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Published: March 25th 2010
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Hi dear friends
Firstly did not get to Battambang as Bob was ill with a very bad cold and chest. Selfless as usual he then passed it on to me. Bob stayed in bed for the day and evening and I went out with a few of the other volunteers. Within a few days I went down with it - this virus was a lot stronger than we get back home. Anyway all is well now. Bob went horse riding with a bunch girls and really enjoyed it. Fortunately the horse knew where he was going as he wasn't in control. Cantering was fun and he didn't fall off! Big celebrations here in Siem Reap for St Patricks Day which was also one of the volunteers birthdays and his parents are Irish. Unfortunately, Lyn was ill in bed and missed the occasion despite buying a token green bracelet (Bob bought a green T shirt) to get in to Molly Malones Irish Bar. Green beer, Irish flags face painted on customers. Bob had a good night ending up in the Angkar What Bar? again. On Friday it was Sherry's birthday and we all went out to eat and drink. Sherry and
Roseanne (Dutch girl) and a couple of other friends had a Khmer make over that brides to be have here. Thick pancake foundation, loads of false eyelashes and bouffant hair! Most of them looked a bit over the top but okay but one just looked like a man in drag. Yesterday one of the guys booked an open truck and about 10 of us went to West Barray (a huge resevoir built in the 11th century) and took a boat over to an island for the afternoon which was great. We were met by about 10 or so youngsters trying to sell us anything from postcards to bracelets. They actually stayed with us for the whole of the afternoon playing football with the guys and just hanging out. A few of the volunteers went swimming but as the water was not appealing we did not! Last night we went to a great restaurant that is run by the Green Gecko, an orphanage. We had a visit on Thursday and it is like a resort. It houses about 80 children who all look healthy and happy. The woman in charge of Grace House is leaving today (Sunday) to fly home for
MOEUTH
Our Security lad. three weeks. Didn't leave there until late. Today back to the pool. Bob went to watch the kids play footie (final day and Grace House were runners up in the under 17's league) and then to the pool.
Oh yes, the teaching? Subjects my lessons have covered (av. ag 10-13) "Myself"where another volunteer Grace and I weighed and measured the kids and spoke about protein, carbos, fats etc. They were very forthcoming and interested. They particularly like wordsearch that I photocopied and incorporated words they know from the Khmer lesson (English of course). On Wednesday it is maths day and as most of you who know me that is really not my subject. I wrote on the board random tables 8x7 and they knew most of them. I decided to try 13 x 13 and then panicked because I didn't know the answer - furiously trying to add up on my fingers - then one of the kids shouted out the answer and the Khmer teacher Leung confirmed that it was right. We have also done topics on animals - various countries and terrains. Bob has done a lot of handyman work and painted one of the classrooms but
this week Bob was particularly enthusiastic as he prepared a lesson on different genres of music - we discovered about 18 and probably missed some. He managed to write a list of the genres and went into a CD shop where they copied one tune from each category. Yesterday afternoon I went into the lesson and demonstrated reggae (as it is all about the bum), played opera, disco, a bit of Dylan and so on and so on, and to finish Bob and I jived to rock n'roll - the kids were cheering and clapping - great. They were asked to name instruments they heard in each genre. Today Bob and Russ (volunteer) spoke more about musical instruments. Tomorrow he is taking a set of bongos into the class and teaching them two songs. The children are so thirsty for knowledge so it is very rewarding. My last week has been with the pre school which I love. They were really pleased to see me back saying "teacher Linda."
Today the heat and humidity is really unbearable - its quite embarrassing having a wet bum and body all day. Mind you everyone is the same. Tonight as I got
on my bike I think I have sustained third degree burns on my bum, the saddle was so hot. Only been here for nearly 8 weeks and discovered a little cafe more or less opposite the school that sells iced coffee - can't believe we never noticed it before. I went in on Monday on my own (iced coffee 35p) and the young girl who served me (Sophore) stood and chatted briefly. Asked me loads of questions in sort of okay English. The next day 7 of us went for coffee. On Wednesday went on my own and was given the coffee for free. She said she liked my earrings so I gave them to her. She then invited to her house (back of the cafe) for dinner - had just eaten so couldn't but it looked wonderful. They picked me some fruit and gave me sweet chilli powder and salt to dip. Today I went again and took photos of family and she showed me her photos and gave me about 6 of hers so I asked her to pick a couple. She chose our house surrounded by snow and one of me with my nephew Lee. She also
gave me her telephone number - bless. Bob has stayed late this evening to help read in the Adult English Class - we all have to take a turn and its only for an hour. Tonight is the quiz and then off to the night market with the girls - lovely bar in the middle! That's all for now.
Love Lyn and Bob x
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Annie
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Oh no coming home - but!!!
Only just under 3 weeks until St. Lucia so not all bad news eh! Was planning to phone Muriel today to fnd out exactly when you get back. Peter has rung 2 - 3 times asking when you are returnng so he is still keen to talk to you about the job in the hotel, in such demand girlfriend. Really looking forward to seeing you guys, it seems ages! Off work today, taking Mum to the garden centre, then to Ians for an evening at Bluewater and the movies. Ian has had some brilliant news and can now practice as a sole practitioner solicitor again so we are looking at offices iin Bexley village tomorrow - life is on the up for him at last. Mundane stuff here really, new furniture, building work starting here on Good friday, booked another holiday with Lisa and the girls to Ibiza in August, having a birthday party after all in Lisa's garden so reserve August 14th n your diary. Love to you both and ring me when you land back in blighty xxxx