Normalcy

Life in Phnom Penh has been...well...normal. No longer is it strange that we are the foreigners in our neighborhood. Everyone knows us, and usually we receive a nod or smile as we walk Sila to school, head to the local market, or as Conan rides his bike with Sila holding onto his back.

Riding motos, too, has become a regular part of my day. Conan bikes to work, but I hop on the back of some motorbikes and vroom to school in no time. I have some regular guys from around the neighborhood who know where I work and how much I will pay and whom I am no longer scared of. I have also released my death grip as I ride, and I am usually riding with my hands resting on my thighs! Progress.

I am still very much aware, though, of the dangers of motos, so I am always ready to jump off or brace myself for the worst. I hope it never occurs.

Another thing that has added some normalcy is getting local, organic produce delivered to our home. Last Friday was our first week, and it was a delight: a papaya, a watermelon, 3 passion fruits, cherry/regular tomatoes, green beans, squash, carrots, lettuce, arugula, cucumbers, and more that I cannot remember! It is all ch'neng na (delicious!).

Not much else going on here. We're casually looking for a bit of work, but haven't really hit the pavement yet in our efforts. More so, we're enjoying our freedoms that this year affords us: yoga everyday, Conan writing a book, playgrounds, reading. Life is good. Hopefully life is good for you, too!