Where does the time go?

Sua sdey everyone. Sok sabaay dtay?

4 weeks have already passed since my last update. After a week of orientation and preparation, the kids started 3 weeks ago. Things are going well. It is very busy and the "To Do" list keeps growing and growing but it's all good. I am teaching grade 8 math (intro to algebra!), grade 9 science (atoms, cells and waves), and Diploma (grades 11 and 12) chemistry. Since it is all IB, it has been a very steep learning curve but my colleagues have been really helpful.

The students are about 25% Khmer, 25% Korean, and the rest from all over. They are all really nice kids. I haven't had any classroom management things to deal with yet - other than a bit of chit-chatting.

I am running a recreational swimming club on Thursday nights and planning a Week Without Walls trip for February (grades 6-10 leave school for a week for some EOTC.) I am trying to get something going with an ecotourism group in Koh Kong province, South West of Phnom Penh, to do some mountain biking, trekking, camping, and volunteering in the Chi Phat village. Also, I'm joining a house building group that is going to build houses for needy families in nearby villages. That will be in January but we need to start fundraising now.

On top of all that, I'm going to Kota Kinabulu, Malaysia for 4 days next month for training, Bangkok the weekend after that, then Laos in October/November. Oh, and I think I volunteered myself to do something at a friend's wedding here in December.

As I mentioned, my colleague are all really great. (I am realizing how much I use that word...oh well, could be worse.) Most are married with children but still manage to go out once in a while. We have a regular group of guys that golf every other Friday afternoon. We have a "Thursday Night Curriculum" group that meets at a local bar for happy hour drinks. And we have another group that goes out most Fridays for after school drinks. Needless to say, Mr. Liver has never been happier.

I'm also really enjoying Phnom Penh. There is no shortage of bars, cafes or restaurants to spend an afternoon or night in. I have been getting around.

Anyway, I'm off to meet some friends at nearby place for dinner. Take care.

1 week into Cambodia

Well, I have nearly been here a week. Let me tell you, so far so great!

I have a great apartment. I have some good/young/fun co-workers. I have a sweet maid that keeps my place clean. I have an excellent landlord that looks after things terrifically promptly. I have glorious weather (a bit humid but I'm trying to stay positive.) I have impressive restaurants and cafes to choose from. I have a highly regarded place job that I am feeling impressively calm about. And I... I don't know.

So yeah, things are going well. I rode to school today and it takes about 7 minutes. I walked the other day and it took about 10. (When I walked home I picked up one of those giant water-cooler bottles of water and walked home with it. It started leaking halfway, all down my right pant leg, so I got some funny looks from khmer people.) The school is like most others except a little more quaint. I am a little bummed that I didn't get a laptop and have to make due with a desktop. (I'm actually considering going and buying a netbook for school but I think that might be silly.)

I shouldn't lie, I'm feeling a bit nervous about starting on Monday. I'm sure things will be fine and I have done a lot of preparing this week but I don't feel totally prepared. The staff has been really helpful and everything is going as planned - the bank account is set up and money is going to be deposited, the passport has been sent away for the visa, the classroom is ready, some work is ready, etc.

So yeah, all is good. Come visit everyone! You will love it!

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