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Published: June 16th 2011
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Bargaining skills...
I smoothly bargained this down to something like 2000 Riel using mostly Khmer and was VERY proud of myself. I didn't realise until later it had a sticker on it saying 50c (which is 2000 Riel..) Today I woke up up to discover that not only do the bats sleep outside my window, but they somehow manage to aim so that their poo ends up
inside my room! I'm just very glad that last night they were sleeping a little further down the wall past the end of my bed, so it didn't land on me in my sleep or something. At least being very small bats they leave deposits that are more the size of mice droppings than the mess left by larger bats. Still, not the best start to the day!
After operation bat poo cleanup, it was time for language school again. I had no idea when I signed up just how exhausting it would be. The teachers are lovely but because they are one on one lessons it is really intense. The first couple of day was kind of fun, I think also because I remembered a small amount of Khmer (Cambodian) from my last visit here. But after my first lesson my enthusiasm started to wane somewhat. I just felt really dumb because I couldn't remember stuff that I'd learned. So frustrating. As part of my second lesson my teacher took me on a little field trip to go and chat to some random strangers and ask them how old they are and if they are married etc, and also to try and bargain for something. It was just very awkward and I felt like a complete goose.
I also went to the office for the first time today, in between language classes. Just to visit and see the place before I start next week. It was really nice to meet people and everyone was lovely, though I kind of felt a bit overwhelmed by how many things there were to do and wondering if I can really do all of them. It was good to be reminded by a friend at home that I just have to do what I can.
Other than the language though, I am surprised to find that I haven't yet felt too out of place here. Actually I am quite enjoying it in some ways! I was all prepared for massive culture shock but it hasn't really hit yet. I wonder if that means I will feel it more going home?
The traffic here is a bit crazy, similar to many Asian countries I guess. But somehow I kind of like it and I think I've got the hang of crossing the road - just maintain a steady pace and people will (probably) go around you. It also helps to look confident. And to not assume all the traffic on one side of the road will be going the in the same direction.
I also have a favourite cafe already. It's called Jars of Clay. The women who work there are so lovely and they do a great all day breakfast. I've suggested to my regular weekend brunch companions at home that we should come here for a bit of variety but for some reason nobody has taken me up on the offer yet. Not sure why - the service and food are excellent, there is a wide variety of egg free menu options, and it is super cheap! Admittedly it is a little further from home than the usual location though.
By evening, the three bats were back. Not being entirely convinced that they won't decide to come in, and not particularly keen on waking up covered in bat faeces, this time I insisted a little that something needed to be done. I kind of thought this might involve blocking the gap in the screen, but actually it ended up involving the handle of a very long duster and beating the poor bats with it so that they would go. I felt terrible watching the little things being whacked (no doubt the people think I'm nuts since I asked them to get rid of the bats then wanted them to stop squishing them). In the end they did all fly away though. And after some final poo cleanup I was ready for a better nights sleep.
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Craig
non-member comment
Gotta love your bargaining skills!