Monday, July 16, 2012

So, You're from Atlanta?


There are two products I have never had much luck with: bikes and laptops. Fortunately, bicycle repair shops in Cambodia are 400 Riel a dozen. (Flats can be mended for just a quarter, or tires can be filled with air for a dime.) However, trustworthy computer repair shops with skilled technicians are a rarity. You win some; you lose some, and three hours ago it was looking like today would be a loss.

I took my computer with me to Phnom Penh over the weekend thinking I might have time to work on lesson plans or keep track of my favorite blogs. (Shout out to my Aunt Kathy [http://mamacarusocooks.blogspot.com/] and BFF Amanda [http://abureaucraticblog.blogspot.com/] for their deliciously informative posts…) Fortunately, I was busy doing other neat things (see below) and didn’t use my computer. Unfortunately, when I got back home, my laptop was mysteriously dysfunctional. Almost any keystroke resulted in strange windows popping up and random letters appearing. Lacking in computer science skills, I was sure this meant I had acquired a virus. However, meticulous research using the on-screen keyboard feature revealed that I likely didn’t have a virus, but instead a hardware malfunction which could be remedied with an aerosol spray canister. Obviously lacking a can of compressed air, I used a spare straw to blow the debris out from under the keys. To my surprise, it did the trick! That leaves the score at laptops – 4, Les – 1.

Times are changing in Peace Corps Cambodia. Yesterday the new group of trainees (K6s – Kampuchea [Cambodia] 6 [sixth group of volunteers]) arrived in country, July 25th my K5 group will celebrate one year, and August 3rd the K4s will officially end their service. It was such a remarkable experience forming a gauntlet of welcome signs, American flags, and hi-fives for new trainees to pass through as they exited the airport in Phnom Penh. I remember feeling so overwhelmed as the K4s cheered us on holding up a sign that read, “Have you eaten rice yet?” Despite their jetlag, the faces of the new group looked so fresh and full of excitement. While some were noticeably more confident than others, everyone (except one strange man who shot us all dirty looks as he passed through our rally of red, white, and blue) seemed so enthusiastic to finally be in Cambodia and to meet current volunteers.

Back in the heart of the city, many PCVs did their best to welcome the trainees with words of encouragement and towers of beer. It was enjoyable to hear about everyone’s experiences, find out where they are from, and share our anecdotes which were either forgotten within two minutes or will be remembered all throughout their service. I was especially delighted to meet graduates from St. Olaf, St. John’s, and the University of Iowa. Also of note is the greater racial diversity in the K6 group which I think is very positive and crucial to achieve Peace Corps’ goal of creating a better understanding of Americans on the part of Cambodians. Overall, I was very pleased and impressed by the personalities, skills, and optimism of those I spoke with. I’m hoping all the best for them in the truly difficult transition over the next few months. My advice, shared by President Obama and the people of the great state of Wisconsin, is, “FORWARD!”
Blog Bonus! Here's a link to our 4th of July performance of the American and Cambodian national anthems. Also pictured: Ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary Todd alongside Cambodian Foreign Minister His Excellency Hor Namhong.

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