I haven't been attending to this blog of late.
No, there is no problem here at all.
After the moto-mishap a month ago, R's broken collar bone and rib are mending well. He's out of the sling now, and has started doing physio. I, on the other hand, after a week-long PRA (Participatory Rural Appraisal) activity in the Kamchai Mear pilot area, am just lazing around. I'll soon do better, I hope. :D
It used to be so simple. I mean here in Phnom Penh.
This time of the year in this Buddhist country, you rarely saw signs of Christmas. While most of the expat community traveled outside the country to revel in the holiday celebrations in their own countries or somewhere else, the very few left behind (like us) put up decors to remind ourselves of the holiday season.
This time of year on the other side of the world everyone's singing Christmas carols and enjoying the festive celebrations that come with Christmas. Here in Phnom Penh, it is a regular working day and we simply say “Merry Christmas” to everyone.
Now everything has changed - at least in the capital Phnom Penh, which has begun to embrace the idea of Christmas; at least the tacky lights, Santa Claus and presents parts of Christmas. In most restaurants, hotels, and other commercial establishments, you see Christmas trees, Santa Clauses, and bright lights competing for attention. Some NGOs, most private companies, and local and private schools hold Christmas parties left and right, thus introducing the concept of exchanging gifts. I remembered a conversation I had two years ago with a female office colleague.
Officemate: Merry Christmas, Z.
Z: Oh, okorn charan na.
Officemate: Z, tha, neak mien kamrong avey neuw khnong thngay bon Christmas? What are you going to do for Christmas?
Z: Khnom at mien kamrong avey te, ki cie thngay thamada roboh khnom. I don't have any plans. For me, it's just a regular day.
Officemate: Why? Why don’t you give me a present?
Z (surprised): Er, uhmmm... (pause) well, Christmas is not celebrated in your country... and I thought it's not relevant to do so here... (nervous smile)
Now I am not sure if my reply was right or wrong. It was a very awkward situation for me. Given that situation, my brain could not elicit a response, not only a quick answer but a right one, without offending her. I didn't want her to have wrong idea of Christmas but I didn't know how to tell her. So I just left it that way.
Cambodians may have caught up with the Christmas idea, but it still is a working day for most of us expats. I hope I'm not too late to wish all who visit this blog a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year... wherever you may be.
Enjoy the break.
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P.S. I also posted this entry here.
