Royal Lessons

Marked on a map by 4 intersecting waterways (and usually by a star symbol), Phnom Penh is unlike any other city I've ever been to--I think that's why I've done so much real-life "learning" in the course of 13 days (more on that below). As my workload increases (focusing on human rights, CT, and the justice system) and my expat social circle widens, I've become much more receptive to the impromptu eccentricities, meetings, meals, and events here. And I've already made an impression on the local Phnom Penh "movers and shakers"--one such businessman gave me a compliment (I think) this morning by saying that I really, really resemble one noteworthy American politician: Mr. John Kerry.***

On to my list of lessons learned:

1. Mother Nature is predictable. Yep, at least here anyway. I tell time now by the daily afternoon rains.
   
2. Used bookstores here are awesome. And are easily found. No luck on finding my policy workshop reading list though.
3. Commuting in SE Asia is an adrenaline-producing endeavor. Google "tuk-tuk" to get an idea. From time to time, I play real-live Frogger on the main boulevards. I haven't lost yet.
   
4. I'm not Ironman. I learned this before watching the movie here a couple days ago. In the 12 days I was relaxing back home in California, I played 4 games of basketball. I fractured a bone in my left hand while playing in a game two days before my flight to the Kingdom of Cambodia. And though it didn't hurt, I had it examined last Friday. And now I have a cast--ending my glorious streak of no fractured or broken bones. Oh well.
   
5. Bilal is now a certified cartographer. Seriously. It might have to do with the fact that most streets here are known by numbers and not by names. Or maybe Bilal just wouldn't dare to lead me astray.
   
6. I'm now a certified food "enthusiast." Surprising as it may sound, Phnom Penh dining is unreal in terms of choices and tastiness. I've already eaten good American, Chinese, Korean, Khmer, Thai, Lebanese, Indian, Belgian (well, imported chocolate), French, and Italian food. Only about 180 more ethnic foods to go.
   
7. I still don't like using maps on the street. Or rude expats. Enough said.
   

Hoping everyone has a safe, unpredictable, and productive summer. I'll try to do my part. -bp

***This description by a Cambodian is not as funny as Bilal's encounter. See his most recent post if you haven't already.