Weekend Runaway

Friday afternoon, had you been watching Deok Won Girls High School at 4pm on the dot, you would have seen a short girl in a bright red coat sneaking out of school. I had a flight to catch, and little time to get there. I was off to Phnom Penh, Cambodia for the scene's first ever swing exchange, along with my first ever international swing exchange. Let me say first, that I am my own worst enemy. I was so focused on the little time that I had that I got on the train heading in the wrong direction! >.< My flight was due to take off at 6:20, which meant I had no time to lose. I arrived at the airport at 5:20 to the sound of an announcer calling for those on flight KE 689 to Phnom Penh needing to board immediately. Though confused, I just assumed something strange had happened and they'd moved up the flight time or something. As you can imagine, I was freaking out! I hadn't gotten my ticket, gone through security, or walked across the rather massive airport that Incheon is! I ran to the counter and told the lady my destination trying to not yell in my panic. She laughed and explained that the call was only for those wanting to pick their seats, that's all. I still had plenty of time, as boarding didn't begin till 6, I just couldn't choose where I wanted to sit. I breathed a huge sigh of relief!!! After changing my money over and waiting to get through the ridiculous line, I make it to my plane while they are boarding. The doors close behind me after about 5 minutes, and I laugh in joy knowing that I made it! I was off to one of my two favorite countries in the whole world, to do one of my favorite things in the whole world- dance. What more could a girl ask for?!
I was the very last person to register for CLX (Cambodia Lindy Exchange), along with the last to show up. I walked into the Chinese House (a restaurant with a dance floor) at 10:30pm, threw off my jacket and dove right into what I knew was going to be the most amazing swing dancing event since moving to Korea! I danced my little heart out on that sticky crowded floor until 1am when the music had to end, sharing in laughs, awesome swing dances, and crazy modern dances with people from literally all over the world- Vietnam, Switzerland, England, Japan, Korea, Cambodia, China, Thailand, Mayalysia, Luxemburg, the US, Canada, France, Germany, and more. That night was better than almost every night I've had here. (the main reason is because they were foreigners who I could talk to and were creative! Korea, I love you, but stop trying to be perfect and get creative with your dances!)
Saturday morning I woke up after about 5 hours of sleep, walk to the pool side restaurant for breakfast, and take a look around at what was to be my home for the weekend. The Plantation Resort and Spa is beautiful, an intricate maze that seculdes its' guests from the outside world, providing comfort and beauty in one. I began chit-chatting with a really cool Canadian girl who was moving back home from Vietnam after a little while too. She invited me to join her at the pool, which I was more than happy to accept, as it was quickly getting warm out! Half of the CLX crew went sight-seeing, but the rest of us stayed to enjoy the glorious warm water, talk with folks from all over (or catch up as most of them knew each other already. The Asia swing scene is small for expats). We enjoyed the delicious free brunch, and simply took in the beautiful day. It was really nice sitting doing nothing, when for the past two weeks I had been non-stop going from 6:30am until usually 11:30pm. The rest was dearly welcomed! While the lindy bomb (a bunch of dancers who show up at a predecided location for a surprise dance attack in a city) was cancelled due to questionable weather, we didn't mind.
As time rolled close, we all got dressed and boarded our bus to the docks where we had a private boat waiting for us. With delicious Cambodian food provided by our hosts (who were amazing!), we launched onto the Mekong Delta and blues/lindy hopped to a live band. Talk about amazing! I got to meet and talk with even more folks from all over, learning about so many other countries and people, enjoying the live music and setting sun around us. As we turned around and began making our way back, the few buildings that Phnom Penh has began to light up. Oh yes, it was awesome! After grabbing a quick bite with some folks, I got changed and headed to the dance.

 *disclaimer* All photos taken by Tram Greenfirefly


I'm in this photo, I swear!  Can you spot me?

   For my non-dancer friends, Saturday night is always the night for dancing. Everyone dresses up, there are usually decorations (if there's a theme, then folks may dress according to that as well), a professional photographer for nice photos, along with a live band. CLX had all of this on their first event, and it was great!


I was unhappy with the group photo I took, so I decided to take a solo one.  I like it more.  :)



I got my picture taken as you can see, and despite the overly slippery floor, did my best to enjoy. (I loved my stockings!) Surprinsgly, this wasn't my favorite dance. The slippery floor changed my dancing and caused me to feel nervousness and hesitation. It happens sometimes sadly, and I think I was also becoming overwhelmed by all of the people constantly as well honestly. I spent a majority of time watching folks dance then I did dancing this time around, but did get asked to dance by my favorites which made me happy. (it's always nice when people seek you out, you know?) ;)


I'm in this too, but my back is to the camera.  :(

 After the dance, a few folks headed to late night. It started at a later time then folks are used to (2am instead of 1am), so not many were there. I went for about 2 hours though, talking with a nice Canadian guy and dancing barefoot in the penthouse to great blues songs I haven't heard in months. That night I really began to develop some friendships that I hope will last like some of my others have. :)
Sunday I woke up after 6 hours of sleep before heading to the brunch dance at the FCC. It was a great little restaurant that had a perfect space for eating and dancing. The live band was phenomenal, playing and singing live English and French songs to us for almost 4 hours. The covering provided the perfect relief from the sun and the river side breeze kept us cool (or me at least, since I'm used to the heat. Other folks found it hot, but I thought it was perfect! Lol!) Even on the last day, I was meeting people. This was the day I meet one of my favorite dancers from the weekend (shout out to Michel! Ladies, dance with this guy, he's A-mazing!) and enjoyed even more with my remaining favorites (Jerry, Eric, Fred, Martin, Jean, and Michael). Awesome awesome dance. I took tons of photos of this one too, as it was the one and only dance that took place in the daytime. Personally I hate the way photos look in the evening time when I take them, so I hadn't taken as many as I usually do. This is where I had my favorite conversation with a lead too. He wandered by my table, and since there were only 3 or us taking photos with more professional cameras, recognized me. He asked if he could look at my photos. I said sure, but warned that I hadn't taken many. After turning my camera on, he looked at me confused and said there were nearly 300 photos on my camera. I laughed and said yes, but I've taken way more before. It was funny. (After coming back, I felt like I hadn't taken nearly enough still by the way. Funny no?) When the dance ended almost an hour after it was supposed to (the band was so freakin' awesome to keep playing for us!), I went to an ice cream shop and enjoyed some delicious cool treats with a few other folks. Back at our hotel, I was convinced to change into my bathing suit and join the others in the pool. Soooo worth carrying wet clothes by the way! All of the CLX crew just chilled for the next hour or two, soaking in the sun and perfect combination of hot, humid evening air with warm pool water.
That night was the last night, and the small exchange had begun to dwindle with folks leaving for work, continuing their travels by going to Siem Reap, or whatnot. After grabbing some dinner with a few folks from the Vietnam scene, I hopped in a tuk-tuk and got my little butt dancing for 2 more hours before I had to leave. Man, I really didn't want to leave! The dancers, music, and country were all so amazing and wonderful. As I announced on facebook, I really was loath to say goodbye. After some fantastic dances with some of the best dancers I've meet (personality and skill wise), I said farewell far to quickly to not enough of them before running down to my cab. (There was confusion over my taxi, so I didn't get to say goodbye to a lot of folks actually, and I really regret not making the taxi wait instead.) :(
At the Phnom Penh airport, I saw that our flight was delayed by 20 minutes. That could very well mean we land 20 minutes late, which would put me in Seoul at 6:50am and not 6:30am. That was nearly my whole window I had given myself to make it through customs and the walk through the airport, on top of the hour I needed for the ride to school. Remarkably, after my intial concern, I felt calm and unconcerned about it. I somehow didn't feel fear. To my delight, the flight somehow landed at 6:15, earlier then if we had left on time! In my red-eye flight, swing dance weekend induced sleep coma, I mistakenly transfered trains going the wrong way halfway through though! Lol, I thought it was hilarious, and thanked God that my school always has a morning meeting that runs way late on Mondays. I just slipped in the back and no-one noticed, so yay! The weekend was all-around amazing honestly. There were a few stiff or frustrating parts with one individual who insisted on acting like an ass, but I choose to ignore him and enjoy myself. I was happy to see his back as he left early Sunday afternoon honestly, and enjoy the rest of the event all by myself. Thanks Robyn for allowing your first swing event to be mine too, I couldn't have asked for a greater place to make my appearance to the international scene!
Dancing to my own tune,
Rita

 P.S.- I'm pretty sure I was one of the youngest, if not the youngest, dancers there. I felt so proud of that silly little fact honestly. I'm doing so much, so young, and no one can take that away from me. It will always be mine. And no matter what other people may say to me, how they make try to make me feel, or the way they may act towards me, I know that I have the best friends a girl could ask for supporting me every step of the way.
 P.P.S.- I left Seoul with straight hair. After only 30 minutes of being in Cambodia, it turned curly. It was curly all weekend and when I landed Monday, because of sleeping on it and brushing it out, it turned wavy. And now, it's straight again. Pretty crazy if you ask me!

"Every time I hear you say hello, all I see is yellow"

After arriving back in Hanoi, our group of 15 split up and went out into that crazy capital city to find food. We were taking an overnight train to get to Hue (pronounced hway) that night, and they didn't provide dinner. I went out with the young British couple and the solo british girl (all of who I would later give up trying to hang out with, as I didn't click with any of them!). Basically, we all grabbed various types of food and/or alcohol for the long 8 hour ride. I grabbed Vietnemese version of ramen, lol! Now, I've never been on an overnight train. The longest was one hour when I was little, just for fun. So this was really new for me. I bunked with the older british couple and the Iranian woman living in Australia. They were all really cool, and I liked hanging with them. We called it a night before all the others I think, going to bed around 10ish. (I didn't have jet lag, but I wasn't sleeping well, so I was really tired most days) Before bed, I went to the bathroom like most everyone in the world does. That bathroom was the grossest thing I have ever smelled. Period. I wanted to gag, and I have a pretty high smell tolerance honestly. Just, gross. After that, I was ready to go to sleep. Climbing up to the top bunk was fun though, being only 5'3, lol! Think: rock climbing. What can I use to pull/push off of to get up? Heh. Anyways, I slept great till about 4am, when the advertisment sign in the room turned on! >.< You have GOT to be kidding me! Needless to say, I didn't sleep any more. Around 8am, we pull in to Hue train station for a full 5 minutes before the train pulled away again. Made our way to the hotel, where I had a beautiful room all to myself!!! It was the nicest hotel the whole trip, and even though it was only for 1 night, I was in bliss. Oh yes, happy me! I went and grabbed breakfest with the three younger british folks, walking around before coming back and trying to check out the pool. It was freezing, so that was a no-go. We went out to lunch at a Buddhist monestary though, so that's okay. The food was amazingly delicious, and I didn't walk away hungry! It was all vegetarian and glutton-free friendly, which was pretty amazing. We then spent the afternoon walking around old tombs and former palaces. Our guide was amazing, telling us her personal story from during the Vietnam war, things he had seen and events he had experienced. He was lively, amazing and just the best guide I have ever had anywhere. That night, I wandered by myself. I had dinner in this great litle restaurant overlooking the street from the second floor. Yummy nummy food! Then I meandered down to the river side to check out the bridge, nicknamed the rainbow bridge. At night, it lights up various colors. It was pretty, and the riverside walk area was full of folks. I stumbled upon a local market too, which made me really happy. There were stall after stall of toys, clothes, shoes, scarves, trinkets, and art work. Why yes, I was very happy! After returning to my hotel, I layed in bed and just watched tv. It was delicious! Don't ask me why, but I now equate watching tv with vacation. (I watch online shows or movies, but not regularly or often.) Yeah, I'm weird. The next morning, we boarded a small bus and began the four hour drive to Hoi An, the beautiful river/ocean side city you have all seen so many pictures of. It's the gorgeous town where all the buildings are painted yellow? Yeah, that one. During our drive, we had to make our way up, over and then down some mountains. I don't know about you, but I LOVE mountains. Like Woah crazy love! So I sat in my single seat, listened to my podcast book and just enjoyed the drive. We stopped at the top for a bathroom break, where the Vietnemese woman were so anxious to sell to us, that they practically came on our bus to start selling stuff before we got off! Crazy? Just a bit. I ignored them as politely as I could (Warning: Do not engage at all costs! Avoid partaking in verbal communications! They will latch you in this way!) and just walked around taking pictures. Walked up to some old American bunkers, ohing and ahing in my dorky way at the history in front of me. After another 2 hours on the bus, we finally arrived at our destination. This time I was rooming with the Iranian woman living in Australia. She was nice, though took for-freakin'-ever in the shower. Our whole group went out for lunch, which was really nice. I then walked around with the solo british girl, which was nice. We got along okay, but not great. We explored this gorgeous little town together. Almost all of the buildings are painted this beautiful yellow, with flowers and plants overhanging the porches. The streets were alive with motorbikes and women trying to sell fruit to the tourists. The river bordered the town, and the beach meet it as well on the end. People were friendly, and everything was done by bargaining. The better you could bargain, the different bag you would get (quite tricky of them, as this would then tell other vendors what kind of buyer you are!) It was a really lovely little town, though limited to mostly tailoring shops for clothes and shoes. After walking around and getting lost (whoops, my bad!), we enjoyed a swim in the pool. Touch cold, but we pushed through and both did laps. I had been missing swimming more then I knew honestly, and really loved that! I went back the third day after that while staying in Hoi An just to enjoy the swimming pool. Dinner was at a little local place, where I enjoyed some fun conversations with the Aussies. They were a riot, and I really liked Maria! Probably old enough to be my mom, but her and the other three were just down right cool and fun. They got my sarcasm and knew my quietness didn't mean I wasn't interested in the conversation. Sadly, I think my dinner didn't agree with me, as the next day I wasn't feeling well. See, I had decided to go on a bike ride with the Aussies in the morning. It was nice, though a bit disappointing, as we spent more time biking somewhere then actually being there. After returning, I walked around for a bit, but my stomach began to hurt progressively worse. Around 4:30, I managed to return to my room where I changed into pj's and just layed in bed. I slept from about 5pm to 8am! I don't know what hit me, or why, but oie it hurt and man it knocked me out. My last day I was determined to see more of the town, so I grabbed my good camera and simply walked. The town was quiet for once, with no motor bikes honking or crowding the streets at 9am, no street vendors and shop owners asking me to buy something yet. It was still sleepy and quiet. I loved it. I got to watch it wake up, and just walked everywhere one block at a time. Almost the whole town is dedicated to custom tailoring, so shop after shop were full of fabrics and sample clothes. Some stores were dedicated to shoes and making shoes, other's to hats and handbags. It was a delight to the eyes, full of colors, designs, and shapes, with delightful sunshine lighting the way. Right to sunburn for me. >.< Whoops? I even bought sunscreen in the US, since Korea doesn't sell it, just for Vietnam! Oh well, my shoulders are almost all back to normal now. That afternoon I went for my swim, read my book, and just took in the gorgeous day. Some of us gathered for the final night in Hoi An at a local place to have dinner together. It was a great way to end our three days here. The next day we were due to fly to Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon for 2 days! More on this later. Love and all that jazz, Rita

Goooooooood Morning Vietnam!

After maybe 2 or 3 hours of sleep due to spending the night on the phone with a friend, I arrived at MCO 5:45 am to depart for Seoul, South Korea. My flight was due to take off at 7:30am Sunday morning and land at 9:30pm Monday night. My flight to LA was delayed. Not good, as that meant I could miss my two remaining connections, as well as my flight to Vietnam the following morning. Before I knew it, I was changed to a new flight. As the woman behind the counter handed me my tickets, she said I better hurry, as they're boarding now. :O I look at my parents, we walk to security, and see a line with at least a 10 minute wait. In 15 minutes, my plane was taking off from the ground. I hugged my parents, said good bye, and walked to a security guard. Explaining my situation, and even though I hate it when others do this, I asked if I could skip to the front of the line. He let me, and I literally walked straight from security on to my plane. Plus side? I landed at 4 pm instead of 9:30 pm. Monday morning, I made the 45 min trek back to Incheon and flew out to Vietnam at 10:30am. I'll admit, I was nervous at first, being one of 2 Non-Asian people on the plane. Before I knew it, I was whisked away to my hotel in Hanoi. After dropping my things off, I grabbed my little back pack and good camera to explore the capital of this forbidden and hotly disputed country. -- Hanoi This capital is just like any capital- big, loud, crowded and dirty. There are scooters Everywhere! I'll admit, it did not strike a huge hit with me, and I was not sorry that we were leaving the next morning for Halong Bay. Granted, I didn't land in time to go to any museums or cool sites, so that biases my view a little. Yeah, that's all I have to say about the city. Oh, the one cool thing is that Hanoi has the longest mosaic wall in the world. That night we had our orientation meeting. There was a brother and sister with their wife and husband from Canada. Two brothers with their wives from Australia, a married couple from Britain, an engaged couple from Britain, a solo girl from Britain, a solo woman from Australia. It was interesting, and I really enjoyed meeting the Aussies during the tour. I also loved the british married couple, as they were exactly like me, low key, quiet, enjoyed the local life of towns we went to, etc. We all had dinner together that night, and after grabbing food for the boat trip in Halong Bay, I grabbed coffee/tea with the Aussies while the others went our for drinks. And thus, the beginning of what was to be the style of the trip, began! I didn't fit in with the younger 3 at all. Couldn't connect. Really disliked the fact that they would go out drinking almost every night. Nothing crazy where they were drunk, but all the same. I'm just not much of a drinker, don't see the point in it. Anyways. The second day we hopped in a van and made the 4 hour drive to the mysterious and beautiful Halong Bay. Me, being the ditz that I am, forgot my wallet in my suitcase (we all left our big bags, as we were only going to be on the boat for one night) Thankfully I didn't need it, as this part of the tour was all included. Whew! It was misty, crowded with boats, and just a touch cool- but I loved it! The boat was amazing, perfect sized bedrooms, and the most delicious food I've had in a while. We were served 9 or 10 course meals full of seafood that were just scrumptious! And we just slowly made our way through the beautiful area. The mist made it hard to see far way, and the small mountain islands loomed overhead at us, and the numerous other boats. We explored some of the largest caves in the world, and were granted the most magnificent overlook after climbing to the top. We lounged on the boat the evening after dinner, and just enjoyed a quiet night of relaxtion on the water. In the morning, we hiked to the top of Tree Top Mountain. It's supposed to offer a gorgeous view of the surrounding islands, but alas, our dear friend the mist was in the way again. I didn't mind, and it got me a workout too. :) We slowly motored back to the town before leaving our beautiful boat. I was sorry to say goodbye, as Halong Bay was my favorite part of the trip I think. That night, we were to embark on our third, but not last, form of transportation while traveling in Vietnam: the train. But! More to come later! For now, I must be off to do actual work for my job. ;) Love, Rita

Home again Home again, Jiggity Jig

On February 4th, I fly home to my glorious and beautiful Florida and spent two luxorious weeks there. My Dad was waiting for me with sunflowers, one of our songs, and chick-fil-a. I ran to meet him as I walked through the final gap between us and we just stood there hugging each other for a good 5 minutes. It was heaven. <3 My time home was honestly exactely what I needed. I got to sleep (even if poorly for the first week thanks to jet lag), have my favoarite food and be with family and friends. Since it's late and I'm feeling tired, I'm going to give you the highlights of the trip. (Hey, I still have to write about Vietnam!) Highlights include: Islands of Adventure with my Dad -Making fun of tourists with my Dad at said place -Painting pots with my Mom -Catching up with one of my best friends Jacqui -Hanging out with Andrew (man that boy is a talker! Lol!) -Seeing my old friends at Tally -Introducing two people who became friends -Fun times with James and Lauren -Bonding with said new old friend Lauren -Swing Dancing at FSU (ahhhh, my old love) -Getting to catch up with Adam -Spending some time with Alex (yay for best friends :) ) -Fixing my teeth!!! Yay! -Playing with my kids at Morning Star -Interviewing for China -Meandering around Mount Dora with my folks before going to horse back riding with them and my brother -Seeing and hanging out with my oldest friend! :D -Having dinner with Tracy (man that girls a riot) -Attending a Shakespear play with my Mom -Going to the zoo with Richard (he loves Kangaroos now. How am I to keep up?) -Lunch at my favorite German restaurant! -Playing with Leeland and other puppys at the park -Talking with my usher after church (I'm his new girlfriend! Oh la la!) -Not experiencing jet lag flying back to Korea -Having my flights to Korea changed so that I got home at 4pm instead of 9:30pm! And that's all I've got. As you can tell, it was a very busy schedule! Some days I would go home for an hour or less before having to leave for another appointment or engagment. It was a little busy, and I loved it till the end. But if I had to do it all over again, I would in a heart beat. I love everyone at home, and miss the way you guys love me unconditionally and understand my strange humor and quirks. It makes me feel accepted and wonderful. Thanks for that. Honestly and seriously. You guys give me the fuel and happiness I need to continue on doing what I'm doing, knowing you'll always be there to support and encourage me. Thinking of a few in particular, who have really been there, helped me out when I needed it, or just taken the time to talk to me while I've been away. Every little bit means something to me, really truely. For now, I'm off. I have a bike ride around the town, into an island and out to some country areas tomorrow morning. Then after that, I'm thinking of finding my way to the beach and enjoying some swimming time out in the ocean. I'm rather excited about it! I'm finally finding my grove in the group I think; mostly with the older folks on my tour if you can believe it. I think my quietness is accepted more, and my sarcasm understood better. :) But more on Vietnam later, I promise. Much love to all, and to all, a good night. Rita

I need Clarity

"I need clarity and truth to be
And peace to make me whole
I want freedom to come and hate to be done
And love to guide my soul

I want love, yeah, I want love"
From Shawn McDonald's song Clarity

It's my last day here in Cambodia, and I'm at a loss of what to do with myself.  I don't want to face the fact that I'm going to be leaving honestly, I love it here.  The heat, humidity, nature all around- it makes me so very happy.  It feels comfortable here, and thinking about going back to Seoul where everything is buildings and I get excited on the occasions that I see grass (because they are so rare) makes me sad.  I realize being here that I don't feel at home there.  I feel unhappy and lonely.  I feel more happy here, and I think I need to look into that.
Next year I may end up teaching in China if I am lucky/blessed.  The program is a special one, and while I can't say much about the specifics, I can say this:  the idea of having a community again, one where everyone believes in the same thing and hold similar beliefs, is something I will look forward to greatly.  I long for a community, a fellowship, with others.  I need that connection more dearly and desperately then I can explain.  Without it, I am floating, lost in a sea of temptation and fear.
Yesterday I was talking with a friend.  I joked that I wished their state was closer to mine, so that we could hang out for a day while I am home.  He said he couldn't afford to fly down or take the time to drive either, but reminded me that I do have a free round trip ticket I could use.  Before I knew it, I was looking up flights and options.  After he left for bed, I went up to my room, turned out my tv, and chilled out for the night.  I found myself getting giddy with anticipation, and doing the funny thing I do whenever I have tons of excitement.  Then I stopped- I was feeling this way over the idea of seeing him.  Him.  I couldn't help but bury my face into my pillow and begin to wonder why.  Why, after so long, did I still feel this way?  I can't understand myself and my ever persistent desire to see this man every chance I have.  It doesn't make any logical sense to me, especially considering that I know the actual odds of us ending up together are less then 5% in reality.  I plan on continuing to work abroad for at least another year, possibly three more.  Studying for a graduate degree in DC before hopefully working there.  My life is taking me around the world and his isn't.  Yet I still find myself caving in and running to him whenever he suggests the opportunity to.  Why God, can I not be satisfied with my life of solitude?  Why do I push away and turn down a man who WANTS to be in my life?  Why can I not be satisfied with this man who adores me, is there for me at ever request, who cares for me like crazy instead of the one who doesn't?  Why instead do I desire someone else?  Especially someone who leaves me hurting and in pain after every encounter?  What is wrong with me, and why do I do this to myself?  I wish I could understand.  I left the US to find myself, to heal, to strengthen my relationship with God.  I realize now that I am only just beginning.  It was take a lot of time and many, many screw-ups before I reach my final goal of being close to God, talking with Him on a daily basis, and turning to Him in everything I do.
I hope I can find the right path.  Please pray for me as I continue on this walk of learning and faith.  I need all the guidance I can get.
Contemplative,
Rita

Mud Walk, Lunch with Ants, and Screaming Children

Yesterday I went to a Cambodian village.  Even though it only lies 10 minutes outside of town, we entered an entirely different world.  Once we got there, we unloaded, learned how they use plastic water bottles in order to build buildings (way cool!) and then road a cart pulled by two water buffalo out to a rice field.  Water buffaloes make the cutest sounds, and are actually very shy and timid creatures despite their size!  I wish I had recorded it to show you guys.  :)  They kind of sound like a frog- that's the best analogy I can offer you guys.
After arriving at the rice fields, we promptly took off our shoes and socks, rolled up our pants or shorts and stepped in to the mud! It was cool, refreshing, and I felt like a little kid!  I was being given permission to play in the mud!!!  I hadn't done anything like that since elementary school when I went on a mud walk with my class and Dad. Anyways, we were handed bundles of rice to be planted in the mud and shown how to do so properly.  Of course, me with my lack of a green thumb was terrible at it, but what can I say?  I did the best I could, and hope and pray I didn't end up wasting too many of their plants.  It was a lot of work, being bent over, grabbing 4 or 5 stalks of rice, and shoving them into the water, muddy ground.  We had to keep the rows neat, and all of the foreigners moved very slow compared to the Cambodian farmers nearby.  It was a lot of fun though honestly!
Once finished at the field, we walked barefoot through a few fields to a near by hut to wash our feet off.  We made our way slowly through the fields and homes, stopping to see some of the people.  I finally tried a coconut actually, and it tasted amazing (though I'd never be able to drink an entire one by myself).  You wouldn't believe how rich or sweet a coconut is!  Finally we stopped for a lunch at some nearby huts.  This wasn't your typical lunch though, so be warned!  Our guide chopped up garlic, red peppers, lemon grass, fish paste, sugar, and ants.  Yes, ants!  They were still alive before he started chopping too . . .  We ate this combination with sliced cucumber (it actually wasn't half bad)!  I only had a little before he wrapped the rest in a banana leaf and placed it over the fire to be cooked beside the souop.  Then we made soup with peppers, garlic, water lily, fish, shrimp, and a few other things.  I loved the soup!  That was really yummy!  And water lily tastes really good.  :)  We enjoyed all of this with rice, sharing with some of the locals.  I had some of the local food and then a sandwich as well.  Hey, I'll eat ants, but that taste was strong and I can't eat a lot of it!
After our lunch here, we walked around some more, seeing some of the other homes, how people make their living (either by farming and/or selling products to other locals), walking through a Buddhist monastery, and then ending at a local school.
Let me tell you what.  These kids were so freakin' cute, I can't even tell you!  They were giggling, laughing, smiling, and when we would pull our cameras out to take photos, they would all pose!  It was just downright adorable!!!  After I took their pictures, I would show them the photos I had taken, and they would all crowd around me.  They would point, laugh, giggle, and just love seeing their picture!   I wish there was a way I could send it to them, I bet they would love it!  We walked around the school and saw a local classroom.  The kids were all outside on the soccer field, or playing with paper planes they had made.  You could hear their screams of joy and laughs constantly, and it gave me this sense of happiness and joy to be around.  I wish Korean children were more like this, but different countries produce different demeanor's within their people.  I watched as they would throw a toy back and forth (similar to dodgeball), screaming and laugh while trying to avoid it.  Other kids were out on the field just running around and having fun.
After ending the day, one of the other guys on the tour, an Australian, recommend I come see the local artisan workshops, which is where he was heading.  Seeing as how I had nothing else planned, I agreed!  A local man showed me around, walking me from room to room.  They teach the local people how to create beautiful works of art out of silk, wood, and stone.  Some of the workers are also deaf, and I found out that their sign language is the same as American sign language!  If I knew more then sorry and thank you, I could have talked with some of the workers, despite our different cultures!  How cool would that have been?!  Once done, I bought a small thing of ice cream and meandered through the local market.  There were fruits of all colors and sizes, curries, and rice everywhere!  Tourists were mingling with locals, and haggling for the best prices.  I didn't buy anything, I just walked around.  But it is always so cool seeing the true local areas in my opinion.  At one point I had started to walk into the meat section before I realized it, though I quickly turned around!  Sadly I had to walk through the fish section though to get to the goods side of the market.  I made it through no problem, but man did Morocco's marketplace (which I visited in high school on a trip through Spain) prepare me for all the sights and smells!  I really enjoyed it though, and think I got some fun pictures to show you later.
I honestly could see myself coming back time and again to Cambodia.  The people are simply wonderful: they're friendly, kind, and just tons of fun to be around.  :)  I'm going to miss this country when I leave tomorrow, but I'm so happy I got to spend so much time here as well.
Yes Cambodia, I'll return.  I don't know when, but I will.  Thank you for all the wonderful memories and beautiful experiences here.
Peaceful and genuinely happy,
Rita

Floating Villages and the Cambodian People

*knock knock knock*
Huh?  What?  "Ma'am?"
I open my door groggily and find one of the hostel workers there.  "Yes?" He tells me my ride is waiting.  "What?  My tour doesn't start until 8am.  There must be a mistake." He apologizes and giggles before leaving.
It's 5 something in the morning, and now my heart is racing from being woken up so rudely.  But I can't hold it against the man, he's too sweet.  So I slowly fall back asleep before beginning my day.
In my group of 8, one of who was the Italian man that has been on the past two trips with me as well, we make our way to one of the floating villages outside of town.  Before making it to our boat though, first we walk through a typical Cambodian village.  The people are friendly, smiling and laughing at us silly tourists, and going about their daily life.  I felt a little bad about being one of "those" people, but I know it can't be helped.  As we walk around, I see little kids, various fruits, eggs, fish, and even chicken.  Flies swarm over everything, woman work to de-scale the fish, and there are even a few stations where the woman clean snakes.  None of these things freaked me out until I walked past a pigs face.  It was a little disconcerting honestly. 
After our time here, we finally arrive at the tiny area where all the boats are.  There were so many narrow boats in this tiny section, that it was a traffic jam, boat style. About 15 minutes later we finally were on our way. 
We road out, making our way to the village slowly but surely.  One by one, they began to appear.  Homes, buildings, on stilts, in the middle of the river.  Boats were everywhere, a dog swam by, and little children waved as they paddled along side us.  Some of the buildings were gorgeous turquoise blue, or even sky blue.  Others were the natural brown, or more hut like.  Either way, they all were beautiful. 
After riding up and down the river, we stopped at a small building were we changed to small canoes.  A woman with her baby, and older woman took me and the Italian man on a peaceful and relaxing trip through the waters.  The birds sang their songs, the trees granted us natural shade, and the only disturbance was when the baby began to cry.
Later we enjoyed sandwiches on a floating restaurant (I can now say I've eaten meals on a revolving restaurant and a floating one!), We talked with our guide, learned about what it was like during the reign of Poi Pot, and kicked back and relaxed.  This was exactly what the doctor ordered after two days of temple explorations in the hot sun. 
The final leg of our trip consisted of us walking through the actual village area.  The people were amazingly friendly, and both children and woman smiled and waved at us.  I have honestly never meet more friendly people anywhere else in the world yet, and I love them so much.  Sorry Korea, but Cambodia beats you!  I would take 3rd world country over 1st world Korea any day to be quite frank, I have never enjoyed my time around local people as much as I have here.  And after exploring Angkor Wat and the floating villages, it only makes me want to travel to South America to visit Incan ruins, Mayan ruins, Machu Pichu and travel around Africa!!!  I am already planning my next trip through South Asia: Start in Phonm Pen, go over to Laos, end in Thailand.  :)
After returning to my hotel early, I enjoyed a cool shower, watched a little tv, and ventured out into to town on one of the hostels bikes for a nice dinner.  To relax from my oh-so-stressful day, I biked up and down the river, hunting for good photo spots, before meandering a local market and buying small souvenirs for my two best friends.  :)
I may not travel around to various countries as much as others, and move slower, but I love taking my time in places, and really getting to know the area.  I also had never traveled solo before.  Now that I know how easy it is to not only do so, but to travel solo between cities and countries as well, I plan to make good use of said knowledge!  Ohhhh, I love traveling, and may end up having to take a few months off of work to do so!
The downfall I face: buying souvenirs. 
I ended the night by writing this blog.  I started with a kitten in my lap keeping me company, and the most content person you could find.  I'm learning to stop comparing myself to others, and realizing it's okay that I take things slower.  I may be the tortoise in this world of hares, but I'm learning that that's okay.  I still get there, but I take my time doing so.  And along the way, I get to enjoy just a few more subtle beauties that the hares may miss in their race to see it all.
Peaceful in Soul and Spirit,
Rita