Recent News:

I have been offered another year long contract with The Phnom Penh Post, and I will definitely be accepting it. I've been enjoying my work here, it is challenging but not too rough. My biggest difficulty is staying focused when working on multiple projects (I've never been good at 'shifting gears'). I was also offered a modest pay increase, which should allow me to move out of my less-than-ok appartment to somewhere a little nicer!

I also just got my top two wisdom teeth removed. Did you know that Cambodia is an excellent place to get dental work? Its cheap, and most of the clinics seem very competent (i.e clean).

Nightlife in Phnom Penh is pretty fun. On weekends, I have the opportunity to do any number of the following:


going on photography trips
Karaoke!
Eating out
Boat trips on the Tonlesap River (or other rivers/lakes)
Dancing @ bars/clubs
Live music: [Phnom Penh is beginning to grow as a stop-over venue for big name bands doing Asia tours; still local bands are the name of the game.The picture above features a really funky band which has been making a big splash in Cambodia. They are called The Cambodian Space Project, they play a very soulful blend of jazz-funk and 50's Khmer rock!]
Visiting one of my Khmer friend's villages
Lounging at one of the local swimming pools
Shooting AK-47's at the local shooting range (I haven't done this, and probably never will)
Temple visiting
There are only a couple of decent galleries here, but there is an interesting exhibition from time to time.


Once I sign my contract, I will have the opportunity to plan some vacation time...
Possible vacation destinations:
Return to India
Thailand
Hong Kong
Singapore
Malaysia
Indonesia


Any suggestions?

New year, new me....

The last month has been just fantastic!
First, I was graced by fun guests: Thom Stead & company came to visit Cambodia! Although I'm a newbie here, i felt knowledgeable showing them around Phnom Penh... I was really impressed by Thom's accounts of Indonesia, and I hope that I have the opportunity to take a trip there in the near future!

Soon after, my parents and Melissa arrived. Despite some jetlag and tummie issues, their visit here was phenomenal. It was really wonderful being able to spend time with them on vacation, where they really had time to relax (unlike their habitual hectic Larchmont/Tufts life). I managed to take out my parents for some dancing on New Years, their energy and rhythms were to be applauded! I guess Gage/Macdougalls are just good at dancing! I also had the opportunity to leave Phnom Penh for two weekends to travel with them to Siem Reap and Kep!

All things considered, life is going very well. I've been frustrated at my lack of regular exercise, so I'm starting my first Khmer boxing lesson today!

My last posts were very long, so I'll keep this one short and sweet!

More visitors Please!!