Jan 5

Today was as chill as they come. I disappeared moments after I woke and head to Gecko cafe for some me time before the students even knew I was missing. Jordan's finally here but still sleeping so I was assured by Monie, the kids were in good hands when they all woke up. 

Some fine Cambodian coffee at the Gecko

Cool met me at the Gecko around 10 and we took different tables, made phone calls and caught up on emails before heading back to Monies to get our shorts.

 We intended to head for the tourist hotel, Terra Rouge, in town and sit by their pool while we pirate the Wifi. 

In a group this size it's hard to hide and with the reputation we now had with the students we seemed to have/be a real part. We arrived at the house to find the group sitting at the table being served a delectable lunch of pork meatball soup, fried river fish and these hand made baked bread-pork spread morsels. Even with a filled belly how could I walk away from that? 

We sat and ate again! 

On the way to the hotel Cool Cuz noticed a sewing machine in the living room of a home/restuarant. Most all of the buildings here are wide open. No doors and just shutters on some windows. 

Drinks and pool time.

The drink  menu included a massage menu and for $16 I figured I'd give myself the first massage I've had in Cambodia yet. 

It was almost dark by the time I was back out by the pool and no sign yet of  the Caramaticos. 

I ordered a couple fruit drinks and enjoyed the sunset before hurriedly biking back to the house thinking I was going to walk into a dinner party in progress.

I was surprised and delighted that not only did the party not yet begin but the hosts were not yet here. 

Today was the day that the Caramaticos arrived and tonight was a Monie event! 

Full scale. Sausage stuffed tomatoes, fried fish, rice (of course), and fresh bread were just the starters. 

There were over 2 dozen people at 3 tables arraigned perfectly in the front yard. The Caramaticos arrived to hugs, kisses and adornment and were greeted like royalty. This couple is responsible for a school in Northern  Cambodia which serviced over 400 students today and is expanding again with the addition of our project. 

I sat next to Mr C (Tom). He is an engineer with 40 + years in the biz and his latest task has been to work with his wife, Mrs C (Ann) to support her in her committment to feed and educate these desperately poor children.

Mr C & I seemed to have a lot in common. I grew up in the town back gone where they live and knew all the political mentioned characters (Jimmy, McNichols, Andy L, etc) as well as the codes people (Lori, Joan, etc.). We had a great time talking about Jack, Carol and the old days when local politics was 9 drinkin buddies hanging out a few nights a week doing good things for the community and helping organizations and flourish as the township as seemed to work together. 

Tomorrow we will be joined by Benoit, the solar company owner who will help design and supply the new buildings power. 

Jordan will be running workshops with the teachers and students as I take my team along with Benoit to begin the solar layout for the entire school community.