Phnom Penh Life

I received my Visa back today.  It's official.  For the next year, I am a Cambodian resident. 

I asked Eee, the guesthouse guy, for some toilet paper and soap.  He brought me soap called White Impress, a skin whitening soap.  I teased him and said, "Should I be more white?"  I showed him my translucent skin with blue veins popping out.  "I am like a ghost," I said.  He laughed, "Oh yes, white is good!" 

I called Laum and asked for the name of the educational bookstore.  He said it was called Sok Tech _____.  What?  I asked him to spell the last word.  He said, "Cat...or Bat...or maybe P not C."  WTF?  I was googling these names and nothing came up, so I asked him for the address.  He said, "OK, I ask bus driver.  I call you back."  When he called back, he told me the name was Peace Book Center.  I have been laughing about that all day.  Soooo typical.  I found some good books there to use with my kids such as a picture dictionary and a childrens' book about a dog. 

The monks are friendly here.  They smile when I walk by and they like to practice speaking English.  In the morning, they walk around and collect their food for the day in a big bowl. 

There was a ritual taking place where the monks poured water with lotus petals on these people.  I think it was a blessing.