tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54629135056111177492023-11-15T05:45:10.621-08:00Hit the Ground Eating with DianaDiana F. Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949677551574138719noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462913505611117749.post-36013346342478428602011-11-14T21:47:00.001-08:002011-11-14T21:54:00.233-08:00New BlogHI.
If you would like to continue following my food adventures, I am starting a new blog called <a href="http://readygetseteat.wordpress.com/">Ready. Get Set. EAT!</a> . I am hoping to make a more professional impression, as well as, put more attention and effort into the blog, now that I have consistent access to internet and free time.
thank you!
dianaDiana F. Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949677551574138719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462913505611117749.post-66155294474322606792011-09-22T02:13:00.000-07:002011-09-22T02:20:52.015-07:00Where is Middle Country...?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>Apologies--I was unable to post while traveling through China. This will be my final post on this blog as I have returned home after 2 years of Peace Corps service and 2 months of traveling in Asia. What started out as a monthly, when I have internet access, or I'm not feeling lazy today, account of my life and work in Cambodia, morphed into a travel food documentary of Asia. Thanks to my followers, where ever you are. I hope you have enjoyed my photos as much as I enjoyed eating the food and traveling. CIAO!</i><br />
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In Cantonese, China is called 'zhong gwok', which accurately translates into 'middle country'. I divided my time between Beijing, Shanghai, Guilin and Yangshuo (Thanks <a href="http://www.dragonbuschina.com/default.asp?active_page_id=1">DragonBus</a>). I really didn't (and still don't), know much about China before going, despite my ancestry. In a nutshell,China is another world. I spent 3 weeks in China and that barely cracked the surface of what the country has offer in culture, diversity, cuisine and landscape. It was beautiful, strange, despicable and wonderful all at the same time. I hope to visit China again in the near future.
As always, I will summarize my travels with photos (mostly of food). Please enjoy.<br />
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A foodie alleyway in Beijing with deep fried scorpions for sale. </div>
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The small ones are alive and moving!!! POOR STARFISH! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took a cooking course in Yangshuo. This is my work station.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful, fresh ingredients to work with...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WATCH OUT! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VRSdZdtoI6s/TnryYcpj-2I/AAAAAAAAE7E/CXomjBBGA-8/s1600/cook4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VRSdZdtoI6s/TnryYcpj-2I/AAAAAAAAE7E/CXomjBBGA-8/s320/cook4.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite dish: Spicy Eggplant</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally! I can eat. Michelin 2 stars!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sbOYSF2LrNI/Tnrx40EsFBI/AAAAAAAAE6k/35MY7gdRqzg/s1600/chilies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sbOYSF2LrNI/Tnrx40EsFBI/AAAAAAAAE6k/35MY7gdRqzg/s320/chilies.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No doubt about it--A few of these were probably used in my spicy tofu! SO GOOD.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qhDWnK8RiNs/TnryY3TYV6I/AAAAAAAAE7U/v1dQ4Vowz90/s1600/guilin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qhDWnK8RiNs/TnryY3TYV6I/AAAAAAAAE7U/v1dQ4Vowz90/s320/guilin.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Have a cup of tea in the peaceful rice terraces of Guilin.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beginning of the Great Wall. Doesn't look too bad, right? WRONG! The Great Wall certain deserves its name!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So steep! Almost lost my shoe!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was at the end of the walk!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MF-31v_O2dQ/Tnr4OwTOYPI/AAAAAAAAE78/OrM5vHPMIFg/s1600/eggtart.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MF-31v_O2dQ/Tnr4OwTOYPI/AAAAAAAAE78/OrM5vHPMIFg/s320/eggtart.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Macao now. Portuguese Egg Tarts! SOOOOOOO Delicious!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_fFIWDilb0U/Tnr4SZdaOJI/AAAAAAAAE8A/gjHR6PXX6BA/s1600/sago1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_fFIWDilb0U/Tnr4SZdaOJI/AAAAAAAAE8A/gjHR6PXX6BA/s320/sago1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now, in the New Territories of Hong Kong on the Kowloon side. This is not too far from the Tseun Wan station. All these people are waiting for dessert at 10pm on a Wednesday night!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh fruit with sago and coconut milk. YUMMM</td></tr>
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Thanks for reading. Good Bye! </div>
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Diana F. Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949677551574138719noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462913505611117749.post-13554464954665766262011-08-02T06:44:00.000-07:002011-08-02T06:44:09.629-07:00Fish for LunchI've been eating pretty mediocre food for dinner, so I decided to splurge on lunch. I had a classic--Fish n' Chips! I didn't think I would be able to get good fish and chips here, but I was pleasantly surprised. It was very delicious. I keep forgetting about the British...Dutch...and Portuguese influence. Overall, I had a really nice, relaxing day. I slept in, played into the water, read, ate food, ate chocolate and took a nap. Also, the lady at the front desk of my hotel did my laundry for free. I love washing machines! My clothes smell SO good. I'm heading into KL tomorrow. Yikes!<br />
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Here is my lunch-- <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8SyW53pIkY/Tjf-Nw6jj5I/AAAAAAAAE4w/KEQG7M1DEWM/s1600/fishnchips.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8SyW53pIkY/Tjf-Nw6jj5I/AAAAAAAAE4w/KEQG7M1DEWM/s320/fishnchips.JPG" /></a></div>Diana F. Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949677551574138719noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462913505611117749.post-48243322821735126072011-08-01T03:35:00.000-07:002011-08-01T03:35:59.360-07:00Palua Pangkor GetawayStill in Malaysia. I arrived in Palua Pangkor yesterday. Palau Pangkor is an island off the cost of the state of Perak. I'll stay here for 3 nights until I head into KL. In order to stay within budget, I have disciplined myself to not eat any seafood for the time being. Well, I'll splurge on my last night here. Here is an example of what I have been doing since I've arrived--<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BGiECiKOfuE/TjaBAJ0VBDI/AAAAAAAAE4g/_oQ6fNzaoag/s1600/palua%2Bpangkor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BGiECiKOfuE/TjaBAJ0VBDI/AAAAAAAAE4g/_oQ6fNzaoag/s320/palua%2Bpangkor.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A6RxbTVQZ2s/TjaA_7i62iI/AAAAAAAAE4Y/kCQZ4Nv0f4g/s1600/relax.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A6RxbTVQZ2s/TjaA_7i62iI/AAAAAAAAE4Y/kCQZ4Nv0f4g/s320/relax.JPG" /></a></div>Diana F. Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949677551574138719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462913505611117749.post-53376276277193627662011-07-30T01:04:00.000-07:002011-07-30T01:58:37.097-07:00The 8 Dollar TourToday, I partook in a countryside tour that was 'meh' to 'okay'. But, in reality it cost 8.50 USD and it included transport to and from the guesthouse. So, I shouldn't complain. I did get to eat some tasty treats (not included in the price of the tour). The tour consisted of 7 sites around the Cameron Highlands, which lasted about 4.5 hours: 1)Buddhist Temple 2)Rose Garden 3)Boh Tea Plantation 4)Honey Bee Farm 5) local produce market 6) Butterfly farm 7)Strawberry farm. <br /><br />The highlights of the tour was really the Tea Plantation. But, the Rose Garden and the local produce market were pretty neat. The others weren't so impressive and I didn't even enter the butterfly farm (5RM for entrance fee I didn't pay because I chose to spend it on food. A few photos here and the rest are on <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/Diana.F.Wong">picasa</a>--<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-piBeoBPJXxk/TjPCAi3KSbI/AAAAAAAAE1g/963SODsfX2U/s1600/teaplant.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-piBeoBPJXxk/TjPCAi3KSbI/AAAAAAAAE1g/963SODsfX2U/s320/teaplant.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635060873384577458" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j8KaDr14Mk8/TjPCAUl9YGI/AAAAAAAAE1Y/bB2-x6O4eu8/s1600/strawberry.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j8KaDr14Mk8/TjPCAUl9YGI/AAAAAAAAE1Y/bB2-x6O4eu8/s320/strawberry.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635060869554331746" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CKSIRgDxl0w/TjPCAe03dPI/AAAAAAAAE1Q/BkgHRgMPwWA/s1600/corn.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CKSIRgDxl0w/TjPCAe03dPI/AAAAAAAAE1Q/BkgHRgMPwWA/s320/corn.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635060872301212914" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ncYc9EXuZ1M/TjPCAGyDEXI/AAAAAAAAE1I/09NHkBMoGn8/s1600/Azure.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ncYc9EXuZ1M/TjPCAGyDEXI/AAAAAAAAE1I/09NHkBMoGn8/s320/Azure.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635060865846940018" /></a>Diana F. Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949677551574138719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462913505611117749.post-91873262298016534932011-07-29T04:53:00.001-07:002011-07-29T05:14:29.267-07:00The Cameron HighlandsI only stayed a night in Georgetown/Penang. I am not the one to do historical cities...hmp. I'll try again...I should've taken a photo of the place i was staying in...2 years in cambodia just barely prepared me for this place! back to the colonial times!<br /><br />I'm in the Cameron Highlands now. Its in the state of Pahang. Its high up in the hills and its not hot and its beautiful. Unfortunately, still mosquitoes here. I guess this place is the capitol of where Malaysian teas are grown. Tomorrow, I'll take an early tour of the tea plantations and other attractions, like a strawberry farm...<br /><br />Here is my afternoon snack: scones and jam. Strawberry Jam. Its pretty good quality jam and then i realized that strawberries are grown here. I'll see the real thing tomorrow.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zRDzwBbP7cQ/TjKijPkpiYI/AAAAAAAAExk/UdnsVnFLxnI/s1600/sconejam.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zRDzwBbP7cQ/TjKijPkpiYI/AAAAAAAAExk/UdnsVnFLxnI/s320/sconejam.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634744810153281922" /></a><br /><br />More photos up on <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/Diana.F.Wong">picasa </a>now. Please take a look at my food travels...Diana F. Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949677551574138719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462913505611117749.post-91140394852876629962011-07-27T03:05:00.001-07:002011-07-27T03:31:54.328-07:00On being ChineseI missed the bus this morning because I purposely overslept. I've had a nice time at this guesthouse. The owner has been the most accommodating. He speaks cantonese too. I really like being in Malaysia because all the blending of cultures here. Frankly, I'm enjoying being in a place where people speak cantonese. And, not surprisingly, I am mistaken for a local here too, that is until I start speaking. <br /><br />I'm known in Asia as an A-B-C, or an American Born Chinese. When people find out that I was born in America, they seem to be really surprised and confused. I'm not sure why. I'm thinking it could be one of two things: 1)they expect me to look different, or 2)they've never met a Chinese person who was born in the states. I'm thinking its the latter. <br /><br />Well, here is my Chinese face in a photo. Judge for yourself. American or not? <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J2nqdqh3xAo/Ti_ocPrjVRI/AAAAAAAAEwY/SGXvmzk3AFc/s1600/Picture%2B013.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J2nqdqh3xAo/Ti_ocPrjVRI/AAAAAAAAEwY/SGXvmzk3AFc/s320/Picture%2B013.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633977230806963474" /></a><br />I'm drinking a Melakan ice blended coffee, hence the happiness. Its really delicious.Diana F. Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949677551574138719noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462913505611117749.post-67903791244575874092011-07-26T07:28:00.000-07:002011-07-26T08:01:00.058-07:00Happy camper in Malacca, Malaysia!I am going to dedicate this entire post to just CAPITOL SATAY! It was like a club—HAPPENING! You had to wait in a line outside before they let you in! I ate at Capitol Satay for dinner tonight. You know, satay, the meat on a skewer, usually served with peanut sauce. In Malacca, satay is awesome. You cook it yourself at this place and choose the skewer type you want for only 80cents in Malay Ringgit. So, I had 22 skewers and 2 cups of iced tea. This put me back 19 ringgit or a little over 6 bucks green back. It’s a nice farewell dinner in Malacca. I hope these photos will do this place justice…<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ppfLWpN3AlM/Ti7Tpngf1MI/AAAAAAAAEts/78JaDC-2788/s1600/satayshop.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ppfLWpN3AlM/Ti7Tpngf1MI/AAAAAAAAEts/78JaDC-2788/s320/satayshop.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633672895820453058" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CId8hOAE9ig/Ti7TpVfqarI/AAAAAAAAEtk/5CW4D4h4k8A/s1600/DSCN5406.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CId8hOAE9ig/Ti7TpVfqarI/AAAAAAAAEtk/5CW4D4h4k8A/s320/DSCN5406.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633672890985114290" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-szjTcR9X2pk/Ti7V-qXAenI/AAAAAAAAEt0/hCTHqJ-sA7A/s1600/DSCN5407.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-szjTcR9X2pk/Ti7V-qXAenI/AAAAAAAAEt0/hCTHqJ-sA7A/s320/DSCN5407.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633675456386464370" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dbE00ADN5gs/Ti7TpEFrsAI/AAAAAAAAEtc/JXxpo3VwSDI/s1600/giant%2Bshrip%2Bsatay.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dbE00ADN5gs/Ti7TpEFrsAI/AAAAAAAAEtc/JXxpo3VwSDI/s320/giant%2Bshrip%2Bsatay.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633672886312742914" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PtxIzZeUmvU/Ti7To17qi_I/AAAAAAAAEtU/6cPhUlgxxbw/s1600/happy%2Bcamper.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PtxIzZeUmvU/Ti7To17qi_I/AAAAAAAAEtU/6cPhUlgxxbw/s320/happy%2Bcamper.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633672882512628722" /></a>Diana F. Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949677551574138719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462913505611117749.post-45228965268826315542011-07-26T06:53:00.001-07:002011-07-26T07:05:19.848-07:00Who is Durian Earl Grey?He's not a who, he’s a what: ice cream flavors to be exact! In Singapore, I visited an ice cream/waffle place with my CS hoster, Sue. The place: Udders. Yes, like the udders of a cow. This place offers the classic ice cream flavors along with unique ones, like lychee martini, earl grey and; wait for it…DURIAN! <br /><br />Since I’ve been in Asia, I’ve found a new appreciation for durian. The #1 stinky, highly prized, expensive fruit is delicious. The very first time I tried fresh durian, it was disgusting. But, over the 2 years I’ve been in Asia, I’ve come to appreciate its rich, pungent flavor. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qp9QsMYDQ5g/Ti7JMoDVG7I/AAAAAAAAEtM/ERytJOLfGE0/s1600/durianearlgrey.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qp9QsMYDQ5g/Ti7JMoDVG7I/AAAAAAAAEtM/ERytJOLfGE0/s320/durianearlgrey.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633661402634066866" /></a>Diana F. Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949677551574138719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462913505611117749.post-10530913208772476182011-07-23T18:16:00.000-07:002011-07-23T18:58:31.276-07:00Welcome Home--in SingaporeHi. Good morning. Its morning time in Singapore. <br /><br />The title of my post today is "Welcome Back" for two reasons. The first, Singapore is like home--DEVELOPED. The second, the flight attendant welcomed me home when I was getting off the plane :/<br /><br />In the spirit of coming home soon, I stopped in the first Coffee Bean and Tea i found and had a hearty drink(in the airport of course). Ohh, I made it my goal to watch Harry Potter when I came to Singapore! Mission Accomplished!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BahdwKbI2z0/Tit0qhx2sSI/AAAAAAAAErE/NEh73xawfd0/s1600/DSCN5370.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BahdwKbI2z0/Tit0qhx2sSI/AAAAAAAAErE/NEh73xawfd0/s320/DSCN5370.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632724032927740194" /></a><br /><br />For those who do not already know about my adventures explaining to locals that I am an American, I'll quickly explain. As part of my Peace Corps service, it was part of my job to help promote a better understanding of Americans on the people who I was serving. Basically, I told and re-told that America was a diverse place and that people of all colors come from America. So, where ever I go now, I tell people I am an American--born and raised. Actually, its a really difficult feat to accomplish as everyone seems to think I'm not an American with my asian face. Yes, I know what I look like. So, every country I have visited and not visited so far in Asia/SE Asia, I've been mistaken for a local. I've gotten Nepalese/North Indian, Japanese, Korean (I've been mistaken in Cambodia as Korean 85% of the time), Chinese, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, Laotian, Singaporean, Malaysian, Filipino, Taiwanese, Malaysian, you name it. People have often insisted that I was a local even after I explain to people that my ethnically, I'm Chinese. <br /><br />Enough about that, I have one day left in Singapore and I need to some laundry and then go eat some food. I can't afford to shop in Singapore. Clothing seems more expensive here then it does in the states. I walked around yesterday after taking a long nap. I'm staying with a Couch Surfer host. She's been very nice and her place is clean and central to all the places in Singapore. I'll take a few more photos tonight and tomorrow, hopefully, I'll be on my way to Malaysia! By the way, I updated my <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/Diana.F.Wong">picasa</a> to include some photos of Bali.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yO4XYdoCKig/Tit4rDZA2gI/AAAAAAAAErc/zgkklDibSJk/s1600/Mee%2BRebus.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yO4XYdoCKig/Tit4rDZA2gI/AAAAAAAAErc/zgkklDibSJk/s320/Mee%2BRebus.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632728439996865026" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i1PGSJ9elDw/Tit4q2gKoRI/AAAAAAAAErU/VMdvSgO7cxI/s1600/Waterfront.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i1PGSJ9elDw/Tit4q2gKoRI/AAAAAAAAErU/VMdvSgO7cxI/s320/Waterfront.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632728436537205010" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EyhDYnALD80/Tit4quc95UI/AAAAAAAAErM/1e8ozxUfgxE/s1600/Free%2BConcert.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EyhDYnALD80/Tit4quc95UI/AAAAAAAAErM/1e8ozxUfgxE/s320/Free%2BConcert.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632728434376303938" /></a>Diana F. Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949677551574138719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462913505611117749.post-1260026564170540572011-07-23T09:09:00.000-07:002011-07-23T10:05:09.060-07:00BaliI spent my last 3 days in the Sanur and Kuta/Legian areas of Bali. Both are beach places, but very dissimilar. Sanur is more family and senior friendly. Frankly, Sanur was a bit of a snore. I did get to visit the Orchid garden though. But, that sounds like a Golden Girls moment. I wanted to spend some time around the beach and I thought Sanur would be a nice alternative to Ubud, but it wasn't what I expected somehow. Too slow...so, I packed up and spent my last day and night in Kuta.<br /><br />Kuta/Legian are for the party going crowd. In Kuta, I stayed in a $7 room located on one of the two backpacker alleys and it really reminded me of Khao San Road in Bangkok. All night partying and drunken debauchery by the 20-30 year old crowd. If I were that kind of person, I probably would've enjoyed the night life. But, the beaches are really beautiful. <br /><br />Here are some more photos of Bali. I'll upload the rest to my <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Diana.F.Wong">picasa</a>, so please take a look when you have time.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TDs2tVdjCgg/Tir4UnoapuI/AAAAAAAAEmo/cmaPnsXUkUA/s1600/Fat%2Btuna.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TDs2tVdjCgg/Tir4UnoapuI/AAAAAAAAEmo/cmaPnsXUkUA/s320/Fat%2Btuna.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632587317099800290" /></a><br />FATTY TUNA for lunch<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DlB2yyXvA3E/Tir4UXu72rI/AAAAAAAAEmg/9ThrQv1y_08/s1600/Snack%2BTime.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DlB2yyXvA3E/Tir4UXu72rI/AAAAAAAAEmg/9ThrQv1y_08/s320/Snack%2BTime.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632587312832174770" /></a><br />Snack Time: Carrot cake and a cup of tea<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YSRRG-nCA-A/Tir4UPFX_0I/AAAAAAAAEmY/TBUGhgS0NXw/s1600/Heart.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YSRRG-nCA-A/Tir4UPFX_0I/AAAAAAAAEmY/TBUGhgS0NXw/s320/Heart.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632587310510374722" /></a><br />I Heart Bali--Lime and Mint Iced tea<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9baKNgx8JZA/Tir4TxKAhmI/AAAAAAAAEmQ/tVu21UuviXo/s1600/Kuta.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9baKNgx8JZA/Tir4TxKAhmI/AAAAAAAAEmQ/tVu21UuviXo/s320/Kuta.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632587302476744290" /></a><br />Kuta Beach<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9TtdcvZTH4M/Tir4TltUaGI/AAAAAAAAEmI/PaXG8wUcT-Q/s1600/sunset.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9TtdcvZTH4M/Tir4TltUaGI/AAAAAAAAEmI/PaXG8wUcT-Q/s320/sunset.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632587299403622498" /></a><br />Bye Bye BaliDiana F. Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949677551574138719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462913505611117749.post-69545447302107638182011-07-19T00:46:00.000-07:002011-07-19T01:57:07.952-07:00RED FACE!Hello!<br /><br />I woke up later than I wanted to this morning. But, its okay, I'm on vacation. I am staying at a themed bed and breakfast. My room was designed after the musical, South Pacific. Its the cheapest room in this place and is a fan room. Actually, the fan isn't necessary because its been cool everyday since I've arrived. I was super excited about the breakfast and afternoon high tea this place provided but, both have been a disappointment. I have failed to finish both my breakfasts, thus far. And, except for the first day, I've skipped the afternoon high tea. This morning, I supplemented my free breakfast with my own fruit. Here are some photos of this morning:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rFHEszuBfiA/TiU9JmkH1DI/AAAAAAAAElg/AZEMXNtpuek/s1600/waffel.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rFHEszuBfiA/TiU9JmkH1DI/AAAAAAAAElg/AZEMXNtpuek/s320/waffel.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630974144276845618" /></a><br />My waffel dish with butter? <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MJ58f0bO5fs/TiU9JFhCCHI/AAAAAAAAElY/zlBnp4tYLTU/s1600/Marquisa1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MJ58f0bO5fs/TiU9JFhCCHI/AAAAAAAAElY/zlBnp4tYLTU/s320/Marquisa1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630974135405512818" /></a><br />The fruit I bought and ate. Similar to the passion fruit, the marquisa is sweeter tasting and not sour.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0FzztevEMyE/TiU9I_JRi_I/AAAAAAAAElQ/4X4oUHvZYrE/s1600/marquisa2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0FzztevEMyE/TiU9I_JRi_I/AAAAAAAAElQ/4X4oUHvZYrE/s320/marquisa2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630974133695253490" /></a><br />Here is the inside.<br /><br />Anyway, I wanted to take a leisurely stroll through the rice fields this morning after breakfast, but since I woke up late, I was only able to do a 2-hour walk, so that I could make it to my noon time spa appointment. I should've chosen the walk over the facial because I chose the wrong facial treatment!!! I chose a cucumber honey facial program and discovered that I AM ALLERGIC! I knew something was wrong when the therapist began placing sliced cucumber on my face. Despite the cooling properties of cucumber, my face became itchy. YIKES. And, being the dummy I am, I didn't say anything thinking I was overreacting! After removing the cucumber from my face, the therapist asked if I was allergic because my face was RED. It was red, itchy and bumpy. I'm okay now though. Didn't take too long before the itchiness stopped but my neck is still sorta red and splotchy. Needless to say, I wasn't too happy after my spa treatment. LESSON LEARNED: NO cucumber facials. Sorry, no photos available of my face. But, here are some views of the rice field!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tBN_AP-Ci2s/TiVAKrCAgrI/AAAAAAAAElw/1WXddewvmrk/s1600/leisurewalk2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tBN_AP-Ci2s/TiVAKrCAgrI/AAAAAAAAElw/1WXddewvmrk/s320/leisurewalk2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630977461190689458" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1M9OJvsSRnc/TiVAKSuORoI/AAAAAAAAElo/xlN2PIA7fYA/s1600/leisurewalk1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1M9OJvsSRnc/TiVAKSuORoI/AAAAAAAAElo/xlN2PIA7fYA/s320/leisurewalk1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630977454665254530" /></a><br /><br />I'm just now having lunch since my 3-hour spa appointment ran into lunch. I should've know it was a bad idea interrupting lunch. I found this neat vegetarian/vegan japanese indonesian place while walking back to my guesthouse the first night. Its too bad I'm leaving Ubud tomorrow because the food here is delicious. SO DELICIOUS. This is what I ordered:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GD6Up_iVRzI/TiVCAjB92AI/AAAAAAAAEl4/Of1ZXpJg7mU/s1600/tacorice.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GD6Up_iVRzI/TiVCAjB92AI/AAAAAAAAEl4/Of1ZXpJg7mU/s320/tacorice.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630979486267594754" /></a><br />Taco Rice with avocado, beans and salsa. Truly DELICIOUS!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0dXkEiY33So/TiVCA3h-MfI/AAAAAAAAEmA/wtTxiZiTynU/s1600/cocopumpkinpie.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0dXkEiY33So/TiVCA3h-MfI/AAAAAAAAEmA/wtTxiZiTynU/s320/cocopumpkinpie.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630979491770544626" /></a><br />And, of course dessert! Vegan Coconut Pumpkin Pie. Also, tasty. Interesting texture. I was expecting custardy filling, but the filling was stiff like a hard jello. <br /><br />I'm gonna post this now. I was gonna wait til after dinner, but I'm too lazy for that. I'm gonna have dinner in a bit, not sure where, but this japanese vegan indonesian place is quite tempting and is worthy of a second, consecutive visit within a 3 hour period. I purchased a ticket to see a Balinese Shadow Puppet show at 8! BYE! Talk to you tomorrow when I am in Kuta--3 more days in Bali.Diana F. Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949677551574138719noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462913505611117749.post-48664074888532907002011-07-18T07:32:00.000-07:002011-07-18T08:18:05.476-07:00Bali: The 'B' means beautifulI'm in Bali now. It is beautiful here. As in Cambodia, Bali is in its rainy season and its unbelievably lush. It is a lot greener here than in Cambodia. It is also a lot cooler than I expected and in the evenings, its rather chilly. I only have one hooded sweatshirt and this is the most I've worn it in over two years. <br /><br />I managed to snap a few photos today. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YYz1yHhiWK0/TiRJTuxflCI/AAAAAAAAEkg/x_PBKnZ04gQ/s1600/ganesh.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YYz1yHhiWK0/TiRJTuxflCI/AAAAAAAAEkg/x_PBKnZ04gQ/s320/ganesh.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630706037441926178" /></a><br />This seems to be traditional Balinese architecture. This is the entry way to a home or a shop. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q9vR3vAFFyw/TiRJT441MfI/AAAAAAAAEko/VllGxboJND8/s1600/Monkeyvines.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q9vR3vAFFyw/TiRJT441MfI/AAAAAAAAEko/VllGxboJND8/s320/Monkeyvines.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630706040157057522" /></a><br />I visited the Monkey Forest in Ubud today. Monkeys live inside this sacred Balinese Hindu site.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bj8k8Hmn_j8/TiRLeGCuUGI/AAAAAAAAElI/0z8rRDQ2y50/s1600/monkeyyam.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bj8k8Hmn_j8/TiRLeGCuUGI/AAAAAAAAElI/0z8rRDQ2y50/s320/monkeyyam.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630708414510157922" /></a><br />These long tailed macaques are common in southeast asia.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LbbDq3lL6EE/TiRJUIyqxQI/AAAAAAAAEkw/-j5lpP9zE3o/s1600/Friedtofu.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LbbDq3lL6EE/TiRJUIyqxQI/AAAAAAAAEkw/-j5lpP9zE3o/s320/Friedtofu.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630706044426175746" /></a><br />I treated myself to some street food after the monkey forest. For a little under $1 or 5,000 Indonesian rupiah, I was able to buy some fried tofu and spring rolls slathered in a sweet/spicy peanut sauce. Verdict: delicious and full of flavor.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nB3Iv9beiPs/TiRJUMmcByI/AAAAAAAAEk4/how6kqfMzJE/s1600/suckling%2Bpig.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nB3Iv9beiPs/TiRJUMmcByI/AAAAAAAAEk4/how6kqfMzJE/s320/suckling%2Bpig.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630706045448619810" /></a><br />For lunch, I visited this hugely popular place that specializes in Balinese suckling pig.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w6lURJG2h3k/TiRJUxdT-zI/AAAAAAAAElA/L_6xwL_ivSY/s1600/special%2Bpork.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w6lURJG2h3k/TiRJUxdT-zI/AAAAAAAAElA/L_6xwL_ivSY/s320/special%2Bpork.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630706055342455602" /></a><br />The pork was very, very moist!!! The rice was a really good quality too!<br /><br />More to come tomorrow when I take a walk in the rice paddies!Diana F. Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949677551574138719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462913505611117749.post-12958350632731899982011-07-11T10:39:00.000-07:002011-07-11T11:09:31.216-07:00GOODBYE CAMBODIA!I am officially a RPCV! I have just completed my two-year service with the Peace Corps in Cambodia. Today, I got all my paperwork in, medical clearance and had my exit interviews. I took my language proficiency test the other day and scored an Advanced level in spoken Khmer! YAY! <br /><br />On June 30th, I officially left site and it was very emotional. All morning, my students would repeatedly tell me "Teacher, DON'T CRY". Nevertheless, I cried. I made my host family cry. I'm too emotional for my own good.<br /><br />My students and counterpart sent me off in style from site. My counterpart and the students I developed close relationships with accompanied me to the bus stop in the provincial town and waited for the bus to depart before leaving. According to my counterpart, once my bus pulled away, my students started to cry!!! Here is a photo of my last few moments in Pursat. My gang at the bus stop.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YmatlJmh2YQ/Ths4hsdDtqI/AAAAAAAAEj4/zwBGQPoSZYA/s1600/Bus.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YmatlJmh2YQ/Ths4hsdDtqI/AAAAAAAAEj4/zwBGQPoSZYA/s320/Bus.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628154310849443490" /></a><br /><br />Here is my last day in Kandieng, out in the rice fields. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LAvIFiMUjx8/Ths4h10BFhI/AAAAAAAAEkA/BwDkG1n8Rtg/s1600/solo.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LAvIFiMUjx8/Ths4h10BFhI/AAAAAAAAEkA/BwDkG1n8Rtg/s320/solo.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628154313361659410" /></a><br /><br />In a few days, I'll be leaving for Bangkok via the Poipet border in Bantey Meanchey province. From BKK, I'll be heading to Bali, Indonesia. I'll be in Bali for a week and then onto Singapore. After a few days in Singapore, I'll be going to Malaysia for 2 weeks. Then, I'll be in China and HK for about a month. I'll be home September 4th! <br /><br />I'll probably post on all the delicious food I encounter(with photos) throughout my journey.<br /><br />That is all for now. I am actually suffering from a bad cold and need bed rest. Being sick and traveling is a bad combination. I'll keep you all posted. BYE!Diana F. Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949677551574138719noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462913505611117749.post-67362585937526448062011-04-28T08:48:00.000-07:002011-04-28T09:34:34.022-07:00World Map ProjectHi Everyone!<br /><br />I just wanted to give a quick update. I just returned from an 18-day trip to INDIA!!! INCREDIBLE INDIA INDEED! Please see my photos <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/Diana.F.Wong/India#slideshow/5600276166948931074">here</a>. But, my post is really about the world map project that my students and I finished in early April. <br /><br />Over a course of five days, students from my geography and speaking clubs came together and worked on a 2.5m x 5m mural of a world map. We began by measuring and drawing a large grid of 1,568 blocks. Then, we painted the space white and drew the countries on the wall block by block. Step three consisted of painting the oceans and countries in varying colors. And, voila--world map! Here are a few photos. But, go to my <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/Diana.F.Wong/WorldMapProject#">picasa</a> page for a full visual of the progression of our work! <br /><br />I was such a control freak through out the whole process. I had to keep in mind that my students have never had experience painting and drawing. This project was all new to them. It was even new for the teachers at our school. <br /><br />By introducing a map to my school, Cambodians now have a better grasp of their own country in respect to size and location. Most Cambodians have never seen a map before this. Most teachers at my school were surprised by how small Cambodia is compared to many countries. <br /><br />Overall, I am very happy with the result of the mural. More importantly, however, my students had a lot of fun. <br /><br />----<br />So, I have <span style="font-weight:bold;">75 Days</span> Remaining of Service!!!<br /><br />Officially, I will close my service July 12th. But, I will be traveling for a little over a month before I return to Los Angeles. I am planning on going to Bali, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, China and Hong Kong...see you all very soon.<br /><br />I'm really sleepy now. Apologies for typos and grammar mistakes! Good night! diana<br /><br />----<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AA_yyHLrdo8/TbmRtH0IHYI/AAAAAAAAEbg/BLkYmWQDsX0/s1600/Step1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AA_yyHLrdo8/TbmRtH0IHYI/AAAAAAAAEbg/BLkYmWQDsX0/s320/Step1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600667815989747074" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bJrXE7OCqH8/TbmRsxWlPWI/AAAAAAAAEbY/keUtUi7EHmk/s1600/drawbygrid.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bJrXE7OCqH8/TbmRsxWlPWI/AAAAAAAAEbY/keUtUi7EHmk/s320/drawbygrid.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600667809960246626" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vrNH8mDpv7w/TbmRsWPIZ4I/AAAAAAAAEbQ/QnOCDykEK_0/s1600/75percent.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vrNH8mDpv7w/TbmRsWPIZ4I/AAAAAAAAEbQ/QnOCDykEK_0/s320/75percent.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600667802681239426" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f_5n5ywpAVw/TbmRsM21HPI/AAAAAAAAEbI/YfI4PY41mP0/s1600/FINISHED.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f_5n5ywpAVw/TbmRsM21HPI/AAAAAAAAEbI/YfI4PY41mP0/s320/FINISHED.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600667800163392754" /></a>Diana F. Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949677551574138719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462913505611117749.post-16875997466543720502011-02-05T22:07:00.000-08:002011-02-05T22:45:28.038-08:00Fruit Part 1 (Ply Ch'r)Here are three kinds of seasonal fruits that can be found here in Cambodia. All very delicious in their own ways. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TU49CdExtvI/AAAAAAAAEOs/sql9YBlCKlQ/s1600/milkfruit1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TU49CdExtvI/AAAAAAAAEOs/sql9YBlCKlQ/s200/milkfruit1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570456901477578482" /></a><br />The MILKFRUIT is perfectly round like a petanque ball. Its either a deep violet or bright apple green hue. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TU49BzbQmXI/AAAAAAAAEOk/YM3J0k2_ijQ/s1600/milkfruit2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TU49BzbQmXI/AAAAAAAAEOk/YM3J0k2_ijQ/s200/milkfruit2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570456890297588082" /></a> <br />The khmer name is "ply dict dawh gooh" which loosely translates to fruit milk. Appropriately named, the pulp of this fruit gives a milkly like juice when squeezed. The fruit is subtly sweet. You either have a taste for it or you don't. But, I enjoy eating this fruit!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TU49BhfEfFI/AAAAAAAAEOc/D0PFVPYV7Vc/s1600/starfruit1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TU49BhfEfFI/AAAAAAAAEOc/D0PFVPYV7Vc/s200/starfruit1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570456885481733202" /></a> <br />The STARFRUIT is called "ply speu". It does not translate to star, however. It is actually a name of a province in Cambodia.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TU49Bdk22EI/AAAAAAAAEOU/qwEuc_AqNyg/s1600/starfruit2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TU49Bdk22EI/AAAAAAAAEOU/qwEuc_AqNyg/s200/starfruit2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570456884432263234" /></a><br />But as you can see, in English, the starfuit is appropriately named for its shape.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TU48dFZFR-I/AAAAAAAAEOM/9aF2hsRWuPU/s1600/Jackfruit1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TU48dFZFR-I/AAAAAAAAEOM/9aF2hsRWuPU/s200/Jackfruit1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570456259465136098" /></a><br />The JACKFRUIT starts out really small, as small as your thumb...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TU48c8Wli5I/AAAAAAAAEOE/2G6YnkECDlg/s1600/Jackfruit2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TU48c8Wli5I/AAAAAAAAEOE/2G6YnkECDlg/s200/Jackfruit2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570456257038748562" /></a><br />But, it can grow as big as your head or even bigger! One can weigh up to at least 30kg or roughly 66 pounds!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TU48ccnHYdI/AAAAAAAAEN8/2ycfZhAIkb0/s1600/jackfruit3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TU48ccnHYdI/AAAAAAAAEN8/2ycfZhAIkb0/s200/jackfruit3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570456248518140370" /></a><br />The inside is yellow.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TU48cNfjG2I/AAAAAAAAEN0/Qtl5uGN0GWk/s1600/jackfruit4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TU48cNfjG2I/AAAAAAAAEN0/Qtl5uGN0GWk/s200/jackfruit4.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570456244459871074" /></a><br />You take the fruit apart from its shell and eat its 'pods'. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TU48brll65I/AAAAAAAAENs/tBGURyluPLo/s1600/jackfruit5.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TU48brll65I/AAAAAAAAENs/tBGURyluPLo/s200/jackfruit5.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570456235358415762" /></a><br />Its very tasty and sweet when ripe. The texture is slightly tender, slightly firm. There is a big seed in each pod.Diana F. Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949677551574138719noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462913505611117749.post-3817446550912127802011-02-02T03:50:00.000-08:002011-02-02T17:39:17.578-08:00Sousadey Joel Chinam Jun Themei ! (Happy Chinese New Year!)Hello!
<br />Happy Chinese New Year!
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<br />Although I have dearly missed spending Chinese New Year with my parents and extended family these past 2 years, I've been lucky enough to have a host family who are of Chinese heritage. Both years, we celebrated in a way that reminded me of how my paternal grandmother would celebrate the coming of the new year--incenses, prayers, offerings to ancestors past and a vegetarian meal on new years eve. My host mother even gave me 10,000 riel (2.50 USD) sans red envelope. It meant a lot to be able to spend this holiday with my host family.
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<br />Every year, the day prior to chinese new year's eve, my host family spends an entire day making khmer 'pastries' to sell for the festivities. So, I wanted to focus this entry on the process of the making of the pastries and share some photos.
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<br />OH! OH! I'm in my final stretch of service with approximately 6 months to go!!! I'll start the official countdown when the days remaining are in the double digits!
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<br />Start here---
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<br />One of the girls who lives with us, Pheaup, is preparing the banana leaves for cutting. She is laying them out in the sun so they get some heat on them and kill germs?
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUmPwKUVQoI/AAAAAAAAEK4/boBXrtzrSCg/s1600/Banana%2BLeaves.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUmPwKUVQoI/AAAAAAAAEK4/boBXrtzrSCg/s320/Banana%2BLeaves.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569140471786455682" /></a>
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<br />Host mom cutting and wiping down the leaves for stuffing.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUmPwhxoCHI/AAAAAAAAELA/GdU58L_0tu0/s1600/Prepare%2Bleaves.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUmPwhxoCHI/AAAAAAAAELA/GdU58L_0tu0/s320/Prepare%2Bleaves.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569140478083336306" /></a>
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<br />Some sort of bean. In Khmer its called 'sundike bai'. Maybe lentil, but I have a feeling its something other type.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUmPxJuU4LI/AAAAAAAAELQ/sPcL-BQhqI0/s1600/Bean.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUmPxJuU4LI/AAAAAAAAELQ/sPcL-BQhqI0/s320/Bean.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569140488806916274" /></a>
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<br />The main ingredient: sticky rice.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUmPw9rmStI/AAAAAAAAELI/pQvSuGMsENg/s1600/Sticky%2BRice.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUmPw9rmStI/AAAAAAAAELI/pQvSuGMsENg/s320/Sticky%2BRice.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569140485574249170" /></a>
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<br />The layers of the pastry.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUoAKZaUZeI/AAAAAAAAENg/Z1GDLbgtFDE/s1600/Layering.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUoAKZaUZeI/AAAAAAAAENg/Z1GDLbgtFDE/s320/Layering.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569264067817006562" /></a>
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<br />My host mom spent the whole morning making these!
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUmPxrXKiiI/AAAAAAAAELY/ejrOSKxk4Aw/s1600/Fold%2B1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUmPxrXKiiI/AAAAAAAAELY/ejrOSKxk4Aw/s320/Fold%2B1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569140497836575266" /></a>
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<br />Looks so perfect. Oh, you see the string holding the leaves together? Well, that is just part of the giant banana leaf. Biodegradable wrappers! Ingredients are all organic!
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUoAJ38Yu0I/AAAAAAAAENY/si-vXvam-SQ/s1600/wrapping.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUoAJ38Yu0I/AAAAAAAAENY/si-vXvam-SQ/s320/wrapping.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569264058833091394" /></a>
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<br />The final product: Nom Ansom. This is a savory pastry made with pig fat. Its pretty good, but heavy. Once these are wrapped, the pastries are steamed in giant pots. These sold for 3000riel each. So, 75cents per piece.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUnyXiJy5BI/AAAAAAAAEMo/qnKoMnu-66U/s1600/Nom%2BAnsom.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUnyXiJy5BI/AAAAAAAAEMo/qnKoMnu-66U/s320/Nom%2BAnsom.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569248900339131410" /></a>
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<br />My host sister Mite. She is the best Khmer cook ever! She knows how to make me Mac and cheese from the box and spaghetti after only one lesson. Her food always comes out great. But, she cooks like any other asian lady--doesn't use measurements. Adds ingredients based on smell, taste and experience. I haven't learned any khmer dishes. I should get crackin on that.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUnyXB-Ca3I/AAAAAAAAEMg/84eNiQbLSO8/s1600/Sis%2BMite.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUnyXB-Ca3I/AAAAAAAAEMg/84eNiQbLSO8/s320/Sis%2BMite.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569248891699882866" /></a>
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<br />This is a home made tool. Its made from a top of a bottle cap with a hole punched through it. Then, its screwed onto a metal handle. The ridges of the bottle cap scrape the coconut meat easily and perfectly.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUnyW-yRlJI/AAAAAAAAEMY/pqxRh9E_sCE/s1600/hand%2Bshredded.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUnyW-yRlJI/AAAAAAAAEMY/pqxRh9E_sCE/s320/hand%2Bshredded.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569248890845238418" /></a>
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<br />The results of scrapping the coconut.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUnyWdK-G1I/AAAAAAAAEMQ/R-BGsHLNnGQ/s1600/Shredded%2BCoconut.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUnyWdK-G1I/AAAAAAAAEMQ/R-BGsHLNnGQ/s320/Shredded%2BCoconut.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569248881822014290" /></a>
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<br />Coco and sugar filling for the sweet pastry.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUn0bd0yRhI/AAAAAAAAENA/_xTwPw8tuUU/s1600/Cocosugar.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUn0bd0yRhI/AAAAAAAAENA/_xTwPw8tuUU/s320/Cocosugar.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569251166920001042" /></a>
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<br />I helped last year too with the wrapping of the leaves. Its good that I enjoy baking. I like to feel involved.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUn0a8MgKRI/AAAAAAAAEMw/39e9ROhzWPU/s1600/Me%2BHelping.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUn0a8MgKRI/AAAAAAAAEMw/39e9ROhzWPU/s320/Me%2BHelping.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569251157892671762" /></a>
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<br />My host niece, Lekena, reaping the rewards of the labor intensive cake making session. This khmer pastry is made with rice flour. The outer layer is slightly sweet and chewy! The inside filling is made only with fresh shredded coconut and sugar. That is it!!!
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUnyVzQhPII/AAAAAAAAEMI/wcXWvH1RJiQ/s1600/Yum.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUnyVzQhPII/AAAAAAAAEMI/wcXWvH1RJiQ/s320/Yum.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569248870570998914" /></a>
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<br />SO EARLY! I took this photo around 6:40ish am, but my host sister and nephew started selling at sunrise! Markets are open very early and people normally do their shopping early n the morning.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUnwr3iu1jI/AAAAAAAAEMA/3R9wIypvXKU/s1600/Early%2Bmarket.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUnwr3iu1jI/AAAAAAAAEMA/3R9wIypvXKU/s320/Early%2Bmarket.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569247050654996018" /></a>
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<br />My sister, Rothmony, on the main stretch of the road, in front of the market, selling cakes.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUnwrqyY8yI/AAAAAAAAEL4/TgaO1gXNcwk/s1600/DSCN4087.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUnwrqyY8yI/AAAAAAAAEL4/TgaO1gXNcwk/s320/DSCN4087.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569247047231009570" /></a>
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<br />The banana leaf wrapped cakes sold for 200 riel each. That is approximately 3 cents a piece.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUnwrG4KPUI/AAAAAAAAELw/T4xDU78PFhY/s1600/Cakes.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUnwrG4KPUI/AAAAAAAAELw/T4xDU78PFhY/s320/Cakes.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569247037591534914" /></a>
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<br />Coconut milk sticky muffins. Pretty tasty. These sold for 500riel or 12 cents each.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUnwqwIiTNI/AAAAAAAAELo/8qc5-HKC1fA/s1600/muffins.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUnwqwIiTNI/AAAAAAAAELo/8qc5-HKC1fA/s320/muffins.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569247031486205138" /></a>
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<br />My host nephew, Reaksmey, sold cakes in another makeshift stall at the market that morning too.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUnwqhFWxeI/AAAAAAAAELg/GZvMZHR3fYg/s1600/Nephew%2BSeller.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TUnwqhFWxeI/AAAAAAAAELg/GZvMZHR3fYg/s320/Nephew%2BSeller.JPG" border="</span>0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569247027446334946" /></a>
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<br />I hope you enjoyed these photos as much as I enjoyed eating the cakes! diana
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<br />Sorry if there are typos and grammatical errorsDiana F. Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949677551574138719noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462913505611117749.post-59047791222568436662010-10-14T07:44:00.000-07:002010-10-16T01:05:13.182-07:00FLOOD!! and 50 Years of Peace Corps!Heavy rains in parts of Cambodia have managed to overflow rivers and lakes to create flooding. Its not an emergency yet, but heavy rains have visited us every night now for over a week. More like over 10 days! Its raining at this very moment while I am typing this!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TLcaiv-B9MI/AAAAAAAAEJI/No9Vvt8tu_4/s1600/kids.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TLcaiv-B9MI/AAAAAAAAEJI/No9Vvt8tu_4/s320/kids.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527916251915089090" /></a><br />A house that was flooded. Good thing this house sits on stilts.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TLcah6-eKfI/AAAAAAAAEJA/nBS6ygQEaVw/s1600/somethea.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TLcah6-eKfI/AAAAAAAAEJA/nBS6ygQEaVw/s320/somethea.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527916237689858546" /></a><br />My host-nephew, Somethea, riding his bike in the water<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TLcahtBJ-XI/AAAAAAAAEI4/aPHIxj5I2OE/s1600/bridge.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TLcahtBJ-XI/AAAAAAAAEI4/aPHIxj5I2OE/s320/bridge.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527916233943021938" /></a><br />This is a bridge over a small river. Its fairly deep, but the water has gotten so high, children are playing in the water.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TLcahec_hpI/AAAAAAAAEIw/MKYQ23Napjw/s1600/Boywater.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TLcahec_hpI/AAAAAAAAEIw/MKYQ23Napjw/s320/Boywater.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527916230033245842" /></a><br />Another house in my village that has been affected by the rising water from the nearby river. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TLcahE9sNTI/AAAAAAAAEIo/Cpfq3W7aVrQ/s1600/boybike.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TLcahE9sNTI/AAAAAAAAEIo/Cpfq3W7aVrQ/s320/boybike.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527916223191070002" /></a><br />A boy on his bike crossing a small bridge. <br /><br />Also, read this <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130550616">page</a> on Peace Corps!Diana F. Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949677551574138719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462913505611117749.post-63607780303198935792010-10-04T03:52:00.000-07:002010-10-04T04:56:31.702-07:00the young, upper middle class of phnom penhso, i've been at this expat cafe several hours now, mooching off their free super fast internet, and just met a young married khmer couple. they are sitting across from me and i just couldn't help but notice how un-khmer they were. they were very kissy face, very pda! their pda is just so very strange to me. even the way the husband treated his wife was very genial, moreover, respectful. he didn't eat before her, he waited for her and had her take the first bite. so i couldn't but help but ask them if they were married, because they were young looking. i found out that they've been married for 5+ years now with a 5 year old son. he is a custom's officer and she works in business. their son is going to a good private school in the capital, and no doubt will learn english. <br /><br />this encounter is just so fascinating. while phnom penh has areas that make you wonder, "really, this is the capital?" having social encounters like the one i just mentioned above really makes me believe that cambodia is on its way to developing. i can't say for certain what kind of development it will experience, but withing the next 50 years, this country will experience significant. but of course, its inevitable that any developing country will experience development within a 50 year span. <br /><br />i just had to mention this because since being here and living out in the provinces, most times it feels almost hopeless. i wonder often, is it possible for khmer people to think about their existence and have a desire to improve their lives.Diana F. Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949677551574138719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462913505611117749.post-82617465899855110132010-10-04T00:28:00.000-07:002010-10-04T02:12:30.961-07:00G.L.O.W., Piped water and Americahey everyone! i'm overdue with my updates but i have a good excuse: i've been busy finishing up summer projects on the cambodian end and i recently returned to the states for a 3-weeks, but i'm back in the 'bode now. <br /><br />okay, so i finished up the water project at my school. if you weren't aware that i was working on a water project, well catch up <a href="http://appropriateprojects.com/node/289">here</a>. <br /><br />camp GLOW was pretty successful, but not without a few bumps along the way. however, Keiko and I were more than satisfied with the camp. in the fewest words possible, the goal of our camp was to help our female students become vehicles of change to improve the future of gender equality in cambodia. the camp addressed the needs of young females in present day cambodia with life skills education and reproductive health training. so, many thanks to our counter parts, pc small grants, school directors, pcvs, trainers, ngos, and our students. photos!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TKmWaNZ0tgI/AAAAAAAAEIA/Rm9O9dRp5Xo/s1600/condomdemo.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TKmWaNZ0tgI/AAAAAAAAEIA/Rm9O9dRp5Xo/s320/condomdemo.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524111794965362178" /></a><br />condom demo during the reproductive health portion<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TKmWZ4eQtPI/AAAAAAAAEH4/YnxljZUGw7A/s1600/our+shirt.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TKmWZ4eQtPI/AAAAAAAAEH4/YnxljZUGw7A/s320/our+shirt.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524111789346829554" /></a><br />the design of our shirt was designed by a fellow pcv, julie k. in takeo province<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TKmWZi0hGkI/AAAAAAAAEHw/1WqRb_RaHnY/s1600/discussion.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TKmWZi0hGkI/AAAAAAAAEHw/1WqRb_RaHnY/s320/discussion.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524111783534598722" /></a><br />discussion time<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TKmWZftkJhI/AAAAAAAAEHo/Tcw1RX2tzI8/s1600/day+1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TKmWZftkJhI/AAAAAAAAEHo/Tcw1RX2tzI8/s320/day+1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524111782700131858" /></a><br />day 1--students filling out a pre-camp survey<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TKmWaXrJRXI/AAAAAAAAEII/-e_TuylL_AY/s1600/culmination.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TKmWaXrJRXI/AAAAAAAAEII/-e_TuylL_AY/s320/culmination.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524111797722367346" /></a><br />Culmination Day<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TKmW2VjdUBI/AAAAAAAAEIY/ye0QJAmuZp8/s1600/my+girls.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TKmW2VjdUBI/AAAAAAAAEIY/ye0QJAmuZp8/s320/my+girls.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524112278189592594" /></a><br />these girls are from my school. the lady in the center is my school's co-director, ms. ngai<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TKmW2icXO1I/AAAAAAAAEIg/9KRoSPCOonM/s1600/finished.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TKmW2icXO1I/AAAAAAAAEIg/9KRoSPCOonM/s320/finished.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524112281649494866" /></a><br /><br />Keiko and I trying to form a heart...the camp is FINISHED!!!<br /><br /><br />the camp was the conclusion of my summer projects. I was then able to relax and enjoy my vacation back in the states. i was suppose to take a lot of photos back home, but i didn't. i'm so retarded. <br /><br />anyway, i'm back in cambodia now and the school year is about to start. can't wait.<br /><br />bye.Diana F. Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949677551574138719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462913505611117749.post-75390548547377076752010-06-21T07:45:00.000-07:002010-06-21T09:03:53.987-07:00giving alms, housewarming and coconuts!!!another month has gone by and its nearly july!! approaching my one year mark since i left the states...here are some new photos and accompanying comments:<br /><br />every culture has a special way of celebrating a housewarming (lang ptdeah in khmer) and in cambodia, food and monks play a big role in the process. so today my host family and i went to the provincial town to celebrate my eldest host brother's newly built home. the day started off with women preparing food and around mid morning, 4 monks arrived to start the blessing of the home. i think the blessing is performed in sanskrit language. after the blessing by the monks, my host mom also blessed her family, all her children (including me) and grandchildren. she is the head of the household.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-BfhDHGoI/AAAAAAAAEDo/GVLxLoW4qv4/s1600/newhome.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-BfhDHGoI/AAAAAAAAEDo/GVLxLoW4qv4/s320/newhome.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485245249607899778" /></a><br />the new home<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB9-QnIu8oI/AAAAAAAAEDQ/iSKj-Lo9Zqw/s1600/DSCN3263.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB9-QnIu8oI/AAAAAAAAEDQ/iSKj-Lo9Zqw/s320/DSCN3263.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485241695009174146" /></a><br />women cooking<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB9-QJAEQmI/AAAAAAAAEDI/zWZbxzMP8Uo/s1600/bongni.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB9-QJAEQmI/AAAAAAAAEDI/zWZbxzMP8Uo/s320/bongni.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485241686919758434" /></a><br />my host sister cooking vermicelli noodles<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-Bd1lPH4I/AAAAAAAAEDY/uHhyrRdQ5Rk/s1600/blessing.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-Bd1lPH4I/AAAAAAAAEDY/uHhyrRdQ5Rk/s320/blessing.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485245220760002434" /></a><br />monks blessing<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-Be0JRQTI/AAAAAAAAEDg/6z-azlpNQ8E/s1600/host+mom.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-Be0JRQTI/AAAAAAAAEDg/6z-azlpNQ8E/s320/host+mom.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485245237554135346" /></a><br />my host mom giving blessings<br />--------<br />my family is very involved with the wat (pagoda) and my host sisters and host mom participates in all major and small buddhist holidays. giving alms, or 'rabat' in khmer, is a morning ritual where rice, drinks and small goods are given to monks from a local wat. the other day, 20 monks came to my house and my sisters and I, along with 2 yay's (older women) gave each monk a spoonful of cooked rice. the rice they are given in the morning is what they are allowed to eat. monks do not eat at night. also,the ritual is performed shoeless. once we were done giving rice, we sat before them and they said some prayers to bless us. it was all a very quick process. in return for giving alms, i hope to have earned some merit in my current and later life :) <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB9-OkQ3R1I/AAAAAAAAECw/YRAktINVQEA/s1600/almsday2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB9-OkQ3R1I/AAAAAAAAECw/YRAktINVQEA/s320/almsday2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485241659878229842" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB9-PR8bFdI/AAAAAAAAEC4/kKo58LOTSLU/s1600/almsday3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB9-PR8bFdI/AAAAAAAAEC4/kKo58LOTSLU/s320/almsday3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485241672140527058" /></a><br />see, no shoes<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB9-PqofHdI/AAAAAAAAEDA/4T9M1sTjjKQ/s1600/almsday4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB9-PqofHdI/AAAAAAAAEDA/4T9M1sTjjKQ/s320/almsday4.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485241678767791570" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-I7twtEbI/AAAAAAAAEEo/Al5P8CndjGg/s1600/bucketrice.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-I7twtEbI/AAAAAAAAEEo/Al5P8CndjGg/s320/bucketrice.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485253430638088626" /></a>leftover rice from morning alms<br />-----------<br />here is a brief blurb on food. while there may be food available here in south asia, not available in the states, i miss food from america immensely. i miss it every second, of every minute of every hour of everyday!!!! SERIOUSLY.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-BgkF1zyI/AAAAAAAAEDw/EbW2FzS-l9E/s1600/BongNiCoco.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-BgkF1zyI/AAAAAAAAEDw/EbW2FzS-l9E/s320/BongNiCoco.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485245267604524834" /></a>my host sister taking the mature coconut from its outer outer shell<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-I-us1DCI/AAAAAAAAEFI/Q1o1_XScIxM/s1600/oldcoco.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-I-us1DCI/AAAAAAAAEFI/Q1o1_XScIxM/s320/oldcoco.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485253482429877282" /></a><br />mature coconut<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-I95LROzI/AAAAAAAAEFA/OnkZOD-4Mkw/s1600/coco.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-I95LROzI/AAAAAAAAEFA/OnkZOD-4Mkw/s320/coco.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485253468062038834" /></a>mature coconut with outer shell removed<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-I89DsyRI/AAAAAAAAEE4/DtjTzeFIeNE/s1600/youngcoco.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-I89DsyRI/AAAAAAAAEE4/DtjTzeFIeNE/s320/youngcoco.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485253451924162834" /></a>younger coconut<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-Lwk9S9tI/AAAAAAAAEFY/TDg0Vt7wpqo/s1600/heangcoco.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-Lwk9S9tI/AAAAAAAAEFY/TDg0Vt7wpqo/s320/heangcoco.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485256537831306962" /></a>my friend haeng, shaving coconut with a machine, instead of by hand. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-BhBf0DYI/AAAAAAAAED4/w3qG5T8HEx0/s1600/cocojello1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-BhBf0DYI/AAAAAAAAED4/w3qG5T8HEx0/s320/cocojello1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485245275498089858" /></a>many phases after removing the cocount from its outer layers, you get coconut jello!!! 4 ingredients: sugar, water, coconut and agar agar powder (a powder made from seaweed to turn the liquid into gelatin. vegan!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-FDFg491I/AAAAAAAAEEg/FJrekounR_U/s1600/mungbeancocodrink.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-FDFg491I/AAAAAAAAEEg/FJrekounR_U/s320/mungbeancocodrink.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485249159226783570" /></a>coconuts are a wonderful ingredient. this is a coconut milk with mungbean concoction. mung bean is known as "sun-dike kew" in khmer pretty Y-U-M-M-Y<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-FCoS_OKI/AAAAAAAAEEY/u-ZWu2vOQ04/s1600/shaveice.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-FCoS_OKI/AAAAAAAAEEY/u-ZWu2vOQ04/s320/shaveice.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485249151383845026" /></a><br />old fashioned shave ice machine..you turn the crank<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-FBshwqhI/AAAAAAAAEEI/7H8yAJI2mT0/s1600/cricketlady.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-FBshwqhI/AAAAAAAAEEI/7H8yAJI2mT0/s320/cricketlady.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485249135339678226" /></a>guess what she's cooking in the wok...? see next image<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-FB2WhfYI/AAAAAAAAEEQ/_u4XIGsCQAg/s1600/cricketwok.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-FB2WhfYI/AAAAAAAAEEQ/_u4XIGsCQAg/s320/cricketwok.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485249137976900994" /></a>CRICKETS!!! the taste is good, but the texture takes some getting used to...i'll try eating them again at a later time. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-FA0Q8y-I/AAAAAAAAEEA/g37puK9h3uY/s1600/porkrice.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-FA0Q8y-I/AAAAAAAAEEA/g37puK9h3uY/s320/porkrice.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485249120236784610" /></a><br />the breakfast that built a nation--pork and rice or as the khmer call it "bai saik jruk"<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-I8Zt_oDI/AAAAAAAAEEw/7hvpXDlq7LI/s1600/chicken.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-I8Zt_oDI/AAAAAAAAEEw/7hvpXDlq7LI/s320/chicken.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485253442437881906" /></a><br />this was made into chicken soup...all parts of the chicken used!! no wasting<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-LyOmeNpI/AAAAAAAAEFo/f3UaZBByTZ0/s1600/fish.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-LyOmeNpI/AAAAAAAAEFo/f3UaZBByTZ0/s320/fish.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485256566189733522" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-LvrqluKI/AAAAAAAAEFQ/uv31c1FiC3E/s1600/housewarminglunch.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-LvrqluKI/AAAAAAAAEFQ/uv31c1FiC3E/s320/housewarminglunch.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485256522452023458" /></a><br />-------<br />oh! my dog gave birth the other morning. the photo isn't very clear, but i will post more when i have better lighting. 6 puppies! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-LxCd0EJI/AAAAAAAAEFg/FwpEML9-N9U/s1600/DSCN3325.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/TB-LxCd0EJI/AAAAAAAAEFg/FwpEML9-N9U/s320/DSCN3325.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485256545752322194" /></a>Diana F. Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949677551574138719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462913505611117749.post-24654201031355577342010-05-07T04:38:00.000-07:002010-05-07T04:52:13.004-07:00GLOW is underwayhey guys!! i got back from vacation earlier this week. i have photos up on my <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Diana.F.Wong/LaosAndVietnam#">picasa </a>if anyone is interested. its been a while since i last wrote. but, back to being busy, which is great. being idle here makes me really depressed. <br /><br />anyway, the purpose of me writing was to let you all know that our CAMP GLOW (Girls Leading Our World) was approved and we will receive funding very soon. It came at a very appropriate time too. strange how things happen...but earlier in class, my 12th grade class was learning about human rights. and there was this section on women's right and the chapter opened up the subject by talking about husbands beating their wives. well, one of my female students said that if her husband beats her, she would tolerate it because she is a wife and he is the husband. I was speechless...all i could say was "no way. don't let your husband hit you" and then asked the boys in the class if they will hit their wives and they all said 'no'. it was rough to hear my student say such things. i got teary. damn. damn. i dunno. the state of female equality is non existent. damn. listening to her speak in her broken english about how its okay for a husband to hit a wife. not cool. not cool. <br /><br />bye. dianaDiana F. Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949677551574138719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462913505611117749.post-41264150228644039342010-03-25T19:51:00.000-07:002010-03-25T21:37:46.609-07:00the sound of relief...so its raining today. i've never adored the sound of rain as much as i do today... or rather for the remainder of time i am in cambodia. today is cool with a lot of moisture in the air. its not cold, its just right. the sun isn't beating down on the house or my skin either...<br /><br />anyway, here are some recent photos from site. a few of the photos are of my home and the others are from the wedding i attended last week. a teacher from my school got married...<br /><br />also, i will be going on vacation in a couple of weeks for about a month. i will be checking out the north of the cambodia, visiting my training family in takeo, and visiting laos and vietnam. i'll be sure to take photos. enjoy these for now...<br /><br />---------<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S6wpfMvEj8I/AAAAAAAAD4g/j8Q_6UxC90Y/s1600/group+pix.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S6wpfMvEj8I/AAAAAAAAD4g/j8Q_6UxC90Y/s320/group+pix.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452778864810168258" /></a><br />This is at the end of the wedding. We are wearing traditional khmer wedding attire. The colors are usually very vibrant. The sampots are made out of silk. Depending on the quality of the silk, a dress can cost anywhere between 25-65 USD. Yes, that's a lot of money.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S6wpenK2hWI/AAAAAAAAD4Y/7n1aV-_jPDs/s1600/ravin.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S6wpenK2hWI/AAAAAAAAD4Y/7n1aV-_jPDs/s320/ravin.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452778854726141282" /></a><br />These two girls are my students. They are younger, so I suppose they are wearing modern dresses. Very prom like.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S6wpeBrsseI/AAAAAAAAD4Q/fczlOuaDqKw/s1600/fav+wedding+food.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S6wpeBrsseI/AAAAAAAAD4Q/fczlOuaDqKw/s320/fav+wedding+food.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452778844663362018" /></a><br />This is my favorite wedding food. Small, fried egg rolls except with more meat. Yum! Tasty! Another good thing about this dish is how easy they are picked up with chopsticks and popped into your mouth. A khmer wedding is similar to a chinese one. The food is reminiscent of chinese food, but not exactly. People are sitting together at tables and 6-8 courses are served depending on who is throwing the wedding party. Sadly, there is no wedding cake. Also, there is no wedding registry, so people give money. I usually give $10, which is a lot for a meal. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S6wpdlbClzI/AAAAAAAAD4I/GzE8EirdbxE/s1600/collecting+cans.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S6wpdlbClzI/AAAAAAAAD4I/GzE8EirdbxE/s320/collecting+cans.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452778837077301042" /></a><br />Normally, weddings out in the villages, you will see little children picking up empty beer and soda cans that are thrown on the ground. At this particular wedding, there was this one table full of drunk khmer men who were egging on a little boy (probably 10 years old) to drink glasses of beer for the empty cans. It made me sick to my stomach. Its not cool. Totally not cool. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S6wmnt5DtrI/AAAAAAAAD4A/GcJctEyGJLs/s1600/female+teachers.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S6wmnt5DtrI/AAAAAAAAD4A/GcJctEyGJLs/s320/female+teachers.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452775712614495922" /></a><br />I was sitting at this table with a few of the other female teachers. This photo is similar to the other photo I posted last month. The expressionless, vacant faces of the female teachers almost leads me to believe how "not" fun weddings are. The tables are usually separated by sex. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S6wmm0pEFQI/AAAAAAAAD34/D84xQofj2_M/s1600/bride.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S6wmm0pEFQI/AAAAAAAAD34/D84xQofj2_M/s320/bride.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452775697246590210" /></a><br />This is the bride. She is probably 24 years old. I almost didn't recognize her with the makeup and accessories.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S6wmmQpFBrI/AAAAAAAAD3w/-fjUgDKc7Io/s1600/vuthy.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S6wmmQpFBrI/AAAAAAAAD3w/-fjUgDKc7Io/s320/vuthy.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452775687582975666" /></a><br />This is my brother in law, Vuthy. He is picking mangoes from one of the several trees around our house.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S6wmltdrCZI/AAAAAAAAD3o/TV671uwmCOo/s1600/rathmoney.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S6wmltdrCZI/AAAAAAAAD3o/TV671uwmCOo/s320/rathmoney.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452775678139894162" /></a><br />This is my sister, Rathmoney. She is around 40 years old. She is holding up some freshly picked, unripe mangoes. Khmer people like eating unripe mango with salt and chili. The sour, salty and spicy combination is tasty, but I prefer sweet mangoes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S6wmlHIn3nI/AAAAAAAAD3g/ReqDTTc-JHw/s1600/collecting+mangoes.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S6wmlHIn3nI/AAAAAAAAD3g/ReqDTTc-JHw/s320/collecting+mangoes.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452775667851058802" /></a><br />Another photo of them picking mangoes. At the end of the bamboo stick, there is a small basket to catch the mango. One must be careful not to touch the sap that comes from the branch and freshly picked mango because you could develop a rash.Diana F. Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949677551574138719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462913505611117749.post-61747146712901890462010-03-16T05:21:00.000-07:002010-03-16T08:40:40.163-07:00Camp GLOW underway!Hello. My secondary project this summer will be a girls camp, where girls in the 10-11th grade will learn about gender issues, female empowerment, careers and the benefits of higher education. Today, my co-teacher and I were able to get all the signatures, stamps and ok's from the necessary departments in our district and province for the go ahead! YES! SUCCESS! Keiko (pcv from Kompong Chhnang) and I will now work on securing the venue and writing the proposal for a small grant. YAY! This is a good start to our project and we are making good time. <br /><br />Today was a good day. Oh, I also ate 4 mangoes today and they all came from the trees surrounding the house. Jealous? Tomorrow, I will try to eat 5.<br /><br />BTW, here's a link to an interesting article on the peace corps--<br /><br /><a href="http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/newsdesk/2010/03/peace-corps.html">http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/newsdesk/2010/03/peace-corps.html </a><br /><br />Here are a few shots of my lazy dog, Lucy. She is suppose to be a guard dog... <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S599HHnMPQI/AAAAAAAAD3Q/1KKR5saMIPM/s1600-h/DSCN2806.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S599HHnMPQI/AAAAAAAAD3Q/1KKR5saMIPM/s320/DSCN2806.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449211635397573890" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S598AmZ-LEI/AAAAAAAAD3I/jyqRG__caPc/s1600-h/DSCN2804.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S598AmZ-LEI/AAAAAAAAD3I/jyqRG__caPc/s320/DSCN2804.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449210423892913218" /></a>Diana F. Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949677551574138719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5462913505611117749.post-80873856363306229472010-03-10T03:26:00.000-08:002010-03-10T04:24:22.244-08:00How may I help you...?<meta equiv="CONTENT-TYPE" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><title></title><meta name="GENERATOR" content="OpenOffice.org 3.1 (Win32)"><meta name="CREATED" content="0;0"><meta name="CHANGED" content="0;0"><style type="text/css"> <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } A:link { so-language: zxx } --> </style> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">i taught a mini geography lesson to my two of my english classes friday. it was suppose to be a fun activity and it sorta was. since the majority of my students think north america and france are the same country (yes i realize what i wrote), i wanted to introduce the world to them in 50 mins. i used photos of different places of different countries from national geographic and cut them up into puzzle pieces. the class split into small groups and started to rearrange the pieces into a whole photo. Meanwhile, i taped a giant map of world onto the white board. once the groups completed the puzzle, they tried to find the places on the map. i had them find cambodia first ; )</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">the goal of my lesson was simply to make it fun and interactive, so that to inspire and offer them new knowledge. they said they enjoyed it and it did look like they enjoyed putting the puzzles together by the faces they made. but at the end, i asked them if they like the lesson. one of my students said that its not so important they know about other parts of the world because mostly everyone in the class cannot afford to travel and see the places...literally at that moment my heart skipped a beat... i know that one student who voiced his opinion isn't the voice of all the students....but its just really sad and pathetic. they have no hope or aspiration to pull themselves out of a situation. and mind you, this boy is in my best, most advanced class out of the entire school. </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">unfortunately, i was teaching alone that day. if my co teacher was there, he would've backed me up. i dunno...teaching is not getting any easier. i'm not gonna give up on this topic. i'm planning a geography class for the summer.
<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">***UPDATE: Several weeks ago, i helped out some of students with essays for study abroad scholarships. One of my students was selected to move on to the next phase, which is an exam in PP. If he passes the tests, he will move on to the interview/presentation phase. CROSS YOUR FINGERS! This is great news, but there are a few more hurdles!
<br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">anyway, here are some random photos of my site: my room, school, students....</p>
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S5eJeGvQHJI/AAAAAAAAD2g/V9MO_rXwGl8/s1600-h/Cambodianflag.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S5eJeGvQHJI/AAAAAAAAD2g/V9MO_rXwGl8/s320/Cambodianflag.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446973424625786002" border="0" /></a>
<br />Cambodian flag
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S5eJdjjc79I/AAAAAAAAD2Y/eBMhxgBFP5g/s1600-h/House.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S5eJdjjc79I/AAAAAAAAD2Y/eBMhxgBFP5g/s320/House.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446973415181053906" border="0" /></a>
<br />My house. See the car to the right? Also, my family is sittle underneath the house.
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S5eJdCGxzHI/AAAAAAAAD2Q/CpjpFpzeLes/s1600-h/mainhouse.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S5eJdCGxzHI/AAAAAAAAD2Q/CpjpFpzeLes/s320/mainhouse.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446973406202416242" border="0" /></a>
<br />This is the main part of the house. Everyone sleeps on the floor. At night, they put up the mosquito nets and lay out the thin mattresses. 9 other people live here.
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S5eGNuM-_HI/AAAAAAAAD2I/myl5uM5qp34/s1600-h/myroom.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S5eGNuM-_HI/AAAAAAAAD2I/myl5uM5qp34/s320/myroom.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446969844626816114" border="0" /></a>
<br />I have my own room with an actual bed. I don't have an actual mattress, only a thin camping type pad. It works. its not the most comfortable, but i bet i have a super straight spine now. the size of the room and the low ceilings make my room extremely hot. my host family has also provided a fan for me. my site has 24-hour electricity.
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S5eGNCpxDhI/AAAAAAAAD2A/eb943x4QFBg/s1600-h/myschool.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S5eGNCpxDhI/AAAAAAAAD2A/eb943x4QFBg/s320/myschool.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446969832936377874" border="0" /></a>
<br />This is the high school where i teach. it is fairly new building, however, we don't have electricity or clean running water. electricity is available, but teachers must pay for it. so, the fans and the lights at the school are non operational.
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S5eGMjTTNDI/AAAAAAAAD14/ccneegNlFtA/s1600-h/Ravin.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S5eGMjTTNDI/AAAAAAAAD14/ccneegNlFtA/s320/Ravin.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446969824520647730" border="0" /></a>This is one of my top students. Her name is Ravin. She is looking up the location on a world map.
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S5eGLdTPbnI/AAAAAAAAD1w/bPKm3N1vyX8/s1600-h/Trash.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S5eGLdTPbnI/AAAAAAAAD1w/bPKm3N1vyX8/s320/Trash.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446969805729918578" border="0" /></a>
<br />This is an area where various vendors sell food. Food stalls...see all the trash on the ground...? Unless it is a big tourist attraction, pretty much all over the country is littered with trash.
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S5eGK2cutUI/AAAAAAAAD1o/_J5kFOpAQng/s1600-h/students.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jyik3BNqNv8/S5eGK2cutUI/AAAAAAAAD1o/_J5kFOpAQng/s320/students.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446969795300734274" border="0" /></a>
<br />These are some of my students in my advanced speaking club. On this particular day, I had them choose photos of places they liked and had them speak on it. Not many students showed up....
<br /></div>Diana F. Wonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10949677551574138719noreply@blogger.com0