heard.For those of you who know Steve Vai,it was as if he was playing the organ himself.Lots of 'widdling' and dextrous finger work involved.A huge round of applause went up at the end and remember we were in the hallowed portals of Canterbury cathedral.Of course the acoustics are the absolute best and it's easy to see how people can get taken away to another place when experiencing this kind of thing.However I left feeling uplifted if not a little moved,went home,poured myself a glass of water,turned around only to find it had changed into a beautiful glass of wine!! Work it out for yourself.... as Frankie Howard used to say.."oh please yourselves". </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/07/20/evensong-6553020/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>cambridgecanterbury-cathedralstarbuckshttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/07/20/evensong-6553020/#commentshttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/06/26/thoughts-on-michael-jackson-s-appearance-in-my-life-6396763/tag:davidcambo.blog.co.uk,2009-06-26:/2009/06/26/thoughts-on-michael-jackson-s-appearance-in-my-life-6396763/Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:42:53 +0200 <p>It's 1988 and I'm working illegally at Tower Records on 66th and Broadway. The people I worked with were for the most part a great bunch of folks and the perks were great, including lots of free tickets to shows, a free box seat at Shea stadium for New York Mets baseball games and lots of partying if you know what I mean........ I was 24 years old!<br> Now, at the time I was going out with a half Peruvian goddess who obviously had questionable taste............. she agreed to go out with yours truly and she liked Michael Jackson whereas I was listening to bands like Ministry. However,as I was well and truly smitten and would do anything to appease her.... she was quite a feisty personality,just ask my friend Dave Alder, ...... I asked my boss to keep me in mind if any freebies became available for the upcoming BAD tour. Anyway he came through for me on the day of the show and I was, I'll admit, quite excited.<br> However,there was a snag.My Peruvian goddess had enrolled at a design school and I realized that she would be in class when we were meant to be traveling to the Meadowlands Arena in New Jersey. What to do? Remember this was a pre-mobile/cell phone era and everything was in black and white but being a spontaneous kinda guy I figured that I would take a chance and leg it down to the design schools location and take a chance. After all my relationship could be under threat if I did nothing and how often does someone have the opportunity to see the "king of pop"?<br> I arrived at said destination and tracked down the goddess's classroom. Luckily the door had a window and I frantically leapt up and down waving my arms in a ridiculous manner and finally she noticed me. What was I doing? I waved the tickets about, did a moondance and through the glass heard a loud scream emitted followed by lots of apologizing and apparent excuses mixed with lies being made. Before I knew it she came tearing out of the room and I was hugged and kissed to death and nearly deafened by more screams.<br> We now had to make our way to the New Jersey Transit that took you from the cultural environs of Manhattan to the desolate wasteland that is Sopranos country. We were pushed for time and had to run a lot, but made it and eventually realized we had good seats and waited to be dazzled. Suddenly a cacophony of screaming....... is the show about to start? No, it's just Michael Jordan taking his seat. More hysteria and a young pre-woman beating Mike Tyson takes his seat. As you can imagine the stars were out in force and even New York's current African American mayor David Dinkins made an appearance.<br> Eventually MJ took to the stage to what I can only describe as mass devotion, worship and obsessive behavior. Mind you, what followed in the next two hours was showmanship that was one of a kind. I might as well have been a worm as far as my Peruvian was concerned and the previous, cynical me who had been winding her up for the previous hour or so was reduced to a grudging admiration and even a slight tapping of the foot, followed by my version of dancing which resembled a cat that had imbibed catnip.<br> Show over I was told that I was the greatest boyfriend in the world and that I should expect lots of nudge,nudge wink,wink. Wahey, it was worth it!!! After all, this was the man that had had to endure Barry Manilow at the Beacon Theater in Manhattan and fought tooth and nail for Madonna tickets at the Meadowlands, all for the love of a good woman.<br> So, in summary that is how Michael Jackson touched my life. He also caused me endless grief at work when "BAD" came out as being head buyer I was under threat of castration if we sold out and so I went slightly over the top, blew my budget for the month and the store became like a shrine to the gloved one. However, I forgive him for that as he was the reason I got lots of nookey for the next few weeks...... sorry to put that image in your head for those of you who have met me!<br> At least I didn't have to 'beat it' for a while. RIP Jacko..... thanks for helping me out! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/06/26/thoughts-on-michael-jackson-s-appearance-in-my-life-6396763/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>michael-jacksonmichael-jordanmeadowlands-arenadavid-dinkinsmike-tysonhttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/06/26/thoughts-on-michael-jackson-s-appearance-in-my-life-6396763/#commentshttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/06/18/keep-on-running-6335335/tag:davidcambo.blog.co.uk,2009-06-18:/2009/06/18/keep-on-running-6335335/Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:46:22 +0200 <p>I'm no longer in Cambodia and am now in the UK finding some work,looking for a place to live so that A and C can get their lives back and watching cricket at Hove whilst my nose goes red.<br> I have also been accepted for The Great North Run at the end of September and after getting the all clear from the quack who told me that my knees are ok,am running on behalf of MAG(Mine Advisory Group) who are based in Manchester and do essential work all over the world . You can visit their website on <a href="http://www.maginternational.org">www.maginternational.org</a> to find out all about them.<br> I have set up a web page whose address is <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/davidrichards45">www.justgiving.com/davidrichards45</a> and any amount large or small that is donated will be greatly appreciated by yours truly.<br> Now,wish me luck as I train like a demon,shove 3 ibuprofen down my neck every day to stop my knees flaring up and get in a fit state to run the thing. /Users/andyh/Desktop/justgiving_badge10.gif </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/06/18/keep-on-running-6335335/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>maggreat-north-run-2009http://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/06/18/keep-on-running-6335335/#commentshttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/05/26/funny-thing-is-6178925/tag:davidcambo.blog.co.uk,2009-05-26:/2009/05/26/funny-thing-is-6178925/Tue, 26 May 2009 10:15:09 +0200 <p>I'm only writing this post out of a sense of duty and slight foreboding.The scaremongers have been out in their droves recently mainly because the security situation seems to be becoming far more unstable and stories of crime are on the increase.<br> Just last night there was an apparent shoot out on Norodom Boulevard(one of the main thoroughfares in the city)involving what was described as a "spectacular SUV" and a "grubby motorcycle".......spectacular not being a word I would use,but I digress,and through an ex-pat site that I'm registered with,I read various accounts of sustained gunfire,basically because the guy in the SUV was pissed off that the "grubby" motorbike had dared to infringe on his right of way.It turns out that the driver was the son of a very high ranking police official and in the words of the local upholders of the law "they wouldn't dare speak to someone from that family"!!<br> A fairly typical situation,but one that seems to be on the rise.People being robbed at gunpoint even by your tuk-tuk driver is now prevalent,and just the other night a woman was involved in a motorbike drive by bag snatch outside my digs.Worry not,as I always use the same drivers and they know me,and I know them.Bags are also something I tend to leave at home.<br> Blimey,I do sound negative.It all adds to the fun and anyway,I always felt far more apprehensive at kicking out time on a Saturday night in Acton.<br> Not much else to report,apart from the fact that I am missing the UK in more ways than I thought and that I have been feeling under the weather,but then what's new.Probably got a parasite in me somewhere,so I'm rattling at the moment due to pill intake. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/05/26/funny-thing-is-6178925/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>norodom-boulevardhttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/05/26/funny-thing-is-6178925/#commentshttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/05/11/calling-all-outcasts-6095488/tag:davidcambo.blog.co.uk,2009-05-11:/2009/05/11/calling-all-outcasts-6095488/Mon, 11 May 2009 10:09:26 +0200 <p>I journeyed back to Cambodia last Tuesday/Wednesday with the usual mix of apprehension and excitement.The trip was fairly routine except for one notable exception.On arrival at Kuala Lumpur Airport at 5.00 a.m. local time having come from the UK,we were all shepherded into a cordoned off area.Now,on the flight over it had been made apparent that Malaysia was in full panic mode over swine flu,and we had an extra form to fill out......"were we feeling feverish?","had we come into contact with anyone with symptoms?" and "did we have a particular penchant for bacon?"...that sort of thing.All passengers were met with faceless bureaucrats(literally as they were all wearing face masks)and medical staff in the obligatory white coats and herded into an international departure lounge that had been converted into a temporary medical center.<br> After a 12 hour flight I would defy anyone to be feeling tip-top and the chances that your readings would be slightly haphazard is fairly certain,but then I'm no Dr.Kildare.<br> Anyway,I was ordered to take a seat and surrounded by screens and people rushing around as though their lives depended on it,had a thermometer shoved in my earhole.<br> "Slightly elevated"I was told.<br> "Are you feeling shivery?" I was asked.<br> "In this heat,you've gotta be kidding"I replied.<br> I was given some leaflets on what to do if I started routing around for truffles and was sent packing.I didn't have the energy to say that I was in transit and would be on my way soon.</p> <p>Strange atmosphere in Phnom Penh at the moment.Although realising it is low season,I was amazed on Saturday night to see so many empty bars,and a level of quietness that I haven't witnessed in some time.Maybe I just caught a duff night,but it all seems unusual.Apparently,many ex-pats are leaving as NGO's are letting people go due to lack of funding.I guess if the sponsorship isn't there then that's it.Property prices have fallen by up to nearly 40% and even the rental market is a lot,lot cheaper now.<br> Hell,I've only been away for 5 weeks,although have only spent one week here in the last 10 so with the onset of the rainy season and other happenings I guess much could have changed in that time.I've also arrived during loads of public holidays(Royal Ploughing Ceremony,Kings Birthday etc.)which is a tad inconvenient,but never mind.Getting an apartment will be easy enough,a job on the other hand could be more problematic!!Still a new CV is being readied,photos will be taken(everyone always wants a photo)and the internet has been scoured and after the hols I hopefully will have people to see.<br> Now,if only I can get some sleep!!! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/05/11/calling-all-outcasts-6095488/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>swine-fluhttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/05/11/calling-all-outcasts-6095488/#commentshttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/05/03/stephen-fry-is-notably-absent-6048416/tag:davidcambo.blog.co.uk,2009-05-03:/2009/05/03/stephen-fry-is-notably-absent-6048416/Sun, 03 May 2009 02:11:17 +0200 <p>You see I really do miss all things British particularly when it comes to a lack of reality TV and thought that requires the use of brain cells.I have been accused of a lack of patriotism,forsaking my closest friends and acting like the Anthony Blunt of modern times. Far from it as treading the old roman paths of "ye olde England" has given me a new found appreciation for anglo appreciation.<br> I only have 2 days left now before leaving for sweaty old Cambodia and having spent a great deal of time surrounded by family and friends I can only say that tears are apparent and that Yasmin gets more adorable every time I see her. I do worry that at 4 years old my niece will see me as a fleeting memory in her pink and yellow world and that Josh my 6 year old nephew will hate me for leaving after having introduced him to the laser game which involves forcefields,swords and " booby games" that mean that my sisters bras are flung in my general direction..... yes my niece and nephew are officially strange.</p> <p>I do look forward to my South East Asian return and all the strange circumstances that surround it, but a mixture of feelings arise and I love to wallow. Said goodbye to Drew and Jill yesterday and I felt somewhat strange and a little guilty....... am I taking them for granted? They have looked after me so well,fed me and put up with all my wittering and we said goodbye on quite a low key moment. Not that I'm one for teary farewells, but I felt that D and J deserved more, so I say now in the presence of the digital super highway, if you ever stay in Brighton, East Sussex,England look up Jill and Drew as they will treat you fabulously.</p> <p>If anyone has any suggestions as to what to do whilst sitting in an airport for six hours, I welcome all ideas. I only say this as my Ian Rankin book will only last for so long and the airport at Kuala Lumpor is currently a building site. Well there we go..... purely selfish,nothing that enhances human kind....... just my traveling difficulties, but they're mine...ALL MINE!! I look forward to tomorrow as we are watching films all chosen secretly whilst nibbling on junk food and coiffing fine wine. My film is " Black Windmill" starring Michael Caine and as far as I know the only major production to mention Hassocks, the small village where I grew up.<br> Take care and give me some shorts. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/05/03/stephen-fry-is-notably-absent-6048416/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>black-windmillhttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/05/03/stephen-fry-is-notably-absent-6048416/#commentshttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/04/15/back-in-blighty-5947947/tag:davidcambo.blog.co.uk,2009-04-15:/2009/04/15/back-in-blighty-5947947/Wed, 15 Apr 2009 11:57:47 +0200 <p>On arriving at Stansted Airport I expected tumbleweeds to be blowing across the tarmac,soothsayers proclaiming that the end of the world is nigh and raggedy urchins running around asking for "a few pennies mister".<br> Nothing of the sort.Dear old England seems pretty much the same to me,but then I haven't got a mortgage or job to worry about here and children are notably absent from my life.Of course on arriving in Brighton I have observed more boarded up shops than usual and the price of your average item has notably risen after 15 months away,but then this always happens.<br> We do like a good old moan in these parts,it's just that people have something serious to actually moan about now.There are always cultural differences that you notice,and this time around I've really picked up on people holding doors for you,waiting for ever and ever and ever in banks/post offices etc,people showing open displays of affection(which is a criminal offence in S.E.Asia)and the differnce in eating habits.These are all fairly obvious things but important all the same.</p> <p>It's not that I dislike my homeland....far from it,and I think it would be disingenuous to start slagging off aspects of life left,right and centre as there are many things that I miss and enjoy in equal measure.Visiting the cinema,walking around a great old town,being chased by my niece and nephew amongst other things.It's always the same.......you miss home and you miss home.By that I mean that wherever I seem to be I look forward to being somewhere else!</p> <p>I leave for Cambodia on the 5th May and am anticipating changes. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/04/15/back-in-blighty-5947947/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>stansted-airporthttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/04/15/back-in-blighty-5947947/#commentshttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/03/22/summing-up-5805509/tag:davidcambo.blog.co.uk,2009-03-22:/2009/03/22/summing-up-5805509/Sun, 22 Mar 2009 09:39:49 +0100 <p>A while since my last meanderings.Here is a trip to Vietnam in a nutshell.<br> Saigon/HCMC: Great museums,escorting old ladies across the crazy HCMC streets,bia hoi at 12,000 dong a glass(about 12p),learning about Cao Dai,eating the best Vietnamese food,Madam Cuc and her happy group of helpers,watching the river traffic from the top of the Majestic Hotel at sunset.</p> <p>Mui Ne:Sitting by the sea eating grilled catfish after choosing my victim,wandering up the fairy stream and feeling as though a dinosaur woud appear round the corner any second,meeting Kev and Yvette for the first time(my kind of people),arriving at the white sand dunes and being amazed by the sheer enormity of them,sunset at the red dunes,discovering my own private beach and swimming naked(that's why it had to be private!)</p> <p>Dalat:Travelling through some very sheer mountain cliffsides to get there with the driver assuming we were on a normal motorway,thinking I was in a Swiss resort,a blanket needed at night,pine trees in Vietnam,seeing roasted dog for the first time,setting off on a 4 day motorbike oddysey,coffee plantations,vegetable gardens,fields of flowers,seeing the biggest rat I've seen in my life(and I lived in NYC)</p> <p>Central Highlands:Hiep a wonderful traveling companion,wondering what amazing view will appear around the corner,"Chicken village" home to the H'mong ethnic minority,visiting a family who made rice paper spring rolls the traditional way and fed me like a king,seeing hills where nothing grows still due to Agent Orange,real jungle,misty Lak Lake at 7 in the morning,falling asleep to the sound of very loud bullfrogs,views views and more views,elephants,pot bellied pigs and three of the most incredible waterfalls I have seen,one of which had two crazy guys fishing right on the edge and one of which I stood behind. </p> <p>Nha Trang: Six foot waves that were a challenge,visiting the surrounding islands with the unique Mama Linh,floating bars,being forced to sing Yellow Submarine accompanied by a woman wearing a tin on her head and a drumkit that was made up of old waste buckets and a cymbal that looked like a nibbled on biscuit,falling asleep on the beach to be woken by a rather large German woman who told me in no uncertain terms that I was going RED!!!</p> <p>Hoi An:Tailors,tailors and more tailors(oh and lanterns too),Cau Lao,White Rose(a local dish),more boat trips,walking the pristine streets of the old town(thinking how much my friend Jill would love it here),getting up at 4.30 a.m. to visit My Sun temple a very old Cham reigious site and feeling very small surrounded by an ethereal mist that shrouded the whole place at 6.30 in the morning,being held up leaving as the President of Laos passed us on his way to visit My Sun,having a pair of shoes made ridiculously cheaply and being told they were the biggest pair the cobbler(?) had ever made,standing idly by as a snake shot out of wall only to be torn to bits by the family's terrier!</p> <p>Hue:The greatest train journey I have ever taken to get to Hue through jungle on one side and sea views on the other,ancient royal capital and an enormous citadel,pagodas of stunning beauty,cycling to the beach and a famous pagoda,cycling into the hills in rain(what's that?)and seeing women making incense sticks in a way that looked like it had been passed down over many years,eating in a reaturant by the river whilst the house band played a selection of western Christmas songs in the middle of March.</p> <p>Hanoi: Mist,drizzle,narrow high streets in the Old Quarter,being told off by the police for trying to take a photo in a sensitive area,great old Communist billboards,seeing Ho Chi Minh in his mausoleum(very small hands),huge groups of schoolchildren saying Hello to me as I say Xinh Chau back,acting the fool for said children and making them laugh,in Ho Chi Minh museum teaching the kids some English as they were meant to be watching a very poor quality film about the "American War",Ca Cha,bia hoi at 3,000 dong(about 10p),feeling at times as though I was in a scene from Blade Runner,water puppets,insane use of horns.</p> <p>Halong Bay:Overwhelming,natural wonder,over 5,000 islands rising out of the sea,ME kayaking around the islands(although accompanied by a very patient Canadian guy from British Columbia who knew what he was doing,unlike me),sleeping on a very small boat and beconming slightly alarmed in the night when the wind got up together with huge crashing and scraping noises.......just 2 boats moored together banging against each other,being awoken on the second morning to the most incredible sunrise,caves that didn't look real but more like a film set.</p> <p>To sum up:I've missed many things/experiences,but Vietnam proved to be a country of world class scenery and a country of contrasts.I saw desert,mountains,pine forests,seascapes that blew you away,waterfalls,caves and urban areas of massive interest.All I can say is.......GO!! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/03/22/summing-up-5805509/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>hanoiho-chi-minhdalatnha-tranghoi-anhuemui-nehttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/03/22/summing-up-5805509/#commentshttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/02/26/hello-vietnam-5653420/tag:davidcambo.blog.co.uk,2009-02-26:/2009/02/26/hello-vietnam-5653420/Thu, 26 Feb 2009 12:19:36 +0100 <p>It's been over a week and feels a lot longer.Started off in Saigon,and spent a pleasant evening watching the boat traffic run up and down the Saigon river,whilst sitting on the roof of the Majestic Hotel.The Rex also afforded great views and a typically stunning Asian sunset,whilst staring at the strange objects around me such as huge,plaster elephants.<br> The following day was spent walking the streets,museum hopping(my favourite was the Museum of Ho Chi Minh as there was no bugger there,and the building was amazing).Many people make a beeline for the War Remnants Museum,and although interesting and illuminating,is packed with gawping tourists(including me!)and the dreaded tour groups.I actually followed a lonely planet suggestion,which is unlike me,and followed a walking route.It was manageable and I saw some great stuff.However,things like helping two aging old ladies,bent over double with their faces covered by their conical hats,across the maniacal streets and being thanked profusely with cries of "Merci,merci" don't appear in any books and are what make your day.<br> The next day was a trip to the Cao Dai temple and the Cu Chi tunnels with the wonderful Mr.Minh(not Ho Chi as he kept telling me)who is 64 and was a translator for the 101st Airborne Division during the war.Lots of incredible sights,and too much to describe here.<br> I also visited Cholon,which is Chinatown,and spent a good while relaxing in pagodas and taking in the sights and smells in particular of the traditional Chinese herb shops.A couple of the pagodas were targeted by the hordes and the flashlights were in overdrive,so I managed to find a really quiet pagoda where I sat for 30 minutes,with the smell of incense filling my nostrils and not a soul came by.Blimey,I was almost meditating by the end.<br> This is only the Saigon/Ho Chi Minh part(south Vietnamese still call it Saigon,North Vietnamese the opposite)and I haven't even mentioned the Reunification Palace or the Jade Emperor Temple,with their amazing turtles and coi carp.I've just realised that a blog is rather an insufficient tool for describing all that you have seen and done.Their just isn't enough time.Next time will be tales of resorty Mui Ne,with its fantastic white sand dunes and Dalat(where I am writing this from)with its cool climate,views to make you drawl and coffee plantations, silk farms and waterfalls. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/02/26/hello-vietnam-5653420/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>dalatmui-nesaigonhttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/02/26/hello-vietnam-5653420/#commentshttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/02/17/just-a-quick-one-5589885/tag:davidcambo.blog.co.uk,2009-02-17:/2009/02/17/just-a-quick-one-5589885/Tue, 17 Feb 2009 04:47:21 +0100 <p>I leave for Vietnam in 24 hours en route to visiting the UK,so have litle time for extensive thoughts.<br> Valentines Day here was the usual surreal experience,with an ongoing debate re:globalization.vs.cultural sensibilities.Prime example.....a conversation I had with a young market stall holder:<br> Me "Do you know who St.Valentine was,and what the whole day represents?<br> Market stall guy "It's a new generation now!"</p> <p>Today is also the start of the Khmer Rouge trials,and so is an incredibly important day in this country.The process is bound to be lengthy,but it is good that proceedings are underway.<br> I will report on my travels,but am now off to reclaim my passport which has been in the hands of the Vietnamese embassy for three days. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/02/17/just-a-quick-one-5589885/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>khmer-rougehttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/02/17/just-a-quick-one-5589885/#commentshttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/02/03/slip-sliding-away-5497547/tag:davidcambo.blog.co.uk,2009-02-03:/2009/02/03/slip-sliding-away-5497547/Tue, 03 Feb 2009 10:08:04 +0100 <p>Being a free man I decided it was about time I vacated the city and headed to the provincial south where beaches are aplenty and life runs at a slow pace.<br> I first landed at Kampot,which was a first for me,and knew that the place is famed for its pepper,which was on all the best Parisien resturant tables 50 years ago,and the old disused casino up on Bokor Mountain which is featured extensively in the film "City of Ghosts".After the usual frenetic bus journey,I made a beeline for an eatery of some sort,and slumped down at the "Rusty Keyhole" a marvellous old colonial building that is run by a fellow called Kristian.I ordered fried shrimp with Kampot pepper,and was blown away.Being a seafood lover I knew I would enjoy the food here,and this was a great start.<br> Having found an unassuming little place to stay,I wondered what to do for the remaining hours of daylight and decided on a trip up the River Preak Chha up to the Gulf of Thailand.Armed with our speedos we left at about 3p.m.,a fairly motley bunch I must say.I was the youngest traveller on the pirogue,consisting of three elderly French retirees who liked to sing,an ex London policeman of thirty years and an old German hippie who kept dropping his binoculars.I think the two young Khmer kids who escorted us out wondered what they'd got themselves into,but seemed as cheerful and courteous as ever.<br> After the dusty bus trip it was bliss gently chugging upriver watching women wash clothes,monks studying on the bank and fishermen preparing for the evening catch.I tried to ignore the rantings of PC Plod from London town who couldn't stop yapping and had an obsession with the price of things.Not only that,but he also confirmed the American stereotype of Brits dentistry work,owning a pair of gnashers that were a cross between Ken Dodd and Count Dracula.<br> Having passed the mangrove swamps we reached the Gulf of Thailand and dropped anchor,with yours truly constantly banging his head on the small thatched roof of the boat.We were encouraged to swim and the two boatmen put on their life jackets....not alarming as this is de rigeur in Cambodia as Khmers are not the greatest swimmers.However what was strange occurred when one of the guys clambered out of the boat,and instead of treading water stood up in about a metre of water!We were in the middle of an ocean,a small one admittedly,but an ocean all the same,so it was a good job I hadn't dived in as I planned to,otherwise I might now be wearing a neck brace.I actually waded over to the only other vessel in sight to say hello to another small group of river people.We headed back at sunset watching fleets of old fishing barges head out to sea,up to four at a time all joined together steered by one operator,and the city felt out of my system.<br> Back on terra firma I had a pleasant evening on the riverside and met up with a couple of the river people I had chatted to earlier.Unfortunately,one of the perils of eating seafood is bacteria who enjoy nothing more than exploring your stomach and gut,so that night I said hello to Huey and Ralph.The following morning I got a later start than I wanted due to the nights events,and I held back on my plans to rent a bike.Instead,after a very light breakfast,I gingerly walked around town,and felt like I was on a movie set at times.There are numerous examples of the fabulous French colonial buildings still standing in Kampot,and although faded,peeling and generally a bit delapidated are aesthetically pleasing.Together with the 30 degree heat I could have been in a small French town in the south in summer.<br> Later that day I did rent a bike and headed out to who knows where,taking my time and waving back at the kids who appear from nowhere and delight in bellowing "HELLO!!"at you.<br> The next day I took off for Kep,which I have been to before,on the back of a moto.Being a Saturday it took a while to find a room,and even my Belgian friend Stephane,whom I used to work with,couldn't help me out."Why didn't you phone?"......<br> I lucked out and found a bed at the wonderfully monikered "Kukuluku"and was very pleasantly surprised.The room was basic,but I'm not Barry Malone and don't care about that,but what I did have was my own private beach,so still feeling a bit iffy after the bacteria inccident,I sat for a few hours having drinks brought,and reading a very good travel book called "The River's Tale"by Edward.A.Gargan about a former New York Times journalists trip from the source of the Mekong in Tibet,to it's end at the South China Sea on the Vietnamese coast.Written ten years ago,there is a lot that is familiar,but also it is really illuminating to see what can change in this amount of time.<br> I wandered down to the beach at Kep and ate at the crab shacks and again feasted on cracked crab with Kampot pepper,which melted in the mouth.I was determined not to let a few bugs hamper my enjoyment.Kep is a small place and having arranged a trip to a remote island the following day,at a very good rate,I was frequently asked about this and managed to meet the extended family of Mr.Preoun who was taking me,and was told "Oh I am his brother/cousin/nephew".They seem to be the family in charge in Kep.<br> Rabbit Island was amazing,although a couple of new shacks have gone up,so development is moving fast.I was speaking to a young fisherman on the island who was proudly showing me his catch of crabs,who said to me,<br> "I'm opening a restaurant here"<br> "When?"I enquired<br> "Two years"was the answer.<br> So,if you happen to visit Rabbit Island,about 30 minutes out from Kep in 2 years time a new place awaits.I made do with stir fried shrimp.<br> Kep is changing though,and even in the nine months since I was last there I noticed many new additions,guest houses and development,some of it good,some bad.It's still sleepy though and you can lose yourself quite easily,both geographically and mentally.<br> Back to Phnom Penh on the Monday,with a salty glow,sunburnt and exercised on a bus sat next to the rudest man ever created who seemed to have no worries about digging me in the ribs regularly,and leaning right across me shutting the window,when the bus had no A/C without enquiring and dozing on my shoulder.He was French,and I returned to my thoughts about confirming stereotypes.I'll be off somewhere again soon. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/02/03/slip-sliding-away-5497547/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>ken-doddkampotgulf-of-thailandhttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/02/03/slip-sliding-away-5497547/#commentshttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/01/24/a-free-man-5435090/tag:davidcambo.blog.co.uk,2009-01-24:/2009/01/24/a-free-man-5435090/Sat, 24 Jan 2009 04:56:55 +0100 <p>In deference to the recently deceased Patrick McGoohan,I am now no longer a number.Actually that's being a little too dramatic as it implies that my time at IEL,the school that I worked at on and off for nearly two years,was one of sufferance(is that a word?)toil and deprivation.This is not at all true,as I enjoyed most of my time there with the odd blip and was quite wistful when it was time to leave.My last day was yesterday and I was showered with affection from both staff and students,and was even given some expensive perfume,although maybe this is a comment on my personal hygene.<br> However,I am now free to pursue some activities and as sad as I was to leave,the world is now my oyster for the short term future.I will try to explore more of the country and am planning to see more of the neighbouring countries before returning to the UK for a short time and jumping back on the working treadmill.It's all quite exciting,and although balancing financial stuff is something to think about,I'm not going to let that stop me.How could I live in this part of the world and never go anywhere?It would be madness I tell'ya,madness.<br> I stayed up late to watch the Obama inauguration this week(midnight our time)as it's always good to witness that much overused phrase this week,a piece of history.The whole thing has not gone unoticed here,and there were "Bye,Bye Bush"parties held in local bars and a definite sense of hope pervaded the air.Whilst watching I moved between channels which were mainly BBC World News,CNN and Channel News Asia and the diference in style was quite apparent.CNN and the peculiarly named Wolf Blitzer(he really should be lead singer in a heavy metal band with a name like that)at least showed all that was going on,but still talk to us as though we are still in kindergarten,pointing out the bleeding obvious at any given opportunity....e.g."We are watching Barack Obama and George W.Bush walking down the steps of the White House".....really,you don't say,I thought it was Cheech and Chong.Talk about using narrative for the sake of it.As for BBC,what can I say?Have the standards of broadcasting slipped that much?Interminable waffling,cutting away from the spellbinding scenes that were before us to look at Huw bloody Edwards,and what passes for debate these days.It was noticeable that BBC World News was using the terrestial coverage from the UK,as there is a definite dumbing down when it comes to regular BBC coverage.Eventually I settled on Channel News Asia who really just concentrated on the moment.Perhaps because they don't have the budget of a BBC or CNN it resulted in a simpler,gimmick free presentation.I actually wish it was being shown on ABC Australia as there hourly news programmes are by far and away the best news coverage I have seen on TV here.I'm not sure why it wasn't on......perhaps because it was four in the morning in Oz.<br> Anyway,I thought the whole thing was riveting and the President's speech was up to his usual standard.I really think the importance of a good orator can't be emphasized enough.After years of stupid George and sleep inducing Gordon it's a refreshing change. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/01/24/a-free-man-5435090/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>huw-edwardschannel-news-asiabbccnnwolf-bltzerhttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/01/24/a-free-man-5435090/#commentshttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/01/17/the-end-is-nigh-5391888/tag:davidcambo.blog.co.uk,2009-01-17:/2009/01/17/the-end-is-nigh-5391888/Sat, 17 Jan 2009 05:00:08 +0100 <p>Only one week left at work,exams loom and I'm getting restless.This past week was possibly one of the longest I've experienced here,not helped by the fact that I had laryngitis(sic)and felt under the weather all week.Having no voice is not to be recommended if you are trying to teach,although there were those who were grateful.Otherwise it was a quiet week and apart from arguments with financial institutions,uneventful.<br> One thing I'm always grateful for here in PP is the wide range of DVDs available,and the way we can get the latest releases straight away.Recently it has been particularly good,due in some part I think to the fact that it is awards season.I've noticed on a couple of films the message "For awards consideration only"scrolling along the bottom of the screen!There has been a slew of very good films including "Grand Torino","Milk","Frost/Nixon" and "Che" but the movie I watched last night blew me away."Slumdog Millionaire" is perhaps the best movie I have seen in many years,and although I have always been a fan of Danny Boyle,this is something else.The premise of the film is fairly basic,and in reality it's just a love story,but the sheer scope and ambition of the film is breathtaking.Unknown Indian actors are mesmerising,especially the child actors at the beginning of the piece and although I don't often revisit films,but I will be doing so with this one.<br> Short one this week,and I'm off to buy my godson a birthday present as he reaches the dizzy heights of two years old on Monday. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/01/17/the-end-is-nigh-5391888/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>slumdog-millionairehttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/01/17/the-end-is-nigh-5391888/#commentshttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/01/11/big-bicycles-5356891/tag:davidcambo.blog.co.uk,2009-01-11:/2009/01/11/big-bicycles-5356891/Sun, 11 Jan 2009 06:57:53 +0100 <p>As I was almost involved in a pile up of bicycles and motorbikes,it made me think......why do all the kids in PP ride bikes that are four sizes too big for them?Every day I see some poor teenager/child tentatively careering their way down the street,wobbling from side to side and really feel like saying "smaller bike,smaller bike!".<br> Anyway,enough musing about two wheeled transport,and onto more serious stuff.'Winnie the Pooh'to be precise.This week at work I was offered a small stuffed toy,which resembled the honey eating bear but was obviously a fake.'Winnie the Pooh'is huge here,and is seen on bags,t-shirts and every shop selling tat.I've yet to fathom why he is so popular,and it seems that only certain Disney characters are known.Mention Cinderella and you are met with blank stares akin to me telling you all about Preap Sovath.Usually TV has a lot to do with the popularity of western cultural icons but in the case of the poohmeister I've yet to see any evidence on the tube.'Tom and Jerry','Pink Panther'and other culturally enriching examples are loved purely and simply because of the gogglebox.<br> Watching TV is a big occupation here and they are everywhere.We even have one in the general play area at school,and every morning at 8a.m. when I arrive I am greeted by slack jawed urchins all comatose in front of the telly watching some kind of animated American drivel.It's actually quite depressing and sometimes I stand in front of the wall mounted TV and say "good morning"but am met with howls of abuse.I have suggested that perhaps the goddamn thing should be removed but I'm looked at as though I should be placed into care.I have come to realise that I'm waging a losing battle.<br> The TV issue is symptomatic of a problem that I have when teaching here i.e. creative thinking,initiative etc.etc.Sometimes it's like banging your head against a granite wall trying to get the kids to think for themselves,and even just to guess when they are not sure of an answer.Education is extensively memory based and there is a heavy reliance on exams and testing.Not really my cup of tea,especially given my historical aversion to exams but I'm getting there slowly but surely.<br> I only have two weeks left at work,and then I'm taking a well deserved break......I owe it to myself!The plan is to see some more of Cambodia and then shoot off to some South East Asian destinations such as Laos and Vietnam,before returning to a rather grim sounding UK for a short while to try and cheer everyone up!Has anyone noticed how sad everyone seems at the moment?I know I haven't been in the UK for a year but it can't be that bad can it?I guess I'll find out. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/01/11/big-bicycles-5356891/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tom-and-jerrylaosvietnamwinnie-the-poohpreap-sovathhttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/01/11/big-bicycles-5356891/#commentshttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/01/03/bombs-of-pp-5314925/tag:davidcambo.blog.co.uk,2009-01-03:/2009/01/03/bombs-of-pp-5314925/Sat, 03 Jan 2009 07:37:29 +0100 <p>An eventful start to the New Year to say the least.After enduring rain,rain and yet more rain on New Years Eve,yesterday on leaving work I was informed that three bombs had been discovered not too far away,and that this was the reason for the chaotic traffic.<br> Back to New Years Eve,when with some trepidation,I stepped on to a less than safe looking boat to spend the night with some Khmer friends,and have my ears assaulted by music which was louder than hell itself.(I've just read this back and realize I sound really,really old).<br> It was an enjoyable night,and was only spoilt by the terrible weather.It doesn't rain here in December,and after weeks of dryness and dust everywhere,of course the heavens decided to open on the 31st.Not only did we get the usual torrential stuff,but there was also UK-style drizzle,the first time I have encountered this,and at one point I was actually shivering as the temperature dropped to a bone numbing 17 degrees.I know,I know,I can hear all the cries of "my heart bleeds",but believe me it was incredibly annoying.<br> Anyway,before I turn into Michael Fish,the main part of the night was good,and it was an eye opener as well.I managed to stay onboard and although was asked to steer at one point,I declined the offer as my mind flashed back to previous times,so I remained remarkably responsible considering the occasion.The speakers on board were large to say the least and you could feel the vessel vibrating as the loud bass lines reverberated around the river.I wandered home drenched,but calm and content.<br> At around 4p.m. yesterday I started to notice that the traffic was heavier than usual outside,but thought nothing more of it.I then got a phone call from one of my students saying that her normally ten minute journey was taking her over an hour and that she would be late.On leaving at 6.30 it was worse than ever,and I asked the font of all knowledge Mr.Dakun what was going on."Blah,blah,blah,bomb,blah,blah...."."What's that you say?Bomb?".I had heard a dull thud at about 5.45 but put it down to construction or fireworks.It turns out that three bombs had been discovered near a government ministry,and the thud I heard was one of them being defused.This came on the same day that the Prime Minister's daughter was getting married,and five days before "Victory Day",a national holiday(another one!)which commemorates the ousting of the Khmer Rouge on January 7th 1979.This is actually a controversial holiday,as many political parties view this day as the beginning of ten years of occupation by Vietnamese forces,and regard October 23rd as the true holiday,which was the date of the signing of the Paris Peace Accords.Also controversial is the fact that on Wednesday there is an event at the Olympic Stadium being attended by 60,000 people which will comprise of 20,000 students wearing the ruling party's shirts,caps and logos etc.There have been quotes flying around saying that this kind of thing would only happen in North Korea,and that communism is returning to Cambodia.<br> Anyway,the bombs were defused,led in part by the Prime Minister's son recently back from completing an economics PHD at Bristol University,although why this would qualify him to deal with a bomb threat I'm not so sure!All is back to normal today and I can concentrate on preparing exams.......oh goody.I'm off to finally buy a crash helmet as on Jan 1st it finally became law that you must wear one,or risk a 3,000 riel fine(about 50 pence)and I must admit that I have noticed a lot more riders wearing one,and even Ly my faithful motodop man appeared on the 2nd wearing one,the first time in nearly two years I have seen him with one so it must be serious.<br> Happy New Year. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/01/03/bombs-of-pp-5314925/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>north-koreaolympic-stadiumhttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2009/01/03/bombs-of-pp-5314925/#commentshttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/12/27/uncle-old-fart-5282721/tag:davidcambo.blog.co.uk,2008-12-27:/2008/12/27/uncle-old-fart-5282721/Sat, 27 Dec 2008 06:50:54 +0100 <p>Christmas Day was unlike any I have ever experienced.As I have previously mentioned,being a Buddhist country,the day is not a holiday here,and I went into work as usual.However,there the similarity to a normal working day ended and the whole day was spent playing games with the kids,being given ties as presents and having candy thrust into my hands at any given opportunity.It was actually a very pleasant day,and had the added bonus of being open i.e.the city did not shut down for the day.In fact,coming home from work the traffic was horrendous as the entire population of teenagers took the chance to head out with friends and loved ones and cruise around in various forms of transport.I have only seem the volume matched during the water festival and it came as a bit of a surprise.<br> I headed for the FCC to meet my buddy Charlie,and we splashed out on a sumptous Christmas dinner.Three courses were served and as the meal progressed it got better and better.The starter of lobster rock cakes was ok,although a tad bland in taste.Then came the main course of turkey on a bed of local veg. with stuffing and a tasty sauce.This was indeed a flavoursome dish and was filling in the extreme.Finally came the highlight....the dessert.A chocolate cake creation with local fruits and mascarpone cream which really did melt in the mouth.It's been many years since I have had as good a pudding and with the free glass of Kir Royal went down a treat.We both agreed that we'd made a good choice and any feelings of melancholy were wiped away due to the fabulous meal and smiles of the staff in their ridiculous Santa outfits.Ok,my ability as a restaurant critic is questionable but I hope I have conveyed how I felt about the meal.<br> Upon arriving home I phoned the homestead and was greeted by my sister sounding her usual cheery self.The conversation with my six year old nephew and three year old niece was one of contrasts,as first my niece Yasmin told me that she loved me....being the cynical old hack that I am, I maintained a stiff upper lip!....and it demonstrated to me how much her speech has improved as the last time I spoke to her she sometimes spoke in riddles and code.Then Joshua my nephew proceeded to wish me a Happy Cristmas and called me fart face!Six year olds eh?It was a fairly brief call,and the males present seemed more interested in getting back to the table football game that was a present for Josh.Totally understandable in my book.After all,who wants to speak to an old fart of an Uncle.<br> Definitely a good day,and I recommend changing things sometimes when it comes to Christmas festivities. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/12/27/uncle-old-fart-5282721/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>christmashttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/12/27/uncle-old-fart-5282721/#commentshttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/12/21/scary-santa-5252971/tag:davidcambo.blog.co.uk,2008-12-21:/2008/12/21/scary-santa-5252971/Sun, 21 Dec 2008 09:36:23 +0100 <p>In the grand tradition of David Lee Roth's jumpsuit and Sonic the Hedgehog,I was persuaded to don the ultimate outfit for the school Christmas party.Yes,I dressed up as Santa Claus.Now as scary a prospect as this is for some of you,the kids seemed to actually enjoy my appearance.Four hours dressed in a costume not designed for a tropical climate was challenging but I managed surprisingly well.<br> I was also given a rather small sack(for which I'll be seeing the doctor next week)and was mobbed every time I tried to hand out presents,so had to be a rather strict Santa at times.The whole day was rather surreal with the sound of 'Jingle Bells'being sung in Khmer,musical chairs being played by the kids and a six foot two Santa being grabbed at by all and sundry.It still takes some getting used to that I am in a Buddhist country and yet there are celebrations going on.The cultural invasion of the capital is staggering,and many Khmers have no idea what the whole thing is about.Anyway,I'm not here to lecture or prophesise,my job was just to entertain the kids and to ensure a good time was had by all.I had to be careful mind you,and was careful not to ask the older female students if they had been a good little girl this year.I thought it sounded really too creepy!!<br> Once the day was over some of us headed off to an old mansion that has been bought by the FCC group to watch a Ho Chi Minh based band called "Bad Neighbors".I have seen them before and was not really that excited but was keen to see the building and was not disappointed.The place is in a glorious state of disrepair which will probably not last for long and with a perfect evening temperature,subdued lighting and plenty of space made for a great evening.<br> Anyway for those people who read this pile of tripe I would like to wish you all a Happy Holiday and New Year,as this might be my last entry before the festive season.Think of me as I toil away on Christmas Day.....all together....aaahhhh.Ok,you can put away your minature violins now.<br> HAPPY CHRISTMAS. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/12/21/scary-santa-5252971/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>bad-neighborshttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/12/21/scary-santa-5252971/#commentshttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/12/14/the-things-you-do-5217518/tag:davidcambo.blog.co.uk,2008-12-14:/2008/12/14/the-things-you-do-5217518/Sun, 14 Dec 2008 07:49:59 +0100 <p>On Saturday I travelled around the world.Well,actually entered different rooms that represented a different part of the world.This involved donning a kimono in Japan,eating sushi in Korea and taking part in a parade as part of a UK delegation.Yes I was at ISPP for the "Wonders of the World"celebration,a kind of Christmas party celebrating all things cultural from different parts of the world.Various classrooms were transformed into a particular country,and being an international school were all well attended by their native inhabitants.<br> My nearly two year old godson had a whale of a time and is a particularly talented dancer and rhythmic clapper.He loves music,and as we watched performances from Korean drummers,tahitian dancers,khmer singers and many others he wowed the watching masses with his delightful moves.I did feel a little out of place as I was one of the only people not to be dressed in some kind of national costume.Perhaps this was why I wore a kimono for the very first time and joined my godson in the extremely comfortable outfits as we did our Japanese impersonation of Little and Large.<br> As Christmas approaches I am wondering what I should do on the big day.I will be working,remember it's not a public holiday here,although I use the term "working"loosely as I'm told that small parties usually take place all day,so don't feel too sorry for me.Now,I could choose from a variety of places that are offering sumptuous meals ranging from $20 to $150,or I could eat noodles at home!Although there are fake trees wherever you look,and I walk into the local pharmacy and here Roy Wood and Wizard belting out "I wish it could be Christmas everyday"there is none of the pre-Christmas hype and madness here so it doesn't feel so different than usual.That and 85 degree temperatures with none of the winter light all add up to a feeling of ho hum rather than ho ho!<br> I received my first Christmas card from a student a few days ago.....yes they exist here too.....which was actually very sweet.It was handmade and inside asked questions such as "Are you a good person?" and "Are you happy?".I was then instructed to give the answers by Christmas!<br> We also have our own Christmas party on the 20th and afterwards a few of us are going to a fabulous old colonial mansion that has been bought by the FCC group to see a band called "Bad Neighbour"play so Im sure I'll be in for a hectic day.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/12/14/the-things-you-do-5217518/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>roy-woodhttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/12/14/the-things-you-do-5217518/#commentshttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/12/10/a-day-off-5196402/tag:davidcambo.blog.co.uk,2008-12-10:/2008/12/10/a-day-off-5196402/Wed, 10 Dec 2008 06:30:03 +0100 <p>As it's "Human Rights Day"and we get the day off,I thought I'd add a few extra thoughts.<br> On Sunday evening I wandered across to the park opposite Wat Botun,which happens to be next to the Cambodian/Vietnam friendship memorial monument,and that has inccidentally been bombed on more than one occasion,and I waited patiently for the sun to set on a gorgeous evening,as I watched families relaxing and kids flying the many kites that were tossing and turning in the cool breezes.I was primarily there to see the photography exhibition organised by the French Cultural Center entitled "La Nuit de l'annee".<br> As I sat next to a fountain a young guy in a wheelchair approached me and began to talk to me asking the usual kind of stuff,how old I was,where was I from etc.His name was Theara and as we continued to talk it became evident that this was one smart cookie.His English was very good,and he was an expert when it came to I.T.He suggested we head towards the Chinese designed large fountain that is quite spectacular after dark,with an array of colour and several displays.As we moved over I was really aware of "all eyes on us".A 6"2" European with a young Khmer confined to a wheelchair is I suppose an unusual sight,but it made it apparent to me that any kind of physical disability is still seen as abhorrent to some people.It was like water off a ducks back to Theara but I was out of my comfort zone and tried to ignore it.<br> We exchanged e mail addresses and I moved on.The exhibition itself was fantastic comprising of photos from all over the world as well as local stuff.Twelve large screens were set up and each one was accompanied with music ranging from Nirvava to Henry Purcell(who seems to be very popular in Phnom Penh!).Once the sun had properly set,it was great to wander around,sometimes sitting on the mats layed out and just take in the images.More please! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/12/10/a-day-off-5196402/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>nirvanahenry-purcellhttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/12/10/a-day-off-5196402/#commentshttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/12/06/christmas-in-pp-5170552/tag:davidcambo.blog.co.uk,2008-12-06:/2008/12/06/christmas-in-pp-5170552/Sat, 06 Dec 2008 07:38:42 +0100 <p>For a country that is 97% Buddhist and is fairly devout I was curious to see what kind of take there would be on the festive season,it being my first time here over this period. I freely admit to being something of a grinch,scrooge,bah humbug type when it comes to this time of year and am not missing the perennial route march around faceless shopping centres surrounded by loathsome characters who walk around as if in a trance.Yes,I am perfectly happy spending time in PP where the weather is fabulous at the moment and there is no pressure every time you turn on the TV,open a newspaper or switch on the radio.So you can imagine my shock when I was taken to a "Christmas Fair"at the posh Intercontinental Hotel last weekend.Although organised by ex-pats and featuring many of the things we associate with Christmas there was a definite Khmer take on proceedings e.g.Santa Claus in a cyclo,and local circus performers who displayed traditional Khmer moves.The whole occasion was all a bit overwhelming and the nearly 2 year old that I was with although enjoying himself,I think was overcome by sensory overload after a couple of hours.Maybe it was no wonder that we spent the whole afternoon collapsed in a local hostelry,tempted by the promise of golden syrup pudding(really!!) Indeed,I have been taken aback at the level of involvement in the Christmas ritual.At school the receptionists have spent the week turning the exterior of the building into a tinsel extravaganza,and plans for a Christmas party on the 20th are well under way.I walk into my local supermarket called Pencils to be confronted by cashiers wearing red Santa hats,the kind that are worn by fat football fans in the UK.There are fake trees everywhere and people are talking about it.Thought you could escape the celebration of a virgin birth.....not on your nelly in PP. However,the whole thing is not depressing me at all,and I actually find it quaint.After all at least the religious connotations never existed here in the first place so the whole period is seen as an excuse to binge in an honest way,and there is no hypocritical going to church once a year.I look forward to eating noodles on Christmas Day,although maybe I'll have a roast the following Sunday.I will miss my nieces and nephews but that's life I guess.They'll be spoilt rotten anyway in an orgy of over indulgence. Ho ho ho!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/12/06/christmas-in-pp-5170552/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>intercontinental-hotelhttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/12/06/christmas-in-pp-5170552/#commentshttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/11/29/blimey-placebo-are-coming-5130261/tag:davidcambo.blog.co.uk,2008-11-29:/2008/11/29/blimey-placebo-are-coming-5130261/Sat, 29 Nov 2008 06:50:30 +0100 <p>I was pleased to see this week that those masters of myrth that are called Placebo are visiting Cambodia this coming week and playing a gig at Angkor Wat with the unknown to me Click 5.It's indeed a rare event when someone of this magnitude comes to deign us with their presence,although their is a purpose behind it all.The aim is to create a greater awareness of human trafficking so lets hope they get through to even a few people.<br> I would love to go but work beckons,although there were rumours in the local press that they are playing the Olympic Stadium the following Friday,but I have also read that this might be false,so I'll have to listen out for the jungle drums on that one.<br> I'm still hoping to attend Cambodia's first rock opera "Where Elephants Weep",although there has been some confusion on my part re:times,tickets etc.I must admit that if you had said to me a few months ago that I might be going to a "rock opera"I would have screwed up my face in mock horror at the very thought as I have visions of Ben Elton destroying Queen etc.and have always had a hatred of anything of this ilk.Still,I'm open to change and this is different......it's supporting the arts locally and is a welcome addition to the scene.<br> I've just come from a Saturday morning meeting and have been informed that in the future at times yet to be determined,I will have to attend teacher training courses at the weekend in order for all teachers to improve their abilities.The two Americans that I work with kicked up an almighty fuss as this is on our own time and we don't get renumerated.I remained passive about the whole thing as I will be leaving at the end of the term and have also worked at my school long enough to know that this is not unusual.The faculty are regarded as a family and you are expected to be available and receptive at all times, so we work together as a unit and nothing is too good for our school.This is the ethos put forward and it results in my boss telling everyone that he loves them on a regular basis!<br> Sorry to be particularly British,but I had quite a shock this morning to wake up and actually be too cold,and then upon riding a moto also feel the chill.Yes,it seems that the Khmer version of winter has arrived(I'm still in short sleeves)and many Khmers have dug out the woolies and are hanging around street corners shivering.This together with the peculiar smell eminating from my bathroom has made things all quite surreal.I think a small rodent may have met its maker in the general bathroom area as there is a definite smell of death and the familiar ammonia like odour.I have investigated but to no avail and have made sure the doors are shut tight as I don't want my bedroom to be contaminated!<br> Lastly,I'm quite pleased that I'm not leaving the country anytime soon as the situation in Thailand and the closed airports means that international travel in these parts is a lot trickier at the moment.There are options such as Singapore and Hong Kong,but Thailand is probably the most popular and so the alternative routes will doubtless be a lot busier at the moment.Let's hope it's all resolved soon and well before Christmas as this could mess up many peoples plans.<br> I'm off to wash my smalls....speak soon. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/11/29/blimey-placebo-are-coming-5130261/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>ben-eltonthailandplacebohttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/11/29/blimey-placebo-are-coming-5130261/#commentshttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/11/23/quiet-times-5089541/tag:davidcambo.blog.co.uk,2008-11-23:/2008/11/23/quiet-times-5089541/Sun, 23 Nov 2008 06:49:56 +0100 <p>After the hustle and bustle of the Water Festival things have returned to normal this week.It's been remarkably quiet actually and as there is nothing to report I will keep it brief.<br> I am looking forward to Cambodia's first ever rock opera entitled "Where Elephants Weep" which is happening next week at the Chenla Theatre and providing I can get a ticket will give my thoughts.There is also a large photography exhibition happening next week with some huge installations being shown at an outdoor location near a pagoda,so that could be rather spectacular.<br> I went to the Reyum Gallery yesterday to see an exhibition of photos taken by a Swedish man called Gunnar Bergstrom in 1978 during the Khmer Rouge.He was one of the few foreigners to gain access into the country and was duped by them into believing that they were for the greater good.Below the photos he gives his thoughts as written then and now,upon his first time back since then and the man even had lunch with Pol Pot.It really shows you how empty Phnom Penh was,and is quite eye opening even if you have seen similar photography before.<br> That's it.I have a lunch date. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/11/23/quiet-times-5089541/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>gunnar-bergstromhttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/11/23/quiet-times-5089541/#commentshttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/11/15/all-finished-5038286/tag:davidcambo.blog.co.uk,2008-11-15:/2008/11/15/all-finished-5038286/Sat, 15 Nov 2008 06:55:41 +0100 <p>The comment that I made in my last entry about the festival not being as busy as I thought came back to bite me.<br> I wrote on Tuesday,which was the first day of the festival,and by Thursday the streets had become progressively more packed,particularly at intersections.It took me an eternity to get to my apartment and at one point I stopped at a restaurant for an hour as it was obvious that I was going nowhere fast.<br> The three days were fascinating however,and I delighted in pounding the streets taking in the sights and sounds,eating all sorts of delights.....I was even offered cow's penis which is a delicacy by all accounts,but politely declined......and watching the Khmer people just have a good time.<br> On Thursday I spent most of the afternoon watching the races from the concreted over banks of the river,as my legs were starting to give out on me.Now for some reason I entered an enclosure for foreigners that was fenced off and covered in the new Ministry of Tourisms campaign entitled "Cambodia:Kingdom of Wonder"which has been extensively trailed on CNN.Whilst there was quite a lot of room compared with everywhere else,on the opposite side of the roped off area hundreds of Khmers packed together straining to see the finish line.It was all a bit strange and I seemed to be the only person who went over to try and talk to them,ask about their well being and just simply acknowledge their presence.Anyway,eventually some Khmers were allowed in and I happily sat and watched for three to four hours,taking the occasional photo and enjoying a great sunset and the ensuing firework display while the lighted floats went by.For the first time in Phnom Penh I even felt a wee bit chilly as monsoons to the north have resulted in the onset of the cool season with temperatures dropping to 17 deg. at night and a strong breeze to boot.<br> The city is now back to normal and the clean up has been fairly impressive.On Friday morning when I headed out I was surprised to see that most of the trash had disappeared,obviously collected by gnomes during the night.<br> I go back to work on Monday filled with memories that will stay with me for some time.If you get the chance to come out here,and you don't mind crowds then the Water Festival would be a good introduction...watch out for the cow's penis though! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/11/15/all-finished-5038286/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>khmer-foodcnnhttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/11/15/all-finished-5038286/#commentshttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/11/12/all-things-water-5021453/tag:davidcambo.blog.co.uk,2008-11-12:/2008/11/12/all-things-water-5021453/Wed, 12 Nov 2008 06:08:25 +0100I don't normally write during the week due to time restrictions etc. but seeing as it's water festival time and I'm not working,I thought I'd take the plunge(water metaphors are all the rage around here at the moment). What to say about my first experience of the above mentioned festival?Well,it's hectic to say the least.From early in the morning to late at night-by Khmer standards-your senses are overwhelmed with noise,colour,smells and dozens of photo opportunities.The main focus is the Tonle Sap river,which is joined by the Mekong further up the water way.Long boats or dragon boats painted in traditional designs congregate at the starting point,near the main bridge in Phnom Penh which ex pats call the Japanese Bridge...it was built with Japanese money....,and race frenetically towards the finishing line that is marked with two boats.The teams are made up of government ministries,villages from various provinces and companies.Both boats and competitors are festooned in colours aplenty and each boat contains up to fifty rowers.I must say that it's quite a sight as they bomb down the river,rowing faster than one hundred Steve Redgraves put together. Being six foot two I have a distinct advantage over the average Khmer and was able to get good views.I spent the day walking....boy did I walk....and found some great nooks and crannies to take photos and observe the activities.Also,as if pre-ordained,the wind really got up yesterday and while providing a cooling effect,also assisted the racers and added to the drama. I could really tell that many Khmers were not local and were here to sell,race and have fun as I was stared at a lot and had my arms touched frequently a result of a fascination with fair,hairy European skin!Most Phnom Penh residents are used to this and generally I am left alone but I was also overdosed with smiles,and offers of food,drink and hats which definitely keeps your spirits up especially when your flagging later in the day. As the evening descended around six o'clock I found a rooftop bar and watched the firework display.Now,although I'll admit that fireworks can be spectacular,I am baffled by the clamour to take photos.After all a shot of a firework display in the night sky is all well and good,but you could be anywhere in the world.I prefer the type of picture that signifys where you were and what you were doing.Of far more interest were the barges that lit up in an array of colours and bright lights and paraded around the river.They all represented various institutions,for example the Ministry of Justice had a huge pair of scales. So,day one has passed and the streets are recovering.However,the whole thing will be repeated today and tomorrow.Walking down this morning I couldn't believe the amount of people who had taken up residence in any available place as most of the poor provincial Khmers just fling a mat on the ground and sleep under the stars. Anyway I need to go and apply some sun cream so there will be more descriptive analysis in the coming days!! <p> <small> <a href="http://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/11/12/all-things-water-5021453/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>water-festivalhttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/11/12/all-things-water-5021453/#commentshttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/11/09/55-years-5006378/tag:davidcambo.blog.co.uk,2008-11-09:/2008/11/09/55-years-5006378/Sun, 09 Nov 2008 05:52:48 +0100 <p>Today the 9th November is Independence Day in Cambodia and I left the house relatively early,camera in hand to catch the parade and festivities.This is a big week in the Khmer calendar,as later this week is the three day water festival(Oum Tuk to those of you who speak the lingo)but more of that later.<br> This day marks 55 years since the French packed their bags and headed back to Paris,and the patriotic fervour in the air is palpable.The municipal government have tried to "beautify" the city streets and their is a definite increase in colour,cleanliness and the most elaborate and ornate portable loos I have ever seen.However,some things are not so good with the police clearing the streets of homeless people and sending them to what are called "re-education centres",a Stalinist term if ever I heard one.<br> There has also been a marked surge in the number of hawkers and vendors,and yesterday I was accosted by two very young,confident girls trying to sell me the usual assortment of bangles and fans."What is your name?" and "Where are you from?" were the predictable questions but when it was ascertained that I was from the UK,I received an incredibly impressive potted history lesson from 10 year old Nary.Here is a transcript:<br> "The population of the UK is 65 million,and the capital city is London.The prime minister is called Gordon Brown(pronounced Bruun)and the UK has many parks and green spaces.The biggest airport is called Heathrow."<br> Telling her that I was really impressed I then asked her if she learnt that at school."No I learn from tourists,and now I have told you that you must buy my bracelets for your wife"Incredible.......so brazen for one so young,but nevertheless very funny.<br> On my way to watch the parade I bumped into my Khmer friend Vuthy who insisted that he act as a guide.We proceeded to watch what was an incredibly colourful and long parade,which involved all the ministries being represented and reminded me an awful lot of the eastern bloc type parades you see on TV minus the military hardware.There was float after float all proudly proclaiming an aspect of Khmer society and the national anthem was sung heartily by those taking part.I must admit that I was quite impressed and even though I have a natural British suspicion of all things patriotic brought on by years of woolly liberalism I found all this fairly stirring.<br> Now I get ready for the water festival during which time up to 4 miilion people invade the city from all corners of the country and the main events are the boat races that happen on the Tonle Sap.The festival celebrates the end of the rainy season and the reversal in the flow of the Tonle Sap into the Mekong,a unique event which happens nowhere else in the world.I missed all this last year,and people who live in Phnom Penh often make a beeline for the coast or another country.I will stay however,and try to brave the crowds making sure that my pockets are empty(or they will be emptied for me!!).Wish me luck. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/11/09/55-years-5006378/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/11/09/55-years-5006378/#commentshttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/11/01/a-day-at-the-beach-4964668/tag:davidcambo.blog.co.uk,2008-11-01:/2008/11/01/a-day-at-the-beach-4964668/Sat, 01 Nov 2008 06:49:50 +0100 <p>On Wednesday we had the regular school field trip which this term was a visit to Sihanoukville,or to give it it's traditional name Kompong Som.<br> Arriving bleary eyed at the incredibly uncivilised hour of 5.45 a.m. at school, we set off predictably late on the supposed four hour journey south.<br> Although the drive was fairly uneventful,I can be fairly impatient sometimes and on an occasion like this need to reach my destination promptly and with no fuss.I hadn't accounted for the Khmer obssession with eating at any given opportunity,and we stopped at least once an hour for a multitude of junk food,amazing looking fruit and at one point a lot of live crab....how you are meant to eat this as a snack without any cooking utensils or even something to kill the unfortunate crustacean is beyond me.<br> So,arriving at least an hour later than we were planning too,and me smiling through gritted teeth trying not to behave like a cumudgeonly old man,the process of finding a suitable beach was embarked upon.We had intended to decamp at a beach named Otres and having traversed an incredibly bone shaking narrow road-a shock after the smoothness of National Route 4 all the way down,possibly Cambodias best road-having reached said beach we found that there was in fact no beach as either the tide was in or the sand had been stolen!We had to turn around and headed for Occheteal(sic)where mercifully everything was fine.Arranging three bus loads of tired students was our next task,and we all sat down for,you've guessed it,a meal.<br> The sea food in Cambodia's coastal towns is superb,and being a fan myself,I gorged on squid,crab and the biggest prawns you've seen in your life.Whilst eating under straw covered huts I spotted one of the best signs I have seen here.Normally I'm not a fan of deriding people for their attempts at giving information in a foreign language as after all how much Khmer can I speak.This particular sign however filled me with mirth and I actually thought the end result was far better.It was meant to say.."Please take your property with you" a fair enough request and was written in Khmer as well.What the sign actually said was..."Please take your poetry with you".I had visions of everyone finishing their lunch and settling down to write an ode to their loved ones and then carefully folding up the paper and taking it away with them.<br> After lunch and a suitable amount of digestion time I got my kit off and plunged into the briny sea.Cambodians of both sexes generally swim fully clothed to protect their modesty and their skin.....a particularly important thing here especially amongst women.It is frowned upon to have "black skin" and every effort is made to cover up so who knows,perhaps Cambodians were aware of the dangers of skin cancer long before we were.We all had a good time and I tried to teach a few rudimentary swimming lessons as a large number of the kids could not swim.Which made the fact that before we knew what was happening several of them had jumped on a banana boat,a plastic sausage shaped,air filled creation that is pulled at great speeds by a power boat,and were off into the deep blue yonder.No safety gear and one life jacket between six made me nervous to say the least,and after a heart stopping few minutes there were some stern words said on their return.<br> We set off home at about 4 p.m. after a long and troubling argument with the driver.It turned out that he had brought a couple of friends/relatives along for the ride and someone had anonymously phoned his boss who threatened to fire him as this was strictly forbidden.This combined with the fact that nobody had bought him lunch(a terrible offence)had turned him into a seething animal.Our esteemed director stood there not saying a word as this guy responsible for many young people threatened to drive like Lewis Hamilton and in the process scared many of the kids.A few of them came up to me and said they wanted to go on another bus and this was one occasion where my lack of Khmer was a big disadvantage,as I really wanted to say something but felt powerless.Anyway,good old Mr.Dakun,a born negotiator if ever I saw one,made his way over from another bus took the situation by the scruff of the neck,phoned the driver's boss and smoothed things over to the point where everyone was all smiles and I was able to shake the man's hand and give him a hearty pat on the back.<br> We came back tired but content,smelling of salty sea and I had the same feeling I used to get when I was a kid and my grandparents used to take us to the beach for the day at Saltdean or Hove.If I thought that was the end of the drama I was badly mistaken.After more stops...a blown out tire on one of the buses.I have no idea where we were but all I know was that it was pitch black,the middle of nowhere and only a flashlight was available to replace the tire.Thirty minutes later this was acheived while we stood on the roadside and I tried to stop people being smashed into by the occasional truck that zoomed by and seemed to be the only kind of vehicle on the road at this time of day.<br> Phnom Penh draws nearer and by now I'm exhausted,but wouldn't you know it a huge accident involving a gasoline truck(!!!)and a motorbike has virtually blocked the road and it takes the arrival of the police to get us moving again after what seemed an interminable delay.9.00p.m. and we are back,but even then my motodop driver who says he'll wait for me while I buy some water for a few minutes disappears upon my re-emergence from the shop.Oh dear!! Get me to my bed.A highly enjoyable and memorable day,but that last couple of hours felt like ten! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/11/01/a-day-at-the-beach-4964668/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>sihanoukvillehttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/11/01/a-day-at-the-beach-4964668/#commentshttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/10/26/just-like-watching-brazil-4932640/tag:davidcambo.blog.co.uk,2008-10-26:/2008/10/26/just-like-watching-brazil-4932640/Sun, 26 Oct 2008 09:17:59 +0100 <p>Another weekend was upon me and I was in somewhat of a quandry.How shall I occupy my time productively?It was at this point that it was suggested to me that I pay a visit to the mighty Olympic Stadium,built in the sixties and designed by Cambodia's pre-eminent architect Yann Molyvann(I've probably spelt that incorrectly-apologies).At the time the King was hoping to bring the Olympics to Phnom Penh,hence the name.<br> The Suzuki Cup qualifiers are taking place at the moment,and are being hosted by Cambodia.It's a football competition run by the Asian Football Federation,and qualification would mean much prestige to those who make it.My friend Somphors from work wanted to go and I said I would meet him there.<br> Having had breakfast with my godson and his parents in the morning I made my way to the stadium only to receive a phone call from Somphors saying he couldn't make it.What the hell I thought,I've nothing better to do,so carried on to the event.Arriving at the stadium there was a definite pre-match buzz of excitement and a lot of nervous energy.Five teams were taking part...Phillipines,Laos,Brunei,East Timor and of course Cambodia.The home team had started of the tournament well beating Laos 3-2,but then only drawn 2-2 against East Timor and lost 3-2 to the Phillipines,who apparently were much bigger than the Khmer players.A shame as 15,000 had turned out which I'm told is a good crowd in these parts.The match I was about to witness would be a crucial affair and could either make or break the home teams' hearts(hey,I'm enjoying writing like cliche man so leave me alone!)<br> Paying my $1 ticket price at stalls emblazoned with a local mobile phone companies colours,I wandered into the stadium and made my way up what seemed like the thirty-nine steps.On reaching the top I was greeted by quite a sight.'Cavernous bowl' wouldn't begin to describe the set up and although I'm notoriously bad at judging figures I would say that the place held a good 75,000 people.I took my place behind one of the goals and waited for battle to commence.<br> Basically Cambodia dominated the first half but were hit with a sucker punch one minute before half-time when Brunei's best player showed admirable skills and put the visitors ahead....John Motson eat your heart out.However,Cambodia piled on the pressure in injury time and their best player Rithy,in his orange boots and died blonde hair created a great chance with a piledriver which the keeper failed to hold onto and a player whose name I don't know(!)followed it up to crash the ball into the net.Cue pandemonium.......drums made out of empty gasoline cannisters were beaten and there was manic jumping up and down which led me to wonder about the stadium's foundations.<br> The quirks of football crowds tied in with local culture became very obvious to me.When Brunei had scored the Khmers were very generous in their applause.At this point I had struck up a conversation with Piseth who was an enthusiastic supporter and when I mentioned this looked at me in disbelief and said "of course we clap the other team if they score a skillful goal!".The Corinthian spirit is alive and well in Cambodia.<br> The second half kicked off and the Brunei team were starting to visibly wilt in front of my eyes.Bear in mind the match kicked off at 2p.m. in the heat of the day,although due to my position up in the gods I had a remarkably strong breeze keeping me cool.Cambodia finally broke through in the 75th minute with another fine goal,a powerful shot from about 25 yards.The ensuing minutes caused me a good deal of amusement as the lead was protected with zealous application.Of course,every time a Khmer player was tackled he went down as though I had acted as a sniper high up in my lofty position.What was hilarious though were the stretcher bearers who raced onto the pitch adorned with Red Cross logos and using the kind of stretcher I haven't seen since my days at Hove Grammar School for Boys.They were obviously supporting the home team and while attending to the stricken player held their hands in the air and implored the crowd to clap along with them!Needless to say this didn't go down too well with the Brunei players.Nor did the ball boys behaviour who once Cambodia went ahead actually refused on a couple of occasions to fetch the ball....perhaps the Corinthian spirit only goes so far.<br> The stadium reminded me a lot of some of the large bowls you see in Eastern Europe,with the stands set far back from the pitch and although you would think that this wouldn't lend itself to a good atmosphere,nothing could be further from the truth and the final few minutes were frenetic,noisy and celebratory.Once the final whistle went the players went bananas,ran to the massed ranks and tossed their shirts to the crazed fans.It was though the Olympics had been awarded to Cambodia.I found it all very refreshing and not a little moving seeing these guys incredibly proud of their acheivements and country,and put the primma donna like behaviour of "star" players,who earn a million times more(literally) into perspective.<br> I'm not sure if Cambodia qualified as Piseth wasn't sure either,and anyway he was more interested in telling me about stocks and bonds and how he wants to be a banker.Judging by the reaction I think it safe to assume that there was a positive outcome.Another match followed between Laos and East Timor,but I didn't stay for that,but I was told that Cambodia needed East Timor to get a result.<br> I left the stadium feeling strangely jubilant and it was great to see the ocean of faces covered in what is the best smile in the world.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/10/26/just-like-watching-brazil-4932640/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>yann-molyvannolympic-stadiumsuzuki-cuphttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/10/26/just-like-watching-brazil-4932640/#commentshttp://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/10/11/is-credit-crunch-a-kind-of-breakfast-cereal-4853169/tag:davidcambo.blog.co.uk,2008-10-11:/2008/10/11/is-credit-crunch-a-kind-of-breakfast-cereal-4853169/Sat, 11 Oct 2008 05:03:15 +0200 <p>I have to say that all the gloom and doom in the civilised world right now seems to be passing us by!!I have found myself watching CNBC occasionally,and quietly snigger to myself as the capitalists work themselves up into a lather.Watching the Dow Jones index has become morbidly fascinating as it fluctuates wildly,and the commentators start acting like sports reporters rather than reasoned intellectuals which is surely what they are meant to be.I guess that creating panic,shouting from the rooftops and installing fear adds to the ratings,so I shouldn't be surprised.<br> Here in the developing world the fate of the markets is an irrelevance to the average Khmer.Cambodia does not even have a stock market(although there are plans to introduce one in 2009)and the limited economic knowledge that I have tells me that investors will come rushing to countries like this,and shy away from the traditional markets as the main commodoties here are natural resources and agriculture which are fairly safe bets in times like these.The only thing I do worry about is that the banking system is fairly fragile here,although a lot more robust than it used to be,and ANZ are the main players here who are an Australian outfit so come from a country that has some of the toughest banking regulations in the world.<br> Impressed?You can tell I've been reading up on these things can't you!</p> <p>It's been all change at work with people being fired,the management reducing staff to tears and all sorts going on.Hell,they even tried to diddle me out of $50,so I went to battle and reclaimed what was rightfully mine!I was sick for two days early in September and followed procedure,called in sick etc.Pay day arrives and I'm told that I'm only allowed one sick day per month.I pointed out that my contract says that I'm allowed 7 paid sick days per year,but that nowhere does it state the one day a month clause.I refused to take my money until it was sorted,got my way and apologised to the poor woman I had ranted at earlier,whose fault it was not,and was only following instructions.I hasten to add that I was not the one reduced to tears.It really irks me that the new guy in charge seems to be riding roughshod over the Khmer staff in particular and one poor woman,who is a cleaner,was docked $20 off her pay for what she is not sure.As she earns $80 a month(remember that many Cambodians exist on a dollar a day)this is obviously a large chunk,and she was devastated.I had to find out what was wrong,and tried to reason with management,telling them that if they wanted to keep their employees there had to be a lot more communication and fairness instigated.It's ok for me as I have experience in these situations and will always be able to draw on other resources,but when you are living on your own in a city,as this woman is,sending back half(!)your meagre salary to your family who live in a province 200 kilometres away and are by nature a rather shy and retiring person then things become exceedingly tough.</p> <p>I was rather amused this week to read about the retired King,whose birthday is fast approaching on October 31st(4 days after mine for anyone whose forgotten...hint,hint).Apparently last year he received thousands of cards,e-mails and good wishes from his subjects,and it took him quite a while to respond to them all.So this year he has released a statement effectively saying "don't bother me"!He doesn't want any well wishers and in the statement says that he "wants to be left alone" and that people who are after autographs "irritate him".Can you imagine if Liz or Charles released a statement along similar lines.I think a republic would follow.....not a bad thing in my opinion. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/10/11/is-credit-crunch-a-kind-of-breakfast-cereal-4853169/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://davidcambo.blog.co.uk/2008/10/11/is-credit-crunch-a-kind-of-breakfast-cereal-4853169/#comments