Exploitation At Its Finest

I haven't written in my blog for a while now. Not because I have nothing to write about. But there's been a lot of things happening on both the work front - busy, busy, busy as always and taking on more than I can chew - my partner-in-crime Leticia Hsu will agree cos her plate is over-the-top too! - As well as on the personal front - caring for a Hep A patient (MOH), homesick after CNY, trying to keep myself motivated to train for the Ironman (at this point, it is a big joke), etc. Suddenly, in a flash of a flash, it's 1st quarter of the year, GONE.

But today, right now, there is so much anger and frustration in me that I need to channel this somewhere immediately or else, there might be hell to pay! (And I certainly can't go and swim another 100 laps or so since I just did that over lunch hour!).

After months of going back and forth on the Red C budgets for the brand activation work - and I am seriously talking heart-breaking 16 revisions on the costings over a period of 4 months, the client finally piled on the straw that broke the camel's back. For the sake of letting me relief my anger - let's just call him Mr. Deep Throat (part of his name does have this phrase). Now, Mr. Deep Throat is new in Cambodia and is sitting on the almighty throne here thinking he knows best. Ok, he's the client, it's his brand, it's his product. Good.

First round, he came up with all these funny "ratios" on how the budgets and sampling targets work. Funnily - which nobody could comprehend. USD4,500 project budget, to sample a target of 72,000 bottles in 6 provinces. Mind you - Red C themselves had found out that the license fee per province is USD300. You do the math. It leaves us with an unrealistic budget to sample 72,000 freaking bottles. Does Mr. Deep Throat buy that? Of course not! "I've done it before!" he says. Where? In India? But this is Cambodia, my friend!

For those who have done sampling activities for beverages, you will know the process is a tedious one. Chilling, sampling, collection of empty bottles (and believe it or not, Red C only allows a 3% breakage & loss and anything above that, we get charged USD0.50 per bottle unaccounted for), hours in the hot sun, rain, whatever. So we counter-proposed. We keep to the budget, but we sample less bottles. We still want to try to maintain the overall brand image - I mean, after all, it IS Red C. You don't want to look shabby or cheapskate, do you? But Mr. Deep Throat's answer was "I don't care about all that. My sole objective is to touch bottles to lips." Errr...... if so, with all due respect, Sir - why does Red C as a company, spend so much money on branding internationally? Why hire brand managers? (By the way - Mr. Deep Throat is not a brand manager. I do not know his position.)

Nevermind that - I also explained to Mr Deep Throat that has he ever tried to bottoms-up a full bottle of Red C? Since we need to collect bottles and I am short of manpower due to the peanut budget, I need to force consumers to down the bottle of Red C as fast as possible. My team (bless them for soldiering on) did an experiment previously when we sampled another brand - and to down a bottle of carbonated drink takes 2 minutes. They were burping and generally feeling quite ill after the 3rd bottle. Once again - do the math - 2 minutes per bottle for a bottoms-up "brand experience" for the consumers. I don't need to tell you the outcome for your product and the fact that once again - the figures are UNREALISTIC. (At this point, it seems to me, Mr Deep Throat is really pulling numbers out of his freaking ass).

Whatever it may be, we worked on it and worked on it, and worked some more. Finally coming to a reasonably agreeable budget. But was that enough for Mr Deep Throat? No. Today, he said our agency fee should be cut down to a miserable 7% of the total sampling cost. 7%????? This was what angered me so much. Who is this MORON to tell me what my agency deserves to earn? And of course, WHERE THE FUCK is he getting his 7% figure from??? I am so pissed mad. Just because this is Cambodia, you think labour cost is cheap??? Where does he get off?? I ask ANY OF YOU out there - will you consider paying ANYONE USD1.50 to work 8 hours a day - outdoors, rain, shine or snow??? So, yea, where does he get off???

I am waiting for them to send me a black & white confirmation that it is indeed 7% and I will respond with a "No, Thank You Very Much" email of my own. There comes a point where enough is enough, I guess. Whatever your brand may be. So what if it is Red C? You can be fucking Nike for all I care, but when you start exploiting people - it is plain WRONG. Especially more so if you are a global brand. I know it is the economically bad times, but do not use that as an excuse to exploit the people of a third-world country!
I've written about this previously and you can read it again here. Everybody has a budget. Be sensible, SENSITIVE and reasonable.

Some might say this is work. Don't take it personally. Of course I take it personally! This is my work, this is my baby, for crying out loud! I built this company with passion and I train my team to take pride in their work. But if their pride costs a miserable amount of USD0.70 per day (working out to be our current "agency fee" after the 7%  fiasco) - what freaking pride is that? I know they are Cambodians, but it does not make them any lesser of a human beings than anyone of us out there!! So, yes, I am freaking pissed off, hopping mad!

At the moment, I am feeling extreme hatred for Mr Deep Throat and the brand that he represents right now. For those who know me, would know that I hate injustice. Exploitation is injustice. Ok, to rationalize it, Mr Deep Throat is probably not out to get me. He's probably just "doing his job". But that's the difference between him and me - I am a businesswoman. He's NOT.

For my friends reading this article - if you are a Red C drinker - support me by boycotting Red C products for just one day. Take your whiskey on-the-rocks. Drink Blue Pill. Whatever it may be. I thank you in advance for indulging me in my rash display of anger.

My New Year's Day Punishment

1st January 2010. The first day of a new decade. My brains whir into life. I open my eyes, smiling. Then, the pounding in the head began it's torture (which, unfortunately for me, was to last for a long, long time). Suddenly, the memories of the new year's eve celebration the night before came zooming through. And horrifyingly, there's an entire chunk which I could not, for the life of me recall. How the hell did I end up back in bed, naked? In a panicked state, I shook MOH who was snoring next to me. A mumble.
"What happened last night?" I asked, as the throbbing pain in the head continued.
"I'll tell you later." More snoring.

I closed my eyes and tried my hardest to recall.
The evening's celebration started off rather lamely. We had a home-cooked meal of chicken & pumpkin porridge. It sounds like a poor man's meal, sure. But it was so yummy and tasty, MOH and I had a great time eating dinner at home. I think it was generally a happy meal because we both could enjoy such a simple dinner in each other's company. Then, we stayed in watching chinese drama series, passing time till it was time to walk over to the FCC for the countdown.

Over at the FCC, DJ Illest was spinning - always a good thing. It was of course packed with revellers shaking their booties and throwing back shots after shots. We both hung around near the bar with our drinks and started people watching. In general, it was fun and in my mind, I thought we'd stay till countdown, watch some fireworks and then walk back home and crawl into bed. The mood was generally quite good. For me, the year ended on a really good note despite some last minute scares during the week. And I was looking forward to the brand new year ahead. So many things to do and a world to conquer!

And then my local partner and best friend, Ashley showed up with some friends and one of our clients cum my newfound friend from Orange County - Sean. This was when the plan for "go-back-right-after-countdown" went out the window. We had the countdown right at midnight and stayed on for a few more drinks. And then, we hopped over to the Riverhouse lounge - for more "partying". It was too noisy and crowded so we went downstairs instead and sat down like old folks with a couple of bottles of wine. One would've thought that picture quite tame. Except - I had no idea what compelled me to stop counting my drinks (Of course, now that I am sober enough to write this, I am going to blame it all on Sean). The last thing I remembered was watching the swimming leg of the triathlon on ESPN at the Riverhouse. And then, what else followed after that was a COMPLETE blank. Oh My God.

I rolled myself out of bed, forcing myself to get up. Perhaps a shower would do me some good. I jumped into the shower, head pounding and my whole body felt like I had just been through a train wreck and came back out alive. Every muscle was shaking, head pounding. I groaned. This was not how I imagined spending my first day of the year. The time - a little after 12noon. Crap. We missed New Year's brunch at Hagar's too. But I didn't feel like I could eat anything. Aaargh. I swear, I can't remember the last time I got this drunk - voluntarily. These were stuff juvenile delinquents did. Not an adult woman. Aargh. Aargh. Aargh.

MOH woke up and I pressed him for last night's details. Apparently, we even went for Midnight Porridge - which nobody finished the meal since that was when I was asking to go home. And apparently, I could not even stand up by myself nor walk up the stairs to my apartment. And starkingly horrible - in between laughs, MOH told me I was sleeping on the toilet floor while he tried to shower me and I was throwing up - you know, all the usual stuff a drunkard did. Aargh! Juvenile. Juvenile. Juvenile.

I threw up one more time after I showered in the morning. I could still taste the sickening alcohol in my mouth, my breath. I had to sit down with my hand propping my head up and I was still feeling rather drunk. Not just hungover - but drunk!

MOH, ..... I think what I really want to remember of New Year's Day - 2010 - the first new year's we celebrate as husband & wife is how MOH had relentlessly, patiently, taken care of me the entire night and the whole of New Year's Day while I recuperated. He got me a range of beverages to fight nausea and dehydration. He stroked my hair, he kissed me, he laughed at me. And all I could think of was imagining the sight of me lying on the toilet floor. That would've been grounds for divorce if ever there should be one! But not only did he not scold me nor lecture me, neither did he say anything mean to me. He made some lunch for me at home (I'm sorry we missed New Year's brunch! I really am!) and after lunch, I went back to sleep.

I woke up close to 5pm still not feeling much better. In fact, I felt rather sorry for the state I was in and of course, ruining the day for MOH too. But MOH - ensuring he kept to his wedding vows, just loved me, come what may. He said we should both get out for some air and he said we should go for a nice dinner as it was after all, New Year's Day. I relented - since it was because of me, we missed New Year's brunch. I changed in pain, my entire body seemed detached from my brains.

But we did get to La Volpaia for a nice Italian meal with Insalata Caprese and I had the Squid Ink Pasta - which was really tasty. MOH even had the cheek to asked me if I wanted a glass of wine. If my head wasn't pounding too much, I would've smacked him one. But all I could do was stick my tongue out at him. After dinner, we even went to Bayon Supermarket's grand opening and did some groceries - it being grand opening, we got a 10% discount off our total bill and a free large tin of chocolate wafers. So, considering all that, not a bad first day of the year. If only my head would stop pounding.

It had taken me two and a half days to recover - and I still feel a little lethargic. Seriously - gone through war and back. I've even got cuts on my arms which were unaccounted for! God knows what really happened! I guess, the body is no longer as young as I thought it was. I remembered a time where I could entertain any clients, mix my drinks and drink anyone under the table - yet, get to work bright and early. Ahhh, to be young again. But I stopped drinking when I started getting serious with my athletic performance. The alcohol slows everything down. I can certainly vouch for that - I was this close to getting alcohol poisoning 2 days ago :P The body is in such shock. I bet my liver is still upset with me. I can hear it bitching about me.

But you know how they say - there's a good thing that comes out of a bad thing. Just watching how MOH had patiently taken care of me and loving me through my drunken stupor had made me feel really lucky. Yes, thank God he was there and IS there for me. Otherwise, God only knows who would I be waking up next to - naked. *Gasp!*

Moral of the story : Don't ever binge-drink again. I don't know how some people do it weekends after weekends. But frankly - I think it is a very good thing I am now repulsed by the sight and smell of alcohol. It is now time to start my training again. Once again - a Happy New Year to all!

Reflections

Taking an inspiration from my partner-in-crime Kris' blog, I'm taking some time to piece together a whole lot of thoughts going on up there in my grey matters.

I reflect every week - on the week that was... maybe that's why I hadn't been able to see a clearer, bigger picture ahead. But for the past 4 months or so, I had a very clear picture that keeps coming back to haunt me. It is telling me to stop procastinating and do what I had always wanted to do in life - save the world.

Since I was a child, I've always had compassion for the people who are less fortunate than I. Perhaps, it was my upbringing, I'm not sure. Even as a child, when I visited the old folk's homes or orphanages with my parents, I would cry just to see the pitiful state they lived in.

From then on, I had this dream - I want to open a centre, I want to rescue as many unfortunate people as I possibly can. And I always thought - to do that, I need money. Lots of it. So therefore, I worked hard. I worked hard and subsequently, I started my own business. Suddenly, this dream took a backseat. For you see, in life, as we grow, we realise we need money for a lot of things - sometimes, just to survive, sometimes to splurge on ourselves (for me, my sin is books, books, books), sometimes, to splurge on the people we love because they so deserve it, the list goes on.

I admit, whilst over the years, I had always had the same thought (saving the world!!) torment me over and over again, I had always managed to convince myself that the world is too big for me to save. I am a tiny, mediocre woman, who can't do anything to end world poverty. Nor can I do anything to stop the unnecessary wars that are happening everywhere around the world. As such, I lived my life... believing I am convinced.

The thought of doing humanitarian work really does come back out to the foreground a lot. But always pushed back - there is always something more important to do - I have a business to run, I have got deadlines to meet, I have got partners and shareholders I am accountable for, I have a family to take care of (by that, I mean my parents, grandma and whoever else in the family who might need my help) again, the list goes on.

Of course, in between that, I tried to do my bit for charity. When I was a Ranger in school - I remembered being part of the stand-by team for the Highland Towers emergency, I remembered donating my entire month's salary to the North Korean famine, I am a volunteer with Mercy Malaysia, I published a whole set of poems and sold them to raise funds for Mercy once (and never thought to at least save one set for my own collection!!), when the 2004 tsunami happened, I volunteered to go to the disaster areas with Mercy only to be rejected because I would be more of a cry-baby burden than I would be of help when faced with the disaster simply because I wasn't trained to face them..... I try to feed homeless people on the street (of course, living in Cambodia, I lost a lot of compassion for the people on the street - but this is another story!), I volunteer my time at an orphanage for children with HIV and surprised myself with the way I deal with them and see them, I train some of the less fortunate youth in Cambodia to empower them to do something better with their lives and I create job opportunities for them..... this list goes on too.

When the legendary King of Pop passed on, I was re-inspired to follow in his footsteps. I took one tiny step forward and was once again, overwhelmed by the sheer size of the unfamiliarity and shamefully - loss of income, I took ten steps back. I argued with myself (you know, the devil and angel in your head arguments)... that the King of Pop was a millionaire. The King of Pop had a legion of fans who would heed his words. I was.... nothing. I told myself, I couldn't do it.

And so, I went back to the mundane life of chasing after clients, who by the minute of every f***ing day, was frustrating me with their neanderthal attributes. Chasing after clients who were only concerned on making sales with an extremely shrunken budget. Don't get me wrong. I still do love my job and I enjoy the challenges it poses. Except that, lately, I feel less than a "nothing" doing it. I feel like a big loser. Why?

I reflected and realized that I had chickened-out facing bigger issues and taking on something unfamiliar. No wonder I felt like a "nothing". A small one at that!!

Then, I started on The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I had bought the book a year ago, but only got around to reading it last month. To those familiar with the book - imagine my excitement! I had been one of those people who kept ignoring the "omens" and thus, led a mundane life of doing something (the only thing I thought) that I can do, that I can say I at least enjoy doing... but it gave me no greater pleasure than that. All of a sudden, everything began to make sense. The author had said we should heed the omens and search for our destiny. I realised I had ignored my omens for far too long.

And then, the author said when one decides to seek for his or her destiny, everything in the universe will conspire to help you find it. I reflected back at all the omens, right up to the current one - of stumbling upon Slumlight, and using my business platform to help them, of meeting the lady behind Slumlight and being inspired by her story (though, she reminds me rather uncannily of the character Phoebe from "Friends"), and not to mention, being re-acquainted with Relief Web after a long, long hiatus. Thinking that dreams do come true, I even submitted my "under-qualified" CV to a reputable NGO in hope that I would be hired for a position they have vacant. My fingers and toes are crossed. But we'll cross the bridge when we get there.

I believe, 2009, whilst it had been a rather tough year, career-wise, my many reflections had helped me see me for who I am and where I want to be. I am of course thankful for the powers up there (I am sorry for all the "Why Me?!" complains) for letting me lead such a colourful life thus far. And of course - my parents, my friends, and my partners-in-crime (partners - you know who you are - you guys have been a steady block for me and it gave me the strength to continue battling it out everyday), who had been nothing but supportive throughout. Most of all, to MOH - who had relentlessly encouraged me and gave me the wings to fly (if I gave up everything - he had promised to continue feeding me, sheltering me and buying me my books)

I am re-inspired once again. But this time, I intend to keep walking and trudging ahead with my tiny steps, no matter how far this journey will be. I now welcome 2010 with great pleasure. Happy New Year to all :)

Rwanda and Malaysia - In response to Asrul Hadi's Article

I watched Hotel Rwanda for the second time last weekend and for some reason, am more greatly disturbed this time around than I was when I watched it the first time. Before you continue reading my humble post, I’d like to state clearly that I am not an avid follower of politics nor do I spend hours on end analyzing politics and politicians with their theories and concepts. I am just another normal (if my other eccentricities can be considered normal!) human being who, I’m sure like half of the people populating this earth, feels strongly regarding injustices that happen everywhere.

Watching Hotel Rwanda – and subsequently, reading up on the history of that genocide (*The USA had actually banned its officials from using the term. Finally, Secretary of State Warren Christopher grumpily conceded “If there's any particular magic in calling it genocide, I've no hesitancy in saying that.”) I found two things rather disturbing :

One – how the powers of the West have often toyed around with the “lesser civilization” and used it as their playground as according to their whims and fancy. Oh, I stand corrected – not according to their whims and fancy. Only according to the benefits they stand to gain from exploiting these so-called “lesser nations”. In Rwanda, there are the majority tribe who are known as the Hutus and then there are the minority tribe known as the Tutsis. IN A NUTSHELL (I say this because there are more to it then what I have summed up here), when Belgium colonized the country, they put the Tutsis in power – for their better looks and “aristocratic appearance”. Some Tutsis took this role to the extremes and of course, left the Hutus feeling like they were merely poor peasants squatting on Tutsi land (*It was the practice of colonial administrators to select a group to be privileged and educated 'intermediaries' between governor and governed - does this sound familiar to the British's strategy of divide and conquer in Malaysia?). Of course, when the Belgians left, they returned power to the Hutus. They must’ve been patting themselves on the backs for such a smart move! Ostracized for years, the Hutus now finally get their revenge, being back in power. What happened next, following a spate of events, was a systematically violent “ethnic cleansing” exercise. In a short span of time, 800,000 Tutsis were massacred in Rwanda, 1994.

The second thing that disturbed me terribly was how was it that people can be so “moved” to disregard life? So idiotically brainwashed to the point that they actually believed they were doing a good deed by getting rid of another race or religion? I just plain do not understand nor do I comprehend this. The thinking and behaviour that follows just does not seem human. We argue, at this point that, the genocides or “ethnic cleansing” or “tribal violence” (as some of the Western powers who shamefully did nothing to intervene calls it – merely "tribal violence") happen because there are a large population who are poor and uneducated.

Poor and uneducated? This brings me to the main point of my blogpost – a sort of response to Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani’s article in the Malaysian Insider, entitled ‘BTN taught me the Chinese are the Jews of Asia’. I read the article, and if it were true, every word that was said in that article, I am deeply appalled. Not just appalled, I am shocked and horrified.

Imagine the timing of reading this article – just after I am recovering from my Rwandan tales.... I find it really .... unacceptable. What is it about human nature that drives us to act as such? What is it about certain quarters of people who like to spew the words “ketuanan” and use it to instil a sense of false pride / patriotism?

When I read the article, I couldn’t help feeling that it was almost like what the Hutu extremist were doing – instilling hate, telling themselves they must “fight for what belongs to them”... or it would forever perish into the hands of the “enemies”. Of course, Rwanda is only but an example. We have the Holocaust, the Bosnia ethnic cleansing, the Year Zero in Cambodia and the list goes on – all, seemingly for one reason and only one reason that I can see – greed. Correct me if I am wrong, of course.

While I am writing this, I hope that the people who had to attend such a “camp” from the BTN would be educated enough and humane enough to know that it is rubbish they speak of. Intelligent enough to hear greed spewing out of every orifice of their bodies when they give their “ketuanan” lecture.

You know, at the very least, even if we were an uneducated bunch of peasants – we expect our leaders to lead properly, correctly and most importantly, humanely. We do not expect our leaders to instil in us, hate or feelings of hatreds, disrespect and disregard for that of another person, race or religion. That is just outright WRONG. Do you not agree?

I am just about sick to my eyeballs, reading about all these hatred, war, insecurity, false sense of pride (what pride do you have when you’re bloody pissing in public and sleeping on the streets?) or so-called patriotism, of people accusing the other race or religion of trying to take over, or "snatch our wealth" or "trample all over our pride, culture and  tradition", of all the injustices or simply, the drama of some politicians kissing a traditional weapon – NOT just in the country where I was born, but all around the world.

Whilst there is almost nothing in my power that I can do right now for the other countries in a state of war, poverty and government impunity, however, there must be perhaps something that I can do about this shameless country of mine? Correction – the country isn’t shameless. Its leaders are.

I don’t care whether you are the incumbent or the opposition, I suggest you clean up your act and get it together. As a famous sentence from another fellow blogger comes to mind – otherwise, it is Dulu, Kini dan Sampai Sini Sahaja.

*Source : Peace Pledge Union Information

My Wedding Ring

Since the day MOH and I exchanged wedding rings till now, I’ve had a fair few people asking to see the ring, and getting all excited and making statements like “Oooh... you got a platinum ring!” or “Oh, is it white gold? It’s nice. So simple!” .... I do not know why the first thought is that the ring must either be platinum or white gold or something expensive like that. I found that rather interesting.

But when my Mom who spent a couple of weeks with us here in the Penh last week made a comment, it got me kind of annoyed, really. She took a closer look at my ring again and this time, I didn’t have the heart to hide the truth – that it was a simple, plain 925 sterling silver ring. And then she went “So Cheapskate!”. Sigh.

I don’t like gold. I am certainly not a fan of stones either. Not even diamonds – and they are supposed to be a girl’s best friend! And for those who know me, or at least, have seen me, they would remember that I am a “silver” girl. I have a silver ring on each finger (one from each guy that I’ve ever dated – according to my godson, Ryan. Haha.) and silver earrings and silver necklace and dolphin pendant and silver bracelet and silver anklet. I remember doing this ‘silver style’ ever since I hung up the high school pinafore. I like it, it’s nice, it’s a little bo-ho, it suits me fine. So, I imagined that a little sparkling stone or gold for that matter, in the midst of all that silver would stand out like a sore thumb.

And I never take them off. Not my rings, not my earrings, not my bracelets. Nothing. I shower wearing them, sleep wearing them, make love wearing them, go to the gym wearing them, swim wearing them, get into the ocean wearing them, go camping wearing them. Basically, I cannot be bothered taking them on and off all the time (too many of them and it would take away 10 minutes of my precious time). So you see, I do need something hardy, and definitely not too expensive. In fact – the cheaper, the better because I don’t feel that painful when I damage it.

I remember my engagement ring. I think there’s a diamond there somewhere (haha). I wore it the first day – to the gym and lifted weights. I got scratch marks all over the ring. Needless to say, from that day onwards, it has been sitting in its little box, sheltered and protected from ... ME. I took it out once – to wear it during my wedding. And now, it is back in its boxy home. I mean, if I continued wearing it, I would’ve been worried everyday about that tiny stone falling out, about being robbed or mugged or simply, just adding more scratches to it beyond recognition (MOH wouldn’t be pleased at all). Oh dear, it’s just a bit stressful, you know.

I mean – are platinum rings or gold rings or diamond rings seen as more romantic? I think the fact that MOH considered my style and my everyday abuse of my jewellery more romantic. I want to be able to wear the ring with me all the time! For me, the romanticism is in the fact that it is worn on the fourth finger of the left hand (because there’s a vein there that goes directly to the heart – oh-so-ROMANTIC!) and the fact that if I get to wear it all the time, it almost feels like I’m being ‘protected’. Cheesy, but romantic all the same.

So you see, I’m perfectly happy with my 925 silver wedding band. But MOH said he wants to engrave something onto our wedding rings (like the tattoos are not enough...) Very romantic indeed. But what if I lose the ring? *Gasp*

Skype Virgins Part 2

This blogpost is a little delayed. It is a continuation from my blogpost Skype Virgins – this time, we actually managed to Skype. Well, actually, it was only Jules, Lambs and myself (Terence the remaining alcoholic amongst all the ex-AAers was drunk by noon). Jules – the one without the Skype account went over to Lamb’s (fu55yboy - hahahahahaha!) place for the Skype party. The party was set for 5pm, Malaysian time on one weekend, not too long ago.

...... I waited. FOR AN HOUR before I got a message from Lambs to log-on to Skype. And thus, began our Skype Party. It was all a little weird for me, and I expect – for Jules and Lambs too. But after the initial awkwardness (c’mon, we haven’t met physically for the past 8 or 9 years!!) it was quite fun, actually. I guess more so for me as I was bored and alone at home while MOH had gone gallivanting back to KL. (On that note – Lambs & Jules – thanks for keeping me company!)

I was actually pretty impressed with Skype actually. There was no delay in the.... relay. We actually skyped for 3 hours! Crazy. So what was it that we did for that 3 hours? Let’s see if I remember our Skype party.....

I caught up with Jules while Lamb was cooking..... a roast chicken and sautéed mushroom of some sort.... (ok, when it comes to food, Skype really has its limitations!). The roast chicken looked pretty damn good, and I don’t know what was the excitement all about, but Jules spilled the bowl of sautéed mushroom and that was the end of the mushrooms. Me? I was just looking on and salivating.

They ate and we continued chatting. After dinner, Lamb entertained us on his Guitar Heroes. This was pretty good. He even had all the mannerisms and facial expression to go with the 'rock star stature'. After 2 or 3 songs, he stopped, apparently, shy. And guess what? Lamb then had the brilliant idea of turning the computer screen over to face his TV so that I could watch ASTRO!!! That was downright hilarious, I tell you! TV screen – surprisingly clear. Sound was so-so, but better than nothing! For some seemingly uncool reasons – my friend subscribes to Astro on Demand – so he gets to watch all the latest TVB series. I wanted to watch my favourite Asian Food Channel but nothing spectacular was playing at that moment. But whatever it was, we ACTUALLY sat watching TV together! Just that, I was on Skype!

Then, I went for a tour of Lamb’s house...... since I’ve never “been” there.... and then, I took them both on a tour of my apartment (right at the start of the tour, we lost sound – so I had to hold the laptop on one hand and type with one hand while walking them through the apartment! Again – one for the Skype Virgin handbook). After that, I had my dinner (instant noodles and lots of chilli) and while I was having my dinner, we went through Lamb’s DVD collection (I tell you – anyone who wants to make a quick buck – just report him to the authorities. This guy .... has some serious stock!).

All in all, it was not a bad night. Ok – it was not something we did in which we want to shout to the whole world and say it’s so cool, because it ain’t. But at least we did it. And now, I can really say “Skype me in” and make it sound cool because I am no longer a virgin at it (I’ll have to figure out that loss of sound problem one of these days :P).

Say guys, when is the next Skype party? Better get it under way before we lose the Laos connection.

Lamb's DVDs!!!

Watching Astro's AFC

Kep, Kampot, Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh

1st November 2009
My parents arrived right on the 1st day of Water Festival. On one hand, it was great they got to experience the Cambodian Water Fest. On the other hand, it was an absolute nightmare for them to get from the airport to the apartment because it was chock-a-block jam-packed, not to mention, roads were closed to vehicles.

It was a nightmare for them to walk from Norodom Blvd. all the way down to Sisowath Quay where we were staying. But it was a good thing MOH was travelling with them. Still, no fun carting all that luggage!

Anyway, since it was shoulder-to-shoulder crowd, we didn’t venture very far for dinner. Thankfully, there was a Vietnamese Pho shop right downstairs where we live, ten steps away. And we had dinner there. After dinner, we did a quick walk around the block for them to take in the “sights” (crowd of people, more like) and then we headed home.

It was air mattress for MOH and I, whilst we let my parents sleep in our bed.

2nd November 2009
The van taking us to Kep arrived ten minutes earlier. We boarded, all gung-ho and ready to go. I had been to Kep so this was to be my second trip with MOH. For my parents, this would be their first. I was looking forward to the trip simply because I was just itching to get out of the crowd in the Penh.

The journey took us about 3½ hours with a stop for breakfast at the midway stop. I had forgotten the name of that little border town. We had noodles together with our driver and then we trudged ahead with our bumpy ride.

When we got to Kep, there was definitely a buzz in the air. We were here the same time last year – during the Water Festival, but it was still very quiet. This year, however, there were a lot of people milling around the Kuan Yin statue, the beach side in town (if it can be called Kep Town) and definitely a lot of people at the Crab Market. Kep is thriving! A lot of resorts were being built as we passed through.

We arrived at Veranda Resort at about 11am and waited around to check-in. They were building a pool, but it wasn’t ready (darn it). Anyway, talk about a back-to-nature lodge! It was a really basic little shack, but clean and nicely done. And it felt like we were camping ‘luxuriously’ amidst the jungle! Yet, we can see the view of the ocean from our little balcony-cum-veranda. It was so peaceful and tranquil in our little shack, with chairs, hammocks and cushions lined outside of the shack for quiet reading. I was definitely feeling rejuvenated!

After freshening up a little, MOH rented a moto. He was going to ferry us one at a time to the Crab Market for lunch. The Crab Market wasn’t that far away, but it was absolutely hot! We ended up at this place called Sunset Restaurant to have our meal – the wait was arduously long! But the food that arrived – Squid Stir-Fried with Kampot Green Pepper, Grilled Crabs, Grilled Prawns and Fried Noodles with Seafood were really delicious!

After lunch, my parents went back to the resort (ferried again by MOH on the rented moto) and then MOH and I went round Kep town. We went to Knai Bang Chatt to confirm our bookings and then we went to have a drink at a newly opened restaurant – Breeze – which was right by the seaside (no beach though).... it was a really nice place, lounge-like and again, very relaxing feel to it. The menu was not bad, but since we already had lunch, we ordered a little snack that we thought seemed irresistible – Fried Prawns with Chilli Rum Sauce. It was not bad. But the shrimps were a tad too small though.

Anyway, we went back and then MOH and myself, also had a Pear and Almond Tart from the Veranda bakery – it was yummy! We thought we’d take forty-winks but instead, we ended up over-sleeping – thanks to me setting the alarm at the wrong hour! My Mom and Dad actually had to come over to our shack and wake us up. It was right hilarious! We made reservations to eat at Veranda (the food was yummy when we tried it last year) for 6.30pm. We got to dinner at 7pm but it was still ok. We ordered a Seafood Amok, Stir-Fried Morning Glory, Chicken Stir-Fried with Kampot Green Pepper and a Crabmeat Soup (this was good, it was almost like a Lobster Bisque).

After dinner, MOH wanted to buy a muffin that was on 50% discount so we got a chocolate one and then, our newly-appointed moto driver took us to the Riel Bar. This time, MOH fetched my Mom and myself together – means 3 of us on one bike! Indeed!

The Riel Bar is still the same. The owner (again, cannot for the life of me remember his name) still as chirpy and friendly as ever.... so Mom & Dad and MOH & I sat and chatted about politics, about Cambodia and generally, had a good time.

There’s really not much to do in Kep. Just mill around and do nothing. The best part – no TV in the room either! Anyway, we went back to the resort around 10pm........ with nothing to do but do what the rabbits do for fun ;) We had that chocolate muffin for energy beforehand ;)

3rd November 2009
We woke up for breakfast at Veranda Resort (which was included in the room rates). It was nice weather, waking up in the early morning – well, I was enjoying the peace and tranquillity when I heard my parent’s voices right outside our shack – they were taking photographs and had already gone around the resort to take their holiday photos. Such a sweet couple!

Anyway, the breakfast was buffet and had a really large variety of food – breads, spreads, yoghurt, cereals, fried noodles, stir-fried vegetables, fried eggs, scrambled eggs, loh see fun soup, pancakes, tea, coffee and juices. Lavish, indeed.

After breakfast, we promptly checked-out and got ourselves moto-ed to Knai Bang Chatt. I think the moto driver had not expected us to be going back and forth so much with the moto! But I am sure he still made his money from the rental (USD8 per day – which we paid only USD4!!)

Knai Bang Chatt was really a different angel. It was of course, luxurious. Right in front of the sea (not swimmable, likely) and once again, absolutely peaceful – if not for the annoying screams of some children in the pool (you know, they should really disallow entry to children under age of 12 at any resorts like these!) ... oh well, one of the suites was ready, the other wasn’t. Thanks to JFT, our stay here was complimentary. And the suites – BEAUTIFUL. Really, really beautiful.

I wasted no time in basking under the sun! We read, we swam in the pool, and then before you know it, time for lunch! We decided to have lunch at the Sailing Club – just to get some light bites and all that. But still, we ended up with a Crabmeat Soup (this time, the version that we are used to), Fried Noodles with Prawns, Seafood Platter (Grilled Crabs, Grilled Squid and Grilled Prawns) and a Stir-Fried Prawns in Kampot Green Pepper. So much for going light, huh?

We relaxed and lazed by the pool for a bit more as we had earlier booked a Catamaran for sailing for 3pm. When 3pm came, we all went over to the Sailing Club again and set-off for our little adventure – minus Mom. Mom was to be our keeper of things and photographer. We were supposed to have gone out with an instructor, but my Dad said we didn’t need one. Aye, aye Captain!

So, off we went, into the blinding light and the vast ocean beyond..... it was really quite fun and of course, easy to sail the Catamaran! Did I tell you – ONLY when there is wind??? Without the wind, for novices, your bloody Catamaran doesn’t move!! And this was the problem we encountered when we turned around to head back – half an hour into the journey. We thought, half hour to go out and half hour to get back... since it was a sail to nowhere. It was so funny, every time I asked my Dad : “Captain, I think we are sailing off –course,” or “Captain, we have twenty minutes to get back onto the shore,” (because we only hired the Cat for an hour at USD15) and he would reply me with “What can I do??!” Oh My God. We took one hour for the return journey. And that also – because of my heroic stunts after our hand-paddling failed to work :P

I actually jumped into the ocean, without the life vest because that just hampers my swimming, and I swam and pulled the Catamaran along with me. I seriously felt like such a hero! I was rescuing my crew! More so, out of the three of us on the Cat, I was the strongest swimmer on board and my Dad, the Captain needed to manoeuvre the sail. Actually, to be honest, I was a bit hesitant in the water because the ocean was one that was unfamiliar to me. And I had images of under-currents dragging me below and then, there were lots of little things stinging me. If not for the goggles, I wouldn’t have swum. But I did have them and swim I did. I finally managed to pull the Cat to where the water was only waist-high. That was when MOH jumped in to help pull the Cat along, back to the Sailing Club jetty. The sea was all gooey and yucky inside – and midway – there were corals. Thank God for those rubber shoes that the Sail Club provided! Finally, after a long pull, we reached the jetty. And that was the end of my heroic stunts. But still – I felt great. It was my little cheap-thrill adventure!

We went for a dip in the pool immediately and not five minute had passed, a storm came in! We were so, so, so terribly lucky! Imagine being stuck out in the ocean, in the storm, cold and miserable?? Oh, thank our lucky, lucky stars then! We dashed into our rooms and promptly got ourselves showered. The storm passed as we were getting ready for our dinner. And we still managed to catch a quickie in the shower ;)

Anyway, we walked a little way out of Knai Bang Chatt – on muddy dirt road... sigh,.... why couldn’t a proper luxury resort make sure the roads leading to their resort was at least nicer? Anyway, we caught a tuk-tuk instead to take us to the Crab Market. Kim Ly was opened tonight so we went there for dinner.

After the adventure today, I said we’ll eat a damn nice dinner tonight and we even ordered a bottle of Vina Maipo Chardonnay to go with our dinner. Also, I went a little crazy with the seafood because it was our last night in Kep. We ordered the Stir-Fried Squid in Butter, Grilled Squid, Grilled Crabs, Stir-Fried Crabs in lemongrass and curry sauce and a Crabmeat Fried Rice. So full! After dinner, we went back to KBC to do... nothing once again. Even KBC had no TV. We read, and then we fell asleep.

4th November 2009
I woke up early as usual and headed out for my morning swim. The pool I think was about 20m... I had to do many, many laps to complete 30 minutes. Anyway, my parents, as usual, were up and doing their usual photography walkabout. They are really such a cute couple!
After my swim, MOH came down and we went for breakfast – which was also included with the room. Breakfast was not that great in KBC, much to our disappointment. Considering the spread at Veranda with cheaper rooms, therefore, this was a tad disappointing. But they had Marmite! And Nutella!

After breakfast, I meandered to the poolside again and caught more sun. Before you know it, it was time to check-out of KBC and leave Kep! We arranged for a tuk-tuk to take us over to Kampot – which is about 45 minutes away.

So, promptly at 12noon, we left KBC and Kep in our little tuk-tuk and headed off for Kampot. Goodbye Kep! I hope to be back. It had been really nice this trip.

The tuk-tuk ride was rather uneventful, but it was hot and in order to avoid funny tan lines, I covered myself with the sarong. So did my Dad! Surprisingly, it wasn’t dusty. I had expected to be covered in dust!

We arrived right in front of The Rikitikitavi and were shown immediately to our rooms. I was at once, really taken aback by how quiet Kampot’s riverside was. And I was also at the same time, liking Rikitikitavi VERY much. The rooms were pretty nice – ahh... this time, all 4 of us shared one large room with 2 queen beds. I am so looking forward to the midnight orchestra! :P

Anyway, aside from the room – which had TV and fridge (unlike over in Kep), the owner – Dominic (not sure I got the spelling of his name right) was such a friendly soul! He came over to the room to make sure everything was ok and I absolutely loved his British accent! (Well, it was not Hugh Grant, but better than nothing!) I soon discovered that Dom loves to talk! But I cannot say I remember the last time I felt such warmth and hospitality from anyone from a hotel before! But Dom – he is so the man. And I just know that I will be back to stay at the Rikitikitavi. Even the name of the hotel is so nice just to pronounce. A mouthful, yes, but it’s a sing-song. (Google Rikitikitavi and you’ll find the beautiful story behind the name).

Anyway, after we freshened up and all, we walked out to lunch. We had lunch at this place called Coco House. The lunch was mildly disappointing. I didn’t order anything to eat. My Dad had a Chicken Noodle Soup – which he disliked and gave to my Mom. My Mom had a Fried Noodle – which ended up with MOH and MOH ordered the Fried Rice which ended up for my Dad. I just pinched a little of everything from everyone. We also ordered a side dish of something – I think, maybe prawns with Kampot green pepper. The lunch was so boring that I didn’t even remember at all to take photos of it!

During lunch, MOH went to book us for a “Sunset Cruise” along the Kampot river. That should be fun. Woohoohoo! So we went back to the hotel, changed and came out. The best part was that the docking point was right in front of Rikitikitavi! So cool. Thus, at 3.30pm, we started on our river cruise.

It was quite fun..... but the sights were nothing that spectacular, really. Vang Vien on the tube was so much better – at least it felt more exciting. We thought we would be stopping at like the durian farms, or the rapids or swim, but nothing of that sort – and I have a sneaky feeling that we had fallen for a big con job from the tour operator (Key Man Tours) who actually told us that they would stop, etc. Welcome to Cambodia. That’s all I can say.

There were the four of us and one other couple – can’t tell where they’re from, but maybe Germans or something like that. On the way back, we asked the boatman to stop us at this “hippie” shack.... It’s the same owners of the Utopia Guesthouse.... and we knew it was “hippie” because we read it in the Kampot Survival Guide... but they were indeed dressed that way too with a few Westerners also milling around with dreadlocks and the likes.

Dad and MOH had a beer. We took some photos and then we left at 5.30pm. Back to the boat. The sun was setting fast and I didn’t want to miss that spectacular sunset Dom was telling us about.

Alas! I missed it anyway. You can’t see no sunset from the river! Or maybe not on the river cruise. I forgot which side was it that Dom mentioned had a really stunning sunset. Oh well, there’ll be a next time then.

We got back and showered. Then we headed upstairs for dinner. Yes, upstairs of the Rikitikitavi. And that is where I met Dom’s wife, Denise (again, apologies for wrong spelling) who is Dutch. Just like her hubby, she is warm and attentive. I really wish them the best of the best luck in whatever they do – just for being so nice! Anyway, we missed Happy Hour so my Dad refused to drink. My Mom ordered a beer and MOH had a lemonade. I got myself a Jamaican-something-something which tasted quite good actually. For eats, I ordered the Grilled Pork Skewers and Chicken Fingers (both starters to share), MOH got the Fish Amok, Mom ordered the Chicken with Cashew Nuts and Dad had the Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken. No guessing – Mom & Dad switched dishes more like. But we actually shared everything so we could all sample a taste of everything. I also ordered an Apple Pie with Ice Cream for dessert – which was so huge, we couldn’t finish it! After a really full dinner, we went out for a walk along the riverside.

It was really so quiet along the riverside. It almost feels as if the place is neglected and deserted! So unlike the chaotic riverside of Phnom Penh! I begrudge Phnom Penh even more after this trip to Kampot :P Since it was just a dim, lonely strip, we turned back and headed to the hotel.

I think we didn’t get the lunch and the dinner right for my parents today. Unlike when we were in Kep. Well, we were first-timers to Kampot too! But the food at Rikitikitavi was really good. Just that, I know my Dad is more a Chinaman foodie!

We got back to the hotel, showered and read and fell asleep. No hanky-panky tonight for obvious reasons!

5th November 2009
We got up early again, my parents had already gone for their usual photography walkabout...... and then we went upstairs for our breakfast. Breakfast was a set menu...... the usual – fried eggs and toasts..... and the leftover Apple Pie!

Then, we caught a tuk-tuk to take us to the Kampot Market...... my Dad is a market-lover. I have no idea why. He loves the sight of wet markets..... and so, we walked and walked..... around the market. It was hot (did I tell you the weather had been super hot since we arrived in Kep right up till the end of the trip?!) and after a short 30 minutes, we took the tuk-tuk back to the hotel.

Then, MOH and my Dad went for the Blind Man’s Massage which was only USD4 per hour...... it was quite amusing to see them. Mom and I waited outside for them and I was taking photos intermittently. My Dad, who started off doubting the massage, actually enjoyed it very much.
After that, we walked back to the hotel – which was just on the next block anyway and I headed upstairs for a Swiss Hot Chocolate which I had been eyeing from the menu since the night before! Ooohhh... YUMMO.

We meandered around a bit more with our own newspapers (MOH), book (me), camera (Dad) and then Mom came to join us for awhile.... just doing nothing but relaxing..... and then it was time to leave Kampot. We arranged for a taxi to take us to Sihanoukville.

So, once again, at 11.30am, we checked-out and went into the taxi. Of course, not before I took a photo with Dom – the Rikitikitavi Man! I just had to! Never have I met a hotel owner that was so utterly warm and friendly. I wouldn’t hesitate at all to recommend the Riki to any of my friends travelling to Kampot!

The journey which was supposed to be 4 hours took us only 2 hours because the dear driver was driving seriously fast. This bodes well since I couldn’t stand being stuck in a vehicle for long rides.

We arrived in Sihanoukville around 1.30pm and we checked-in to the Reef Resort. Hmmm.... from Rikitikitavi to Reef Resort – the service at RR was rather lacklustre. The owner didn’t even bother smiling – perhaps he was cleaning the pool. But hey – Dom was clearing his entire garden when we popped in and he still came to say hi! :P

Anyway, the room was more or less the same as in Riki, and clean as well – which was important. So, immediately after freshening and me changing into my bikinis and sarong (the last time I came to Kampong Som, I couldn’t be in my bikinis cos I was doing team building with a hundred Cambodian youths..... :P) and we walked to the beach for lunch. I was dying to have my yabbies and grilled squid! It seemed like they extended the “kiosks” area and made the beach narrower than I remembered it previously. Sigh..... such a beautiful stretch of beach and the tourism ministry doesn’t know what to do with it. Such a shame. And exactly like Malaysia, ain’t it?

For lunch, we had Fried Seafood Rice, Fried Seafood Noodles, and a side dish of Deep Fried Prawns as well. It was all so yummy. But oh my God – so bloody hot!! After lunch, we couldn’t even be bothered to walk back in the heat. We got a tuk-tuk and went back to the hotel. Across from the hotel was a little ice cream parlour cum cafe. My Dad, always an ice-cream lover (just like me!) said he’ll treat us to ice creams. I thought we’d just be having the one-scoop-cones, but when we got there and saw the extensive ice cream menu, we sat down to banana splits and chocolate sundaes instead! Oh, man....... all the sinful food and no exercise.... not good news.

While my parents went for the siesta in the room, I baked myself by the poolside. MOH came out for awhile and went in to the room shortly thereafter.

Around 5pm, I asked if my Dad wanted to go to the beach. He wasn’t feeling too well, you see. Why, of course he would! He wouldn’t miss out on any chance to experience new experiences. That is my Dad. And I’m so like him!

We caught a tuk-tuk again to the beach – I mean, it was only USD1 .... ! Unlike in Phnom Penh – I feel even more grudge for Phnom Penh as the holiday draws closer to an end! We walked along the beach and we decided to settle at this place called The Frog Bar or something like that. We ordered our drinks – fresh coconut, beer and a sugar-induced watermelon juice and Dad and I went for a swim! MOH joined us later and we all knew why we insisted Mom came – so that someone was there to watch over our belongings!! We were terrible indeed, huh! Anyway, if I’m not mistaken, it was my first time swimming as the sun was setting. Beautiful sunset as well. Right there – the gorgeous, golden ball.

The water was luxurious and the beach? Superbly clean!!! It was not yucky, gooey and rocky like in Kep or even in Nusa Dua, Bali. It was nice, clean and soft sand. My Dad is shaking his head in dismay at the lack of planning from the government to make full use of this selling point for tourism. For me – I say Welcome to Cambodia. Half the country doesn’t even belong to the country – what can I say? Corruption at its worst. What can we do?

Anyway, after the swim, we took some photos, finished up our drinks and then caught a tuk-tuk back. We had dinner reservations for 7pm so we quickly showered and all – in fact, MOH and I showered together much to the embarrassment and amusement of my parents!

Dinner – I have to say, was really great. Mexican Food. Let’s see if I remember what we had. The set dinner for 2 (which we order from a range they provided) – which came with 2 Anchor Beers, Jalapeno Poppers, Chicken Satay, Tom Yum Prawns with Rice, Chicken Quesadilla and we ordered a Spicy Mexican Meatball Stew separately. Lavish! It was Happy Hour, so I had the Frozen Marguerita which was so good, I ordered extra – Mom had one glass and I had three!! I was pretty tipsy thereafter!

The food really struck a good chord with everyone. After such a heavy dinner, we all went for a walk. Tried to walk the other way of the beach, but ended up turning back to the beach area anyway. On the way back, I got meself a Hazelnut Ice Cream on cone. I just had to wash dinner down with something sweet!

Then, it was time to get back to the hotel. You know, the weather is crazy. Last year, same time, it was cooling in Kep. This year, just plain whacked-out hot. Worse in Sihanoukville!

We did some reading and then as usual, fell asleep. This had been a really nice holiday because – it was early mornings and early nights.

6th November 2009
Woke up early for my morning swim again. The pool was even smaller than the one in KBC! I had to do 100 laps just to get enough time on my clock!

Breakfast was a standard set. Hmmm... the only buffet breakfast we had was in Kep so far! Oh well, better than nothing. After breakfast, MOH and I lazed about the pool while parents went out for a walk. They came back after a short while simply because it was just so hot!

We had arranged for the taxi back to the Penh for 2pm. So when it was almost time, we got in, showered, packed and then checked-out. After checking out, we had us lunch at this “Korean” shop... It was one of those stalls thingy – I think they were trying to do this “Aussie” beach concept but kinda failed a little miserably at it. There was a Fish & Chip kiosk next to the Korean place too. Anyway, we ordered a Fried Rice and a Fried Noodle and I walked over to the ice-cream parlour to get me an ice cream – yet again!

And then, it was really time for the entire holiday to end. How sad! I dread thinking of going back to the Penh. I’m just glad it’s the weekend and still a long weekend when we get back – given that Monday is the Independence Day celebration.

Midway – we stopped at the temple for a bit of a walk and prayers – that famous temple stop for all those entering and leaving Sihanoukville to pray for a safe journey. For the life of me, I have no idea what it is called!!

We got back into the Penh around 4.30pm. MOH had to rush off to the office. I’m just glad that the apartment is still in one piece. You know, in Cambodia, you never know. Touch wood, touch wood.

For dinner, I took my parents to William Tell’s – for Cheese Fondue and German Pork Knuckles. Ashley and her other business partners joined us as well. I’m glad to see my parents enjoying the food. Especially my Dad. He’s such a picky eater – just like the daughter. I wonder where I got it from :P

After dinner, we got back....... and once again, it was air mattress time for MOH and I. Again, no hanky-panky since it’s wide-opened-spaces :P

7th November – 11th November 2009
Evidently, Phnom Penh turned out to be a tad too boring, dirty and chaotic for my parents. But I managed to take them to eat at the places where I really wanted them to try.

On Saturday, we went to the Russian Market and had breakfast there.... as well as the best coffee.... and then Mom bought a few souvenirs for home..... We also took them to Lucky Supermarket for groceries shopping and then we got back and unloaded all our stuff. We walked to lunch on St 172 at that place called Mary’s. Which was not bad, really. And in the evening, took them for Happy Hours at Elephant Bar and then headed onwards to Malis for dinner – which they absolutely loved. At Malis, we ordered the Fried Cockles in Basil Leaves, Stir-Fried Morning Glory with Garlic, Deep Fried Soft Shell Crab, Bamboo Shoot Soup with Smoked Fish and a Duck Curry – which were all absolutely excellent. Chef Luu Meng (or much rather, his team) never fails to deliver. Of course, I must absolutely have my Jasmine Flavoured Pudding with Honey and Fruits (Luu Meng introduced this to me and I’ve been hooked eversince!) – this is an absolute haven and I will eat it again and again and again whenever I am there!

On Sunday morning, I made breakfast for MOH and my Dad – fried eggs and sausages... just to give our tummies a rest – as according to my Mom. Then, for lunch, took them to the “magic mushroom” noodle place. And then to Bayon Supermarket. We went to the Happy Tree Orphanage (for HIV kids) in the evening together with Chang who came to pick us up. I can’t wait to start the volunteer work there with MOH. We’ve both volunteered our time there – do some exercises for the kids, games and all that jazz. For dinner, Mom cooked..... nothing extravagant, simple home-cooked food with my belachan (I pestered my Dad to make me belachan – a dry version and a wet version and after much pestering, he did it and brought them over.... I love him!!)

Monday morning, which was a holiday, I went about with my gym routine..... and then came back. Mom & Dad already had their bagel breakfasts – which I bought for them from Fresco the night before.... MOH and I had a bit of a squabble.... but we went out for breakfast at The Shop and then went to buy some balls for our volunteer work and then we got back home for lunch. Mom & Dad actually went out for a walk and got themselves onto a River Cruise (only USD4 per person!) which I’m glad they managed to get... it’s all for the experience... Mom cooked dinner once again...... and this time, Ashley came over. It was Independence Day and the streets were chock-a-bloc jammed again..... but dinner was super yummy with Mom’s signature dishes – Low Gee Yuk and Vinegar Pork Trotters and the Bittergourd Stuffed with Minced Meat....... it was of course, too meaty for Ashley.

I’m also glad Mom & Dad got to see or at least experience how a working day is like for MOH and myself. We went off to work in the morning of Tuesday.... (Dad kept shooing us out of the house!) For lunch, I took them to Shan Dong which they absolutely enjoyed...... the Pork La Mein, Zha Jiang Mein, Dumplings and the Chive Pancake......I even took them to see my office and then they got a tuk-tuk (bless Pich who saw us while we were waiting for a tuk-tuk) to Central Market for a little walkabout and Mom once again cooked dinner. I think what was nice was coming back to find that the house wasn’t empty. That there was actually things going on in the house – much like what I was used to when I was staying at home back in Malaysia. You know, Mom & Dad annoying each other whilst the food was cooking on the stove, TV is switched on – and you knew my Dad is watching it when the volume is at its most deafening.... stuff like that. I love my alone time and I love my quiet spaces. But not when it comes to my Mom & Dad. I guess it all boils down to the fact that they can’t be around forever.

On Wednesday, I was a little down at thinking Mom & Dad were leaving..... and I tried not to think too much about it..... I came back to bring them out to a buffet lunch at Magnolia’s.... again, eaten with much enjoyment.... but I was rather disappointed that they didn’t have the Pho that day! Of all days! I knew my Dad loved Pho..... and I was really hoping he’d get a chance to eat it before he left. Oh well, at least he did enjoy the rest of the other food. He even happily helped himself to the dessert – much to Mom’s annoyance! Well.... that was that. Took them back to pack and then sent them off on a tuk-tuk to the airport!

I took over a thousand photos during this entire trip.... thank God for digital cameras! It doesn’t matter that not every shot was an “award-winning entry”.... in some shots, the “models” didn’t look very flattering... but all that mattered was that all the memories of that particular experience were captured, capturing that moment..... know what I mean? I think I strive as much as possible to make sure my parents experience as much as they can in life. That’s the least I can do, I think. To the point, sometimes, I get disappointed when they don’t want to do something that I had planned for them, maybe because they are concerned about my wallet or they plain do not want to do it, or in my Mom’s case, it is her less-adventurous nature taking over.... but anyway, I think it was a good trip overall.

You know, when they were around, I got a little annoyed with the nagging (“you are a terrible wife!” or “how can you not know the peanut butter is expired?!” etc..etc...) ... but it’s all done in good nature (or so, I’d like to think).... and I miss them. As I said – they will not always be around forever.

Well, guess it is now back to walking naked around the house.

Dom (from Rikitikitavi and me)