Well, I am posting this from home, where I've been for the past 24 hours. Because Cambodia is 12 hours ahead of us, even though my clock and calendar say that it's 7:30 p.m. on Sunday night, my body tells me that it's 7:30 a.m. on Monday morning. It's a little disorienting! I recommend that everyone plan for a restful day or two after returning home next February.
But I am waaaayyyyyy too ahead of myself because we haven't even left yet!! We still have to wait around 7 months, or 28 weeks, before we leave! I think I'll pack now anyway, though, because I so am looking forward to sharing these experiences with all of you. You are such a great group of students! We are going to have such a wonderful time in Cambodia -- get excited because you will not be disappointed! Marsha and Taddy are right with me with regard to our excitement level!
This will be my last blog until closer to our winter departure, when I am hoping that each student will volunteer to blog about a single day of the trip. If each student takes on that responsibility, then each student's viewpoint will be heard at least once AND the blog will stay up-to-date AND each student's parents will get to read their own child's views at least once! And I promise to figure out how we can post photos, too!
An update on my sister, Deb. She returned home mid-week and had surgery on her wrist on Friday morning. She is resting now. Her physician expects her to make a full recovery, but he's expecting it to take 3 months. With any luck at all, Deb will come to visit us when we're in Siem Reap next January (hint, hint)!
I'll leave you with some random and final thoughts that are fresh on my mind...
1. Make some money this summer so you will have a little spending money! Cambodia has beautiful textiles, such as scarves, skirts, purses, and bags -- and everything is priced reasonably. (They trade in U.S. currency, so no need to figure out money conversions.) For example, at one NGO, I picked up a really cute skirt for $6! There are over 2,000 NGOs in Cambodia, most dedicated to helping Cambodians earn a living wage by making cultural items using indigenous products such as natural dyes and fibers.
2. Gems (especially jade) and pearls abound on products, too. You will be able to find beautiful jewelry, all made by Cambodians using their own materials. The low prices will astound you!
3. Cultivate an open mind about food and you'll not only be able to find foods you love, but you'll discover many new favorite flavors, too! Practice this summer by eating some foods you think you may not like, and discover that even if you really do not like them, it's okay to try something new. Food choices in Cambodia are plentiful and some are exotic.
4. Everywhere we traveled, we always felt safe. Nonetheless, we will insist and we will enforce, the best that we can, that you travel with a mind toward safety. You ALWAYS must be with at least one friend, you ALWAYS must look out for one another, you ALWAYS must be smart. I think that you'll warm up to Cambodia and that you're likely to feel very comfortable there quickly; however, you still must be mindful of the fact that you are a tourist.
5. Even though the driving looked haphazard, Cambodians are patient when driving, be it when driving a cyclo, a tuk-tuk, a bike, a car, a bus, or a cart pulled by a horse or cow! But do use caution when crossing the street. The motto that I developed was: Commit and keep walking, but proceed slowly.
6. Do start your vaccinations this summer -- get all of that taken care of so you don't have to worry about it once school begins.
7. If needed, get your passport now!! Don't get left behind in January because your passport is not in hand and current. Also remember that your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after you RETURN FROM Cambodia. Therefore, your passport must be valid until at least September 2013.
8. Practice smiling! Cambodians are very friendly and seemingly love "Americans," so be prepared to smile in return to everyone you see, because everyone will be smiling at you!
Happy summer! I am looking forward to seeing all of you in fall term!
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