It's getting crazy

Picture of the bird flu truck, headed to your favorate restraunt. We also see I'm guessing up to 40+ chickens being hauled on mopeds

Today was a really busy day and the next two days will be even more frantic. We expected to get the “Royal Treatment” while we were here, based on the previous years. Not that the treatment has been bad, but other than being whisked through customs and provided a new police van with a driver, it has been pretty low key, until yesterday. Suddenly it seems as is everyone of high importance has realized we are here and wants to meet with us.

The students had their practical examinations this morning and afternoon. Of course while the test was going on, another one of the very top generals and his entourage showed up to meet with us and observe the students. There were also more media people wanting interviews. And at the same time, the director of the hospital wanted to schedule a meeting with us. With all of that we managed to get all the students through testing. They did a truly awesome job! We even finished up early and had an opportunity to hit the market and again spent too much money. The girl from our class, “Lim”, escorted us and helped us negotiate the best deals. We also did shopping for gifts to give the students from the instructors. We bought each one a Khmer to English dictionary, as well as small gifts like balls and a couple of motorcycle helmets that we give out at our closing ceremony after the test.

Tonight when we arrived back at the hotel after shopping, one of the Cols, and the top adviser to the Prince and Prime Minister (I thing the equivalent to Condaliza Rice in the USA) was waiting for us. He was really personable and was very apologetic that we have not been receiving much higher attention by the Cambodian Government. We assured him we have been comfortable and not to worry. On Saturday morning we will be going to the Royal Palace and meeting with the Prince! WOW! I think with all the media attention we have received over the past few days, it has really called attention to what we are doing here. We are constantly reassured that for our next trip we will be taken care of to the extreme. (I’m still traveling in higher style than I am used to--no public buses and three meals a day.)

Speaking of meals--last night we took the front desk receptionist out to dinner. Hers is kind of an average story. She lives at home with her family of seven, works seven days a week, eleven hours a day, makes $70 a month and pays room and board ($45). In order for a family to agree to a wedding, the couple needs to pay the bride’s family $3000 to $3500 for the wedding. Every young girl we talk with is saving, but the couple can only normally put away $20-$25 per month toward the wedding. That is why so many young adults live at home.

Tomorrow morning we go to the police academy and have a very formal graduation. The police students had to go there tonight and rehearse. After the ceremony we go back to class and have the students take the written test (yes after). Then we have our total class graduation where we’ll hand out certificates, patches, gifts and prizes. After that we go back to the General’s Compound and have dinner hosted by the Cambodian Government.
Only 45 hours ‘til we’ll be on a plane. Yep, we’re going to be busy.
Andy