Right now, I’m sitting behind my desk, with a fan swishing through my hair, as I reflect on the whirlwind of learning and adventuring I’ve been through this past month! I have been blown away, (pardon the fan pun), by the kindness of everyone I’ve met, the support I’ve received from my colleagues, and just the newness of Asia seeping into my soul!
For me that is definitely true. I came from a state (Arizona) that frankly, does not appreciate, support or even acknowledge the value of teachers or education in general. But here in Cambodia, in a Canadian School, I can feel that recognition and admiration again.
My physical space at school is simply breathtaking and well equipped. Both art rooms are stunning, with many windows, and just glorious light pouring into the space. There are multiple sinks, and rolling tables, plenty of storage space, and even a brand new kiln!
Every other classroom I’ve seen also has lovely windows and light (can you tell my previous classrooms had no windows?), which seems essential not only for children, but for teachers. The classes are clean, the hallways are well kept, and it seems to be, so far, that anything you need to be successful is provided for.
I hope you enjoy seeing these pictures of the school, as much as I have enjoyed meandering the hallways and literally getting lost! I’ve also included a couple of videos below, one is of our solar panels and the other a promo video!
After a very long quarantine, I have been able to go to my new home. My apartment is in a beautiful high rise, modeled after a french building and even has a french name, The Elysee. I love the clean space, with marble flooring and brand new appliances. It may be small, but this space is mine and I adore it. It is also very quiet, since it is nestled along a river and I haven’t even heard a peep from the neighbors!
I do not have a car here, which is fine by me, less to worry about! And to my delight, since covid hit, two new delivery companies have sprung up here in Cambodia, rather like Door Dash and goPuff, which is what we had in Arizona. One is called Food Panda and the other Nham24 and I checked them both out. I was happy? Surprised? to see some of my American favorites here like Papa Johns and Burger King! I have been able to order food and essentials through these delivery companies, which I did for the heavy supplies.
I did want to see some grocery stores and I also saw there was a mall nearby, like literally only 10 minutes or so away. I braved the walk on a lovely windy day, when the clouds were scattered in the sky. The wind actually woke me as it howled between the building and rattled my windows. I dressed and went downstairs to sparkling water on the river walk and ripples caused by the gusting wind. On my adventure I went!
So, one thing I learned rather quickly is that the sidewalk is very uneven and sporadic, you may be walking on one and it will end suddenly. Also, the bricks jut up out of the ground. SO, looking at GoogleMaps while you walk is not the best idea. I thought of this, just I fell and went flying onto the ground as I walked over a bridge, aptly named the Rainbow Bridge. Ok, got it, I began to look very carefully as I walked.
The mall astounded me, it was so clean and spacious, just like back home, except here, few people are out, and everyone is masked and uses hand sanitizer on the way in and out. Also, unlike many malls, this one also had a huge grocery store inside too. I was so happy to see the variety they had! Also, I’ve been discovering wonderful pastry here! There is a french touch almost everywhere I go. You can read about why and how here, but beware, its a long complicated read: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_protectorate_of_Cambodia
Or if you want the above information in a lighter form, see this article:
I enjoyed walking in the air conditioning and went into the cutest ‘dollar’ store from Japan called Daisho! I was able to get some ribbon and washi tape as well as some little bowls etc..
I finished out the little adventure with a tuk tuk ride, here are some pictures.After dodging cars and uneven sidewalks, I loved being dropped off at my front door!
Now I’m ensconced in my apartment making some art. School will start soon, on August 11 in fact, and rest will come more sporadically, thus I need to enjoy this bit of free time, especially after these past couple years. I honestly feel like I’ve been running a marathon to just get here.
I’ve had so many blog posts planned, things like how to get a job overseas, and comparing websites that help you. All ideas that were derailed since my mother passed suddenly on January 1st, 2021, literally at midnight in a shower of fireworks. I went from solid ground, excited for my future prospects, to a crumbling heart and mind.
Most of my thoughts were how young she was, and then, how young I was. I was too young to lose my mom. There was no will and her partner was just devastated and continues to barely be able to function. I could barely function, how was I supposed to keep teaching during a pandemic, take care of her, of her business, take care of him, my family, myself, and move overseas? It seemed so overwhelming, and it seemed all focused on saying goodbye.
But I did it, one small task at a time. I made compartments, one for business, and one for people. I’ve basically spent the last six months saying goodbye. Or a better way to say it, A Hui Ho or til we meet again as we would say in Hawaii (I lived there many years). I made this a priority, spending time with people, friends and students I loved.
I’ve hugged, held hands, and brushed away tears. I accepted goodbye art, well wishes and was given presents by many friends, kids, and work colleagues. I’ve kept my chin up in public, and held myself as I cried in the bathtub at night.
But I made it, I’m here in Asia, quarantine-ing in a hotel for fourteen days. Now I have time to just relax and breathe for the first time really, since January 1st, 2021.
I’m still sad, I will always be sad, missing my mom. I realize now, where she was, was home, still after all these years, despite me raising kids of my own, my mom was my home. I’m in the process of shifting some heart strings and am grateful for my friends. They kissed me goodbye and reminded me, I had a home with them always, no matter where I traveled to. My dad too, thankfully still living, also reminded me.
So now, the task is to remind myself: My home is where I am loved and accepted. It travels with me as I meet new people and form new spaces of love and acceptance. So to my beloved friends, family, and students, I say, love you, A Hui Ho, and I can’t wait to come home.
Here are some pictures of my goodbyes!
My Daughter!
Also, my daughter
My Nephew
My Dad
My adopted Family
More ….
More adopted family
More adopted Family!
Two of my teacher friends, we’ve been together for like 20 years!
