One Week Back

I've been back in Columbus for about a week now, but man, what a week it's been! Some "blahs", some "yeahs". Let's see,

"Blah": I'm still a little homesick. Read my last post and maybe you can get an idea of why. I wasn't expecting this because I thought I should be used to moving back and forth by now, but apparently my heart has other ideas. I'm sure it'll get better once I'm swept away in the whirlwind of schoolwork again. 

"Yeah!": Miss Cee and I moved to a townhouse (actually she and another friend very kindly moved my stuff to our new place while I was in Singapore), and I'm enjoying my new place. My room is much bigger, and I've enjoyed having the wall space to pull out a lot of my decorating stuff that I had stored away. Plus, I have a small walk-in closet! I feel so atas (Snglish for "highbrow, high-class")- bwa ha ha ha ha... It's tiny though, more like a walk-in cupboard, so no need to be jealous ;) Here's just a sneak peek (pardon the quality of the pics taken using my phone):

Also, never say never. I was wondering how to hang my necklaces in my room, and there was a suggestion to use command hooks. I dismissed the idea immediately because I thought it would look too tacky. Well, guess what?!

My necklaces now hang on 5 clear plastic command hooks, and it actually looks good! So again, never say never.

"Blah":

I'm not a huge fan of Robin Williams or something, but I was still sad to learn that we've lost a world-class comedian. He made me laugh as a kid, and I thank him for making the world a better place through his talent and works. May he rest in peace now. 

"Yeah": Guess what I went to pick up from school today?!?!?!

Yup, remember THIS POST of being stuck in stupid limbo? Long story short: After resubmitting in my paperwork, and paying $161 for "student activity fees" (i.e. ploy to milk my money), I got my diploma! And I actually got back in time for the graduation ceremony, but since I was continuing on to the PhD program, I thought it was so anti-climatic and waste of money to go for graduation. So sorry, no pictures of my in my gown because I didn't get one!!! But now this diploma hangs on my wall- hooray, especially after all that drama! 

Overall, it's been a rather relaxing week because school hasn't started yet. Yeah yeah yeah! I do have work (it's never ending...) but since it's not urgent, I'm just going to put it off, and enjoy my last few weeks of summer and, more importantly, FREEDOM!!! (:p) Here's to procrastination! 

Bittersweet National Day

Perhaps today is the most apt day to write this post- it's Singapore's National Day (August 9).

Happy 49th Birthday Singapore!!! I love you!



Only I'm not back home, but in Columbus. Whenever someone found out I was returning to Columbus on August 6, they inevitably went, "Huh? Before National Day?" Unfortunately, plane tickets over National Day weekend and after that cost a few hundred dollars more, and I didn't think it was worth it to pay so much more when my ticket was already over $1,700!

But it gets harder to leave home every time. Maybe it's because I'm getting old(er) and ready for more permanency and stability, as opposed to the carefree but unstable life of a single, graduate student. My wanderlust to travel far from home decreases with each passing year.

Or maybe it's because it hit me this trip that my parents are getting older, and I have a duty to take care of them more. My parents are very active and healthy, but still...

Or maybe it's because I find that I'm much more comfortable in an Asian environment, and that I want to raise a family with Asian cultural values. I'm a very Singaporean heartland girl.

Or maybe it's just the food. I'm sorry, but you just can't beat the variety and taste of food in Singapore. I miss the food so so so so so so so so much.

Singapore is not a perfect country- far from it. Just from this trip alone, I've observed how increasingly materialistic Singaporeans are becoming (including myself- I bought SO MUCH clothes this trip). Since the standard of living has drastically increased , the cost of labor/ rent/ service is also very high, which means that EVERYTHING is expensive. I cringed when I walked into a grocery store and saw how much a candy bar cost (S$2.20/US$1.80! In the States, a candy bar costs only US$1). Furthermore, no one really cares about history there, much less American and/ or women's history, so I'm basically screwed if I want to find a job as a history professor.
Also, the dating pool of Mormon men in Singapore is very very very tiny. Just saying. (To be fair, even though the dating pool in America is much bigger, not much dating takes place there either. It's a global problem.)

That's why I appreciate what America has to offer. It truly is a land of opportunity, and I know that if I didn't come to the States to study, I wouldn't have qualified into a PhD program. I've also made so many awesome friends here, and if I move permanently back to Singapore, it is their friendships I will miss the most (thank goodness for Facebook right?). So I do love America.

Yet, there is just something about being home. This secure, breathe-a-sigh-of-relief feeling.
Dick Lee was right when he wrote the lyrics to my favorite National Day song, Home.
"This is home truly, where I know I must be
Where my dreams wait for me, where the river always flows.
This is home surely, as my senses tell me
This is where I won't be alone, for this is where I know it's home."

Does anyone else understand what I'm talking about?

Sadly, I'm afraid all my love for Singapore won't be enough. I don't know if I will ever move back to Singapore permanently because I don't seem to have a place there. I am an American citizen who wants to teach American history- who would hire me?! And even with my Singapore permanent residency (// American green card), I don't qualify for certain benefits that would make life easier. Since the Mormon dating pool is so tiny, I will almost certainly remain single for the rest of my life, and even if I (miracle of miracles!) marry and raise a family there, I, as a full-time homemaker, will be treated as a second-class citizen.

It's a very bittersweet reality.

Vignettes from Siem Reap- Chaotic Order

[For a more comprehensive account about my trip, please see my previous post "Fabulous Siem Reap"

Chaotic Order

The first time I sat in a tuk tuk, I did not realize what a ride it would be. Bumpy and uneven roads, vehicles driving on the oncoming traffic lane before swerving/ changing back to their their lanes at the very last minute, turning left onto oncoming traffic, all the honking and dust... I clung to the handlebars, afraid that I was going to get hit or fall out when we went over another bump.

Yet, by the end of the trip, I realized that despite all the chaos, I had never witnessed an accident, and that I was in no danger of falling out of the tuk tuk. I marveled at the traffic system because as dysfunctional as it sounds, it works!

I don't know how or why it works, but here are two things I observed that I believe helps the situation:

1) They drive slow there. The fastest I saw my tour bus drive was on a deserted road in Angkor, and I believe he was only going maybe, 40mph/ 64kmph. Maybe it's the slower pace of life? Their vehicles are just older with less engine power? Tuk tuks are heavy so how fast can the motorcycle pulling it drive? I don't know. Whatever the reason, the slower speeds means that they can brake faster and avoid collisions better.

2) They are more willing to give way and move on. We once asked the tuk tuk driver to drop us at a particular street, and thought that he would drive to a safe parking spot for us to alight. Not so. He stopped the tuk tuk at the corner of a busy intersection in front of the street we wanted to go to. We looked behind and saw a whole pile of vehicles, waiting for the tuk tuk to move. When it became apparent that he was parking there for us, the drivers behind us simply went around the tuk tuk and moved on. No honking (maybe one?) or swearing. Just "Look, I'm not going to bother arguing with you. I'm just going to move on."

Of course, traffic laws are in place for a reason, but wouldn't it be nice if sometimes we adopted their attitude, and just gave way a little more? Some small inconveniences are not worth fighting over.

And now, one of my favorite pictures:

Leaving church to go home

Vignettes from Siem Reap- A Reunion and Children of Cambodia

[For a more comprehensive account about my trip, please see my earlier post, "Fabulous Siem Reap"]

A Reunion

October 2007: I had just been sent to Las Vegas, my first proselytizing area as a missionary for my Church, (pending my visa to Taiwan). Three weeks after I arrived, we had a mission "transfer" (missionaries learn if they are transferred to another area in the mission). One of my companions left to another area, and Sis Kuntheavy Seam transferred in, a petite Cambodian whom I grew to love in the three weeks I served there before I left to Taiwan. We reconnected after our missions via Facebook, never thinking that we would see each other in person again till the next life.

May 11, 2014: I sent Kuntheavy a Facebook message asking her if she would recommend any places to visit in Siem Reap. Through our correspondence, I also learned that she lived in Phnom Penh, a four and half hour drive away from Siem Reap. I was bummed that I wouldn't be able to see her, but it couldn't be helped.

May 26, 2014: Kuntheavy wrote on her Facebook status, "Going to Siem Reap by Golden Bayon Express van for 5 hours drive..." I could not believe my eyes, and excitedly commented on it. Turns out that she was helping to coordinate the same church work meeting that my father was attending!

Who would have thought that almost seven years later we would meet again? All I can say is, the world is truly smaller as a member of the Church, and all hail Facebook.

Children of Cambodia

My parents and I went to church Sunday morning. The beautiful building is smaller than the standard size chapel, but it was clean and welcoming. The attendance that day was low (around 70 people while usual attendance is around 150 because most of them had traveled to Phnom Penh to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Church in Cambodia); nonetheless the testimonies heard that meeting bore witness of the members' faith and humility. I can't imagine how they find the strength to pay tithing and refrain from working on Sunday, and yet, they do (at least the stronger members).
As we were sitting in the chapel, I noticed the children and their big grins. Remembering that I had a stick of Hi-chew candy in my bag, I gave them out to the children at the end of sacrament meeting, just as we were about to leave.

Before each child took a piece of candy, they clasped their palms together and bowed their heads (the Cambodian way of greeting and expressing gratitude) and only then would they accept the candy.

Expressing thanks before accepting the gift.
And every single child did the exact same thing.

I wished I had more candy to give away, and left with a heart touched by the spirit that morning.

Vignettes from Siem Reap- The Tuk Tuk Driver

[For a more comprehensive account of my trip, please read my earlier post "Fabulous Siem Reap"]

The Tuk Tuk Driver

We came to a street intersection at the Old Market, trying to decide if we wanted to continue shopping or find a place for dinner. "Tuk tuks" (the Cambodian equivalent of a taxi, really a carriage pulled by a motorcycle) lined all four corners, their drivers lounging on their own tuk tuk seats, taking shelter from the unbearable heat while waiting for tourists to hail. The pace of life in Cambodia is a refreshing change from the hectic strides back home.

A tuk tuk of durians- love, love, love!

"Come, come. Cheap!," said a driver, beckoning us to sit in his tuk tuk, "I drive around the market, you sit, see see."
"No, no. I think we want to eat," replied my dad.
"Ah! Eat... good eat. Then you sit my tuk tuk after you eat," he chuckled in reply.
We laughed. He was definitely more engaged in advertising his services compared to his peers.

"Is there any good place to eat?" asked my mom.
"Yes. There, my kitchen," he said, pointing down the street.
"My kitchen?"
"Yes, my kitchen. I take people eat there. Good, good." he reassured us.
We quickly figured he wasn't literally referring to his kitchen, but the name of the restaurant.

"Are you sure it's good?"
"Yes," he nodded emphatically, "Very good." (Although frankly, what other option could he say...)
"Air-conditioned?" (It's just too hot not to ask)
"Yes, yes."

We discussed our options, and decided to try it.
"Good food," said the tuk tuk driver, "You eat, then sit my tuk tuk. I bring you around." Dang, not a bad negotiator!

We trooped down the street, and found "my kitchen." The name of the restaurant was actually Khmer Kitchen, and it wasn't air-conditioned, but it had strong ceiling fans that blew small winds of relief for our wearied bodies. We sat down, uncertain of what to order. In the end, we ordered the fresh spring rolls, amok (fish curry), fried pumpkin, and omelette with long beans, and each of us had a fresh fruit shake. The tuk tuk driver was right- the food was delicious, and the fruit shakes, refreshing. And it only cost slightly over US$20 in total for the entire meal! We walked out with happy, full stomachs, and found the tuk tuk driver waiting for us. As agreed, we decided to let him take us for a ride around the Old Market.

"All six can ride my tuk tuk," he smiled and beckoned for us to step into his tuk tuk, slickly sidestepping any questions if we should take two tuk tuks.
"All six of us?"
"Can, can," he nodded.
Err...okay... We climbed into the tuk tuk, three persons on each side.

Clutching the handlebars hanging from the side, we absorbed the sights and sounds as the tuk tuk drove around. With the setting of the sun, shops at the Old Market began closing, only to be replaced with the glittering lights of the night markets. The chattering of the growing crowds, the chugging of the ubiquitous motorcycles, the honks of vehicles overtaking, the bumpy ride over unevenly paved roads... Surprisingly there wasn't a particularly strong aroma wafting from the streets or shops, unless you count the smell of petroleum and diesel from the vehicles. We stopped once to do some shopping, then rode back to the hotel. 

"How much is the fare?" we asked.

"Anything, anything."

"$10 enough?"

"Can, can. Thank you," as he placed his palms together in the usual way that Cambodians greet and thank others.

As we paid him, he said  "Tomorrow, you go where, call me. I take you go see Angkor Wat, Floating Village..." Then he pointed to the roof of his tuk tuk where a few name cards were attached, "My name card. Call me, I take you. Cheap." 

We explained that we already had a tour guide that would take us, but that we would keep his card if we needed his service.

"Can can. I take you to night market tomorrow?"

" We'll call you."

"Okay. Can, can."

"What's your name so that we can call you?"

"Mr. Money."

If my dad ever needs to look for a new job...

 [We did call Mr. Money to take us to the night market the next evening, and all six of us squeezed into his tuk tuk again. I wouldn't recommend having that many people in one tuk tuk. It wasn't comfortable.]

Fabulous Siem Reap

Anyone heard of Siem Reap? Quite frankly, before this trip, neither did I. But if I showed this...

Welcome to Siem Reap, Cambodia, home of the famous ancient city of Angkor! Two aunts, an uncle, my parents and I were fortunate to be able to travel there for 4 and a half days. The word that kept coming to my mind throughout the trip was the word "charming." I don't even know why because Siem Reap is still very underdeveloped, dusty, and BLAZING hot, but something about it captivated me. My mom planned the whole trip and arranged the accommodations, tour guide, etc. She did an amazing job, and we had a FABULOUS time!!!

I don't even know where and how to start talking about my trip, so pardon me for this super long post (and I'll probably have to split it anyway because there's so much to talk about).

I LOVED...

• Experiencing a whole other culture- the people, the food, the environment... I loved it all!
• How affordable it is! Granted, getting there (especially from the US) is not cheap. Even flying from Singapore cost a few hundred dollars, but if you can get there, the rest of the trip won't cost too much more. US dollar notes are accepted currency (not US coins though- have to convert cents to the Cambodian riel), 
• Riding the tuk tuk (the Cambodian version of a taxi) around the city. It costs US$1/person/ride. US$1!!! A great way to experience the sights and sounds of the city. Competition between tuk tuk drivers is very high though- one of the tuk tuk drivers had all 6 of us squeeze in his tuk tuk so that he could earn more.
  
  
  
• Angkor Paradise Hotel- good service, big and spacious rooms and very reasonably priced!
• The food- sadly I didn't take any pictures of the food! What an un-Asian thing to do... (:p) I'm not much of a food photographer, and I was always rather hungry whenever we ate, so I didn't wait to snap any pictures, but I'm sure you can find images of the food on Google ;) The Amok (Cambodian fish curry) and fresh fruit milkshakes were fantastic in particular.We drank a milkshake practically every lunch and dinner- it was that good!
• Angkor- majestic, inspiring and fascinating. There are over 300 sites to visit in this ancient city, the most famous being Angkor Wat. We were able to visit 4 temples, which were

1) Angkor Wat

Visit at sunrise- moat surrounding Angkor Wat

2) Ta Prohm- famous for it's giant trees that overran the city after it was abandoned around the 15th century

3) Bayon- most distinctive feature are its massive four-faced stone carvings 

4) Banteay Srey- the intricate carvings on its rich red/pink stone is mind-blowing.

Some other highlights at Angkor:

Eating a fried cricket- surprisingly crispy and pretty delicious!

I love moi elephants...

Carvings of elephants on the city wall @ the Terrace of Elephants

• Tons and tons and tons of outdoor shops at the daytime Old Market (where locals buy their groceries in the morning) and evening Night Markets. There are so many night markets around Siem Reap! Tourists can buy clothes, food and souvenirs at a terrific bargain (as long as you know how to bargain of course).

• The Floating Village- an entire village on a river that migrates upstream into the narrower canal during the wet season, and downstream into the river during the dryer months. Everyone lives on the water, and there is even a few schools and a church. Fascinating!

Yes, they are what you think they are.

US$1 to pose with a pet snake- the girl wore her pet snake like a scarf, and kissed and cuddled it... 

• The War Museum- a sobering reminder of the atrocities that human beings are sadly capable of inflicting upon each other. May we never repeat such violence again.(And if I had money, I would totally invest in remodeling this "museum")

  

  A row of landmines

  
  
  
  
  
  

  

  Broken tanks and armaments imported from the Soviet Union and United States-
  Many broke when it rolled over landmines

We also visited the Cambodian Cultural Village and one of the Buddhist temples. The Cambodian Cultural Center was quite cool, except that most of it was outdoors. The temperature that day was about 38 degrees F (100 degrees F), and so the sweltering heat was just too hard to ignore and detracted from the overall experience. The Buddhist temple was gorgeous and huge. 

I DISLIKED...

• Oh my word THE HEAT... make sure you do your research as to the "right" months to go. Late-May/ early-June = constant shower of sweat. Bring one of those portable mini-electric fans and lots of sunscreen lotion if you have to go during the dry season. The nice thing about the dry season, though, is that it's off-peak tourist season, so the Angkor Wat wasn't packed. 
• The blatant corruption at the airport- make sure you have some spare $1 notes with you when you arrive or depart. You might be asked for some "tip-tip" by the customs officer ($1 is enough). Funny story: I paid S$8 (US$6.50) in Singapore for a passport picture to be attached to my visa to Cambodia (the application can be processed at the airport itself- convenient). I arrived there, and found out that if you did not have a picture, you just needed to pay a bribe "fine" of US$1. I should have just paid the US$1 and saved my money!!! 

These were just a few highlights of my trip, and suggestions if anyone is ever fortunate enough to be able to go there. So many things packed in 4 and a half days! However, with the influx of tourist and slow development of the city, I believe Siem Reap will look very different in ten years time. Probably more modern, more expensive, and with way more tourists. I mourn the day that the unique "charm" I found will be lost as well.