A wired world

Yesterday was a work day. My translator/interpreter met with me at about 10:00 to help set up some interviews with various NGOs in the area. This is no easy work! My phone had to get up and running so I purchased a new calling card for it. A thing for U.S. citizens to be aware of - your cell phone probably won't work here. Even if you do have a phone that is sim card compatible, it might not work here. (The voice of experience speaking.)

It should be noted that even though most tourists are drawn to the old markets, there are actually small shopping centers scattered here and there. Today we ate lunch in one such building. Very modern, reminding me of the malls back home, but not nearly as expansive. Had lunch of noodle soup that was quite delicious. Just before we left to make more calls, it was apparent that school was out. One commonality between U.S. malls and Cambodian malls - they are school children magnets. In both cases the kids come to mostly window-shop and socialize. It made me think of a recent experience in Toronto. I was using an internet cafe there where a birthday party for pre-teen boys was in progress. About 5 or 6 boys were all logged in and playing the same game as part of the festivities. This puts good old Chuckie Cheese to shame!