Monday, December 5, 2011

Full Circle

Well folks, the posts about Cambodia are going to continue. After two weeks of travel and a month home, I'll be back here for most of 2012. As a wise man has said, "Life is unpredictable, but one thing leads to another, and in the end, everything connects."

In the meantime...

Top Five Things I'll Miss from Cambodia:

1. Monks on motorcycles. In the midst of tuk tuks and motos zigzagging in a chaotic dance that resembles the courtship ritual of honeybees, two or three monks perch on the back of a motorcycle. Their neon saffron robes make them easy to spot, and they always look so serene and calm as they hug one another with their knees, their collection pails swinging with every turn. Some benevolent motorist has offered a ride to improve his karmic balance. Not to discriminate - I will also miss seeing five or six monks crowding into a tuk tuk.

2. Elephant crossing street signs. These aren't as common as monkey warnings and obscene Engrish, but the rural provinces sport bright yellow XING signs depicting an elephant or two rather than the usual deer and cattle.

3. Chess. Every Saturday afternoon, I lose a game or two of chess to the tuk tuk and moto drivers that hang out on my street. (I'm convinced they only let me play because they know I'm not a threat.) It's different from American chess - strategy is looser but the sense of urgency is overwhelming as pieces violently attack one another.

4. Fried everything. The food in Cambodia is delicious, and no wonder! A typical meal will include fried rice, fried eggs, fried chicken, and fried morning glory. A little bit of oil makes everything mouth-watering and savory, and I frequently find myself chasing the last grain of rice across my plate.

5. Living the life of luxury. My lifestyle in Phnom Penh is regal. Don't get me wrong - I save my pennies, and I chart my spending. For about $5, I can have two cups of coffee, a croissant, and a sandwich delivered to my door. I have my own tuk tuk driver eager to provide front door pick-up and carry me in his cream-colored chariot. I spent my Sunday afternoons lounging by a pool that resembles an oasis. I live in an apartment larger and newer and fancier than my sad little house in Baltimore. Every day, I catch myself marveling at my life of luxury - so simple, so grand, so chic. I want to soak in every royal moment, and I fear that I will lose all humility (can you BELIEVE the cleaning lady was late??).

I find that I am looking forward to returning to the US, and I am looking forward to returning back to Cambodia.