Vibes

Having received cross cultural training in the past, we recognize that we are deeply immersed in the honeymoon period of culture shock! It's that period of transition where everything about your new environment seems wonderful. Eventually those very things are supposed to become challenges through a difficult period and then comes acceptance. I personally do not remember the honeymoon period in Bangladesh, although Greg may have experienced one. It was simply difficult from the beginning, so I am hoping the honeymoon here in Phnom Penh is drawn out to make up for my lack of honeymoon in Dhaka. It feels like we're on an exotic vacation of a lifetime.

The vibe around the city is one of youth and economic emergence from a difficult, unspeakable past. Literally, one does not speak of the genocide period, although there are tours of the genocide museum and killing fields. (we are waiting for our kids to come to visit) 80% of the population is under 30 years of age! Only 3.8% of persons are over 60 years of age. Therefore, it has the energy of a youthful nation. This is evident in the artistic development around the city. There is simply a cool vibe in the air. The new cafe shops and restaurants where people gather in community are full of art, designed with an industrial modern feel, using the local materials and artisans to reflect the nation. The youth of the city is ever present simply on the streets as people move entire families on motos, the transport for common folk.

The vibe around our neighbourhood, which is a combination of barang, (expats) and middle class Cambodians, is one of family and community. We have been invited out to eat by 5 families and we've only been here two weeks. There are scores of children riding their bikes or scooters to the park to play on the equipment, families walking their dogs and groups of kids playing basketball. Without the same pressures of the Western World and the availability of good house help, people seem to have time for one another. As well as socializing as a couple, I have had many opportunities to get to know some quality women - wise, fun, women of faith. I've joined a little Friday posse that do fun things for the day and it's going to be my week's highlight. The family across the road are wonderful and I can't wait to get to know them better.

When we opened our bank account recently, it was obvious that it was run by a very young crowd. Greg and I look like old people here! The bank's employees were well dressed, partially bilingual Cambodian young adults. All of the women, whom are gorgeous, were smartly dressed in pencil skirts and blouses, some with jackets.

The general vibe we have picked up from the expat community is one of great enjoyment. There are people who are burnt out as the work is difficult in Asia. Paperwork and systems don't necessarily move the same as in the developed world, however Greg's past work experience proved copious red tape moments hopefully preparing him for what lies ahead!

Greg has been receiving managing and evaluating training (M&E) from a consultant here. The general vibe at work is a soft start rather than a fire hose one. He is excited for the challenges that lie ahead and feels his former work experience has prepared him to make a difference in the lives of exploited persons in Cambodia.

The vibe at night isn't so nice. We have been encouraged to be in our homes or at least borey by 9pm every night. The police are off the streets by 9pm and the night life begins. We were out close to that time, returning from the mall recently, and noticed a change in the vibe of the city. Simply stated, it's a vibe of sexual perversion as the KTV clubs open, where women are visibly lined up to be purchased for an evening date of entertainment (drinks,karoke) and then sex. There are web sites informing tourists and locals alike where they can purchase very attractive women for the evening. So many of these women have been forced and trafficked into this lifestyle and it was literally like a punch in the gut to see the industry in action from our tuk tuk.

The vibe regarding personal safety is a little worse than we lived in Dhaka, although I know the situation in Dhaka has changed significantly since our time there. It feels like entering Fort Knox when we arrive home, unlocking a pad locked gated door. Our community is gated with guards but it seems to me like they let everyone in! Apparently there is a danger of theft on the tuk tuks, and I have to be very careful to wear a shoulder bag with it placed in between Greg and I when we travel. It doesn't feel dangerous per se, but it's important that I don't have a false sense of security.

Amazingly we have not experienced any real tummy trouble yet! We were first introduced to some of the higher end restaurants where the average Cambodian would find it too expensive to eat. There is an eating out culture here, even for the locals. Don't feel bad about that morning Timmies run - Cambodians eat breakfast out everyday on their way to work.The other day, we went to a more local, out door noodle house and tried Cambodian red curry. It was delicious. Tonight we hope to brave the deliciously reputed street food. (Greg can't wait for the fried bananas!) He's already tried a cocoon worm and said that they just taste like nuts. I won't be sampling any bugs! The consultant Greg was meeting with suggested that Bangladesh, where I had stomach issues every week, probably prepared us for street food here. I hope he's right!

Our personal vibe in our own home is that we're going to like it here. So far, the adjustment is going well. I really like that life is more balanced here. For instance, I can simply hire a part time cleaner and can have control of my own house, whereas in Bangladesh it seemed our house helpers were in charge of my kitchen, menu. Cambodians don't seem to bring the same kind of drama that Bangladeshi house helpers brought to their employers. We are slowly making our house a home and today I bought bedding for when our children visit.

Sing it with me now...good, good, good- good vibrations!