SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Barbara and The Peschls
Debbie and Wayne Davis
Murad Ghaith
Tony Lawrence
Kim and Jim Steel
The Olivias
Robert Steel
Don Rillera
Paul Gropelli
The Figaris
Doreen and Lance Johnson
Teeyna
Thais Sales

You all have helped us make a very real difference to people who needed it most. We fed 225 people, installed 5 water pumps, gave 1/2 a month's salary to 2 teachers, 1 admin, 1 principal, and 1 village chief, gave uniforms and school supplies for 100 children. THANK YOU!

We are so lucky to have met Heang, our driver, without whom none of this would be possible. Heang got up early, trodded around in the heat, translated, navigated, negotiated! There wasn't anything he couldn't do :) He was a trustworthy friend above all else, and we will miss him a lot. We both know it won't be too long before we return to Siem Reap.

We also made 3 other friends, Sonlin, Lyda and Sarun, who work at the "Why Not" cafe in Siem Reap. They made us feel welcome and special while educating us on the traditional cultures and Khmer language. Hope you like your gifts guys, please keep in touch!

Not to forget my list for 1st timers, here is the Cambodia edition:
1. There is a national obsession with kareoke. The loudest, fastest songs will be played on long bus rides, in taxis, and waiting rooms in government offices.
2. The Cambodian sales presentation for services or goods is repeating the phrase: "you buy"
3. Khmer children in the city speak an average of 3 languages
4. Amok is the most common dish; curry and coconut milk and delicious
5. You will have a major bug experience. Crickets, Roaches, Spiders and Beetles all start at 4 inches and up.
6. Don't worry, its normal to have kitchen appliances, livestock or a 5 person family all on one moped
7. If you want a career in sales ( take it from me, DON'T go there; but if you insist) watch the expert Khmer rainmaking children at Angkor Wat. We had a child who couldn't be stumped on naming any country's capital, though I did manage to embarrass myself :-P
8. Do not make eye contact with a monkey, or get its attention for a picture. Its low-grunting ( either sexual or aggressive; I didn't wait to find out) is followed by determined attempts to mount your head and shoulders
9. Bring candy/pens/coins to the children instead of money
10. If you give to children, they will either smile, kiss you, bless you or a delicious combo of all three
11. Women wear Saudi Arabia-esque clothing around their head and faces while outside. This is not religious, but cosmetic. Cambodians love white skin and will walk around draped from head to toe in 95+ degree heat to keep it that way.
12. Raw meat stands have no cooling
13. Gas is sold in old soda and Jack daniels bottles, and is 4 dollars a gallon

We love you all, and to all a good night!!!
Tomorrow more from Mui Ne, Vietnam
xoxoxoxoxo