Since I'm stuck on this tiny island, I have been finding ways to alleviate the boredom. I spent some quality time with the three cows, watching them eat rice and deposit enormous loads of fertilizer next to the pond. I stared out at endless rice paddies, listening to the cacophony of birds and frogs. I vomited my thoughts on this blog. And I watched television. Lots of it.
Cambodian t.v. is a trip. I have four channels. Any time of day, I can find news and music videos. The other channels are a mix of soap operas, Khmer boxing, game shows, or variety shows.
No matter what I'm watching, there is one guarantee. The acting is bad. Really bad. These are common acting techniques: If a man is scared, he will pretend to bite his nails with chattering teeth. If a woman wants to convey she is sad, she will put fists up to her eyes and make rubbing motions. Speaking of women, they only have three emotions: sexy & sultry, on the verge of crying, or crying.
I like to watch boxing. Imagine, if you will, two barefoot athletes wearing red or blue shorts, weighing in at a whopping 132 pounds. One guys ribs are protruding. They begin the match by giving the crowd a sampeah (holding hands together like praying and bowing). Early on, there is a lot of bouncing and kicking. Once the boxers get tired, it becomes one long bear hug.
The music videos feature pretty boy bands, girls trying to sing in unnaturally high voices, and Asians rapping. Cynthia asked, "Why don't the men have deep voices." I explained, "They haven't hit puberty yet."
There are an excessive number of commercials between each segment. They advertise everything from rice tractors that no one can afford, skin whitening cream for ladies, and cell phone providers. Today, I watched a commercial for a contraption that is supposed to increase a person's height. They showed a man lay down on a padded bench with his feet and head strapped onto it with plastic belts. After cranking a wheel, the medieval torture rack stretched his body. According to their measurements, his height "increased" from 167 cm to 173 cm. Amazing!
Cambodian t.v. is a trip. I have four channels. Any time of day, I can find news and music videos. The other channels are a mix of soap operas, Khmer boxing, game shows, or variety shows.
No matter what I'm watching, there is one guarantee. The acting is bad. Really bad. These are common acting techniques: If a man is scared, he will pretend to bite his nails with chattering teeth. If a woman wants to convey she is sad, she will put fists up to her eyes and make rubbing motions. Speaking of women, they only have three emotions: sexy & sultry, on the verge of crying, or crying.
I like to watch boxing. Imagine, if you will, two barefoot athletes wearing red or blue shorts, weighing in at a whopping 132 pounds. One guys ribs are protruding. They begin the match by giving the crowd a sampeah (holding hands together like praying and bowing). Early on, there is a lot of bouncing and kicking. Once the boxers get tired, it becomes one long bear hug.
The music videos feature pretty boy bands, girls trying to sing in unnaturally high voices, and Asians rapping. Cynthia asked, "Why don't the men have deep voices." I explained, "They haven't hit puberty yet."
There are an excessive number of commercials between each segment. They advertise everything from rice tractors that no one can afford, skin whitening cream for ladies, and cell phone providers. Today, I watched a commercial for a contraption that is supposed to increase a person's height. They showed a man lay down on a padded bench with his feet and head strapped onto it with plastic belts. After cranking a wheel, the medieval torture rack stretched his body. According to their measurements, his height "increased" from 167 cm to 173 cm. Amazing!
Cletus likes watching cows poop too! Sounds like funny comercials.
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