Coconut Shade and Artillery Shells

Today's theme is the Coconut Shade Restaurant and exploded armament. A friend invited me to lunch after my daily visit to the internet cafe. We went to the Coconut Shade - a restaurant unlike anything you will see in the States I think. Thatched roofs cover the individual eating areas. Ours was furnished with two hammocks and floor mats. Leave your shoes at the entry to the platform and prepare for a feast. Rice, salt with lemon, chilies, and a very special fish paste (with ants ground into it) along with a whole roasted chicken and morning glory with garlic, chicken livers and other chicken parts provided a delicious and filling lunch in the shade of the coconut trees. (I asked not to be told what was added to the very special fish paste until I decided whether I liked it or not. Since I did, I have decided that there finally is a type of ant I can appreciate.) It is hot, but as my friend and I agreed, when there is shade and a slight breeze, it is more than tolerable, maybe even pleasant. In addition, this is a meal not to be hurried, taking almost two hours to truly enjoy.

After lunch another friend took me to one of the schools her foundation supports. The Apsara Foundation works with benefactors to provide an education for some of the poorest children. This particular school is on the outskirts of Siem Reap and provides education for primary students. Students either take morning or afternoon classes. Teachers work with the students in Khmer, but also attempt to teach English since this is the language they will need to work effectively in a country greatly dependent upon tourism as an industry. They also recognize English as the language of economic development, so the "lingua franca" is English. Families who earn more than the equivalent of $100 per month can afford to send their children to public schools, but many parents don't make even that much per month and this school targets the children from these families. At one point the school provided a meal to the students as well, but the price of rice has become so high that the supporting agency for nutrition had to cancel this practice. Perhaps it will be reinstated next year! The exploded shell is experiencing a happier function of serving as the school bell.

A couple of groups of students from Singapore have been visiting, late junior high or early high school I think. They are very energetic! It seems that their schools send them for the experience. These kids come from schools that can afford to send them abroad for service learning experiences. By the way, they all have their own computers at the school in Singapore, and when the units are replaced (on a very regular basis) the students get to keep their school-provided computers and take them home. What a contrast with the Cambodian students!