Touched down in Phnom Penh

Thanks to marsedit. Now can blog real time and save it to post when opportunity arises.

Day 1 Arriving at Phnom Penh
Touched down in Phnom Penh for the 5th time in 3 years. This might be the last time we are coming down for a recce. And as usual, touching down at Phnom Penh International Airport brings back a rush of memories and emotions. Since 2006 when I am still new to the expedition, full of hope and anticipation to 2007, harded by experience, more clinical yet more pensive to 2008 where I finally think I understand how things work and how to do one’s best in negotiation, diplomacy and planning.

Well just really hope things will be fine and good. One cannot take things for granted and has to be alert and careful.

Going down to Takeo Province tomorrow. Hope all be good.

Could not really sleep well last night, tossed and turned and sat up groggy to the humming of the air conditioner at 2am. Maybe its the pre trip jitters.

Day 2 Going to Takeo
Its like a I guess in a way going back to your favorite food stall. you approach it with anticipation, knowing full well what is going to happen and you savor the familiar comfort this experience brings. This recce trip feels like it. Its exhausting, you have to be alert, you have to quickly respond to both visible and hidden cues and you have to think on your feet.

Of course going back Sok Ann and Meakea for the 3rd year brings meixed feelings. You feel the happiness seeing the center grow. Meakea now has 189 students, in 2006 they had only 60 students. There is a now an annex building, a vacated house which they turned into a classroom. Sok Ann now has a brand new basketball court, thanks to Serangoon Gardens Sec. All these weren’t here when we first came to visit this young school which was previously a rice field.

Will finalise the programme today and then a walk around Phnom Penh city in the afternoon. Then we will be heading down to Siem Reap.

At an internet cafe now. So this post first.