Sometimes I like to chase chickens. I ride by them everyday and everyday there are surprised to see me, and noisily try to run away. Perhaps they would be more successful if they simply moved to one side or the other. But no, they like to try to outrun my bike. It amuses me. Today there is a big party at my school. But, it is basically a self congratulatory bash for a certain political party. So I’m here, in my provincial town, to avoid it. In Cambodia, all teachers at public schools are required to join this party. Many of the younger people however, feel that the party simply gives people gifts so to appease them, so the people don’t notice that ridiculous amounts of money are paying for politician’s houses and cars instead of roads and schools. Two of my co teachers also left town for the same reason. The party’s main supporters are older people, who remember when a bowl of rice porridge was supposed to be a day’s meal for twenty people. They know how bad things can get, and know that things are better now, so they’re scared of change. Younger people, however, look at Vietnam and Thailand, (both about 20-30 years ahead of Cambodia as far as development is concerned) and feel like the government is holding the country back. I’m not supposed to comment on politics, as I’m technically attached to the official US Diplomatic Mission in Cambodia, but when you live in a place it’s hard not to develop opinions. Also, had I attended the party, I would have been trotted out like a circus attraction and expected to make small talk and dance with a bunch of drunk, middle aged bureaucrats who are used to being given special treatment. Yeah, no. Just no.
It’s the “rongia” season here. “Rongia” be translated as “very cold”, i.e. anything below 70 degrees. I love it. In the early morning it can get down 55, but they bust out the puffer jackets. It’s the best thing ever. I laugh a lot. This is mainly because it will be in 90s and 100s before long. Being the start of the second term, attendance has dropped significantly. My night class only had three students last time. The national exam is coming up for grade 12, they must pass it to graduate. They know school is kind of a joke so they just go to their private classes. For those who can’t afford private classes, they help at the farm. I’m starting to volunteer at an orphanage next week, so I’m excited about that.
Lastly, a word about dancing. I attempted to teach my students at recent party, which apparently was highly inappropriate. Teachers do not “disco” (any dancing that isn’t traditional Khmer). Well this one does, I don’t care what they think. But I did promise not to do it at school parties. The thing is, traditional Khmer dancing, when done by professionals, is kind of cool. I linked a couple to my facebook. However, when done by drunk people to loud techno screeching, it’s kind of boring. You kind of just rock back and forth and move your hands back and forth. But they get really excited when foreigners do it. So I try. I will try to get videos from the party’s to post. They’re really funny.
Also, my fruit lady has started selling muffins. This is proof that God does indeed love me. It definitely made my week. Granted, they aren’t the warm, crusty muffins that I ate in the States, but they are muffins nonetheless. Just thinking about them makes me hungry. I think I’ll go get lunch now,

Special thanks to Lesley Daniel and the Leonard Caring Clovers 4-H Club! Your gifts were much appreciated!