Michael's Life in Cambodia

Michael Reporting

There are things I like about Cambodia, things I don’t like about Cambodia, and things I miss in the U.S. This story explains it all.

I like the beach but I have to many mosquito bites to go, so we haven’t gone yet. I like our VIP tuk-tuk which is driven by our Uncle Kosal. He takes us anywhere we want to go so we can save more money. I also like the TV here because it has Cartoon Network and new shows.

The think I mostly hate about Cambodia is we don’t have any internet in our house. We have to go to internet cafés, but we can only go like once or twice a week. I don’t like the home school very often because my mom and dad push me to do my work. Mostly I hate the bugs. We have a lot of cockroaches and mosquitos and ants in our house in Cambodia.

I really miss the air conditioning in my house in the U.S. I also miss the food in the U.S. like pizza, macaroni, chicken, and curros. I also miss the weather, because in Cambodia it is sweltering hot. But sometimes we get rain in the night in Cambodia. I miss the fast internet, my friends, and downtown San Antonio like the Riverwalk, the Alamo, the museum, and the restaurants.

I like Cambodia, but I just want to go home. 

The Worst Trip to the Beach Ever! (Catherine)

Catherine reporting

It was a cold morning at Toul Tompong. There was a heavy rainstorm last night. After our Uncle Kosal took us to the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP), they packed us into a super cold bus, which probably gave me a cold. First, they took us to a school. A not so interesting school that is. After that, they took us to Sihanoukville (Kompong Som), or the beach. Once we got there, we got off at the Seaside Hotel.  We got some lunch across the street. Then we went SWIMMING!! We went for a few hours then we went back to the hotel to clean and rest. Then we went back to the beach for dinner at the restaurant there. It was getting dark, which meant fireworks! Then, I started to complain that my ear hurt, so we went back to the hotel. I still don’t feel so good! Whenever I don’t feel so good, I cry. Once time I cried and mom did not understand why I was crying! So, it was raining that night too.

Not the best trip to the beach.

In the morning, we got some breakfast but unfortunately it was raining so that canceled our boat ride to an island. Once we got onto the freezing cold bus, we wanted to go to a waterfall but the road was blocked. L

Not the best trip to the beach.

Then we made a stop for lunch. And there was a playground there too. It was still raining so we had to stay longer. L When we got back to RUPP, it was raining. But I was happy to be home. Except I did get a cold! I was sick for 3 days.

Not the best trip to the beach!

The End

Our Vacation to Siem Reap (Michael)

Michael Reporting

On Sunday we left on a six hour bus from Phnom Penh. But after 2 hours the a/c broke down so they left the door open until we got to the next station so we can change busses. When we got to the station in Siem Reap we checked in at the Ancient Angkor Guest House near the Old Market. And they had a pool so we bought swim suits at the Old Market. When we were done shopping we went to the Blue Pumpkin. We went to our friend’s house, Phal Tann.

On Monday, Mom went to the market to look around. Then we went to KFC to eat brunch. When Dad was away we went swimming and the pool water was salty. Then we went to the floating village of Chong Kneas. It’s impossible to get there by car so we got there by boat. When we were 3 miles to the village, we were boarded by a girl that sells sodas. Then they had a zoo in the middle of the lake. They had fish, piranhas, and crocodiles. Then I saw a 4 year older with a snake and it was alive. And someone was rowing a big pot to their friend’s house. After the village, we ate at the Khmer Family Restaurant.

In the morning we went to the old ruins. We saw the Temple of the Holy Cow (Preah Ko). Then our friend showed us the blueprints to the old temples. Then we went to Bakong, a tall temple that was so tall that you can see all of Siem Reap. But I stayed on the ground talking to a class of poor school kids. After that we went to Lucky Burger. I had pizza, Jeffrey had chicken, and Catherine had crispy sticks. Then we went to a high tech museum. It had TVs, prophesies, and statues. One of the gods names is Vishnu. He has 8 arms! Then we had dinner at the Old Market, but there were ants in the rice!

In the morning there was a car waiting for us and it was our friend’s car and they took us to Angkor Wat (a famous king’s house), Bayon, a temple that collapsed, and the Eastern Gate used for getting into the old city (our friend fixed it). Then we ate at the Western Baray. Then we up in a balloon. Then for our braveness we went for ice cream.

In the morning we went to the Blue Pumpkin. Then we visited a school for poor kids. Then we had lunch at the Pizza Company. Then we went home.

It was a cool vacation! My favorite part was the balloon ride. I learned about the prophesies. Everyone should go to Siem Reap before they die!

Our Vacation to Siem Reap

Catherine Reporting

            On Sunday, we rode a bus from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. But our a/c broke down so we switched busses. We stayed in the Ancient Angkor Guest House near the Old Market. Then, we walked over to the Old Market to buy some swimsuits for Michael and Jeffrey. We had dinner at the Blue Pumpkin. I got to sit in the comfy chair, and I mean comfy! The, we went to a friend’s house, and his name is Phal Tann.

            On Monday, we went to the market. For breakfast, we went to KFC. Then we cam back to the hotel and went swimming. Then, Dad came home from this Pepy School so we can go out to the Floating Village of Chong Kneas. Of course we went on a boat! When we were sailing, a girl boarded our boat selling sodas, so we brought some. Then we got on a big boat with a den of crocodiles! There was a kid with a snake, but I was scared. Then we went back to land and ate at the Khmer Family Restaurant.

On Tuesday, we saw the ancient temple ruins. First, we saw Preah Ko (Holy Cow). Our friend Phal Tann is restoring it. He let Dad make stucco! Next, we went to Bakong. Its an ancient temple with lots of stairs. Last time, in 2005, I didn’t get to the top but this time I did! Last but not least, Beng Melea! I was left for Indiana Jones to find! We had lots of Fun!

On Wednesday, our friend Phal Tann and his family took us to Angkor Wat, Bayon, the the Eastern Gate that he restored, and for lunch we went to the Western Baray. It had hammocks. And after lunch we went to a big man-made lake, it was like a beach! Then, we went on a balloon se we can Angkor Wat from a bird’s eye view! Then we went to the mall for some ice cream! I always get chocolate mint! YUMMY YUMMY, IN MY TUMMY!

On Thursday, we had breakfast at the Blue Pumpkin. The, we visited the Jay Pritzker Academy. It’s a school for poor rural children. We visited every grade. For lunch, we went to the Pizza Company. After lunch, we came to Phnom Penh. What a trip!

I thought the ancient ruins were pretty cool. My favorite activity was when we went to Beng Melea. Siem Reap is very important to Cambodia. I might want to come here again one day. 

All about our trip to Siem Reap (Jeffrey)

Jeffrey Reporting

Chapter 1: The Hotel

We went to Siem Reap by bus. It was boring. When we arrived to Siem Reap, we have to take a Tuk Tuk to one of dad's friend's house. I was wondering where the 2nd floor is. We were about to stay here, but we decided to stay at a guest house called Ancient Angkor. It has a swimming pool and internet. However, the swimming pool is very salty, and the internet is slow. Our hotel room has cable TV, 2 bedrooms, and a hot shower.

Chapter 2: The Restaurants

We went to the Blue Pumpkin, KFC, Lucky Burger, the Khmer Family Restaurant, The Pizza Company, and etc. At the Blue Pumpkin, they have an ice cream shop, Wi-fi, a lounge, a bakery, and a restaurant. Their logo is the (Ba) sign.  What's really bad about this place is the R-word!

Chapter 3: Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is one of the 8 wonders of the world. We went there on Wednesday. It is known as the largest religious structure. Inside this wonder, there are stories that are beliefs to people who practice Hinduism, one of the religions. The stories are written in picture form, so that everyone can understand. At the top were towers, but they were closed for renovations. In order to complete your trip to Cambodia, you must go to Angkor Wat. Seriously.

 

Chapter 4: The Angkor National Museum

Going to the Angkor National Museum is required for a trip to Cambodia. It will take you to a journey to the past of Cambodia. You will look at ancient stuff from Ancient Angkor & Bayon. For example: The gallery of 1000 Buddhas. At one part is the Angkor National Museum Mall. It's a small mall.  It's a place to relax after you viewed the Angkor National Museum.

 

Chapter 5: The JPA

JPA stands for Jay Pritzker Academy. This is a brand new school for Khmer Kids. In the JPA, 2 languages are taught. Khmer and English. They bring foreign teachers from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. The cafeteria is outdoors. So far, they only teach Kinder, 2nd, 4th, 6th, & 8th. The library isn't complete, and basicly, the school is 3/4 complete! Kim, my dad's friend, and also my friend, is the principal of the school.

 Chapter 6: The Floating Village

The Floating Village reminds me of Pacifilog town in the Hoenn Reigon. It was on the Tonle Sap lake! The Floating Village is a town where people live on floating houses and catch fish for food.  Everything was floating. The homes, the schools, the churches, the shops, the gym, even the cell phone tower! Their transportation is a small boat. To visit this place, we have to take a large boat that can go fast! When we came back, we got a plate that had ourselves! I felt surprised! However, we said no.

 

Chapter 7: Beng Melea and others

Beng Melea is the place where you get to experience your inner Indiana Jones. The structure looks abandoned. Lichens and Mosses are growing on the old stones. In this temple, you can experience dark places. Also, the landmines are cleared! Yay! Preah Ko, or Holy Cow, is the place where the temple towers looked unsymmetrical. The temples are about to fall apart, so some people try to fix it. A group of people are making Stucco. Stucco is made up of crushed up bricks, sand, white-sticky sap, and palm sugar. with ants in it! LOL! After we went to Angkor Wat, we rode a balloon! There was a cable attached to it so that the balloon won't fly away. When we had gone up, we saw a good angle of Angkor Wat. I dared myself not to look down. When we got down, we felt proud of ourselves for surviving the balloon ride.

 

Conclusion

I would say...  you must go to the Ancient Ruins before you die! You must visit the Angkor National Museum before you die, because this is my favorite part about the trip! You will learn a lot, like the ancient stuff the ancient ruins have in store for you! For Example: The ancient stories. However, twice to Siem Reap isn't enough for me!

The Best Day Ever (Michael's 10th Birthday)

Michael Reporting

My birthday was on March 28, 2009. I turned 10 years old. My party was at Kean Svay. It was Mom’s birthday party too even though her birthday was the next week. There were tons of friends and family who live in the village. All the kids there were wearing party hats. There was confetti, music, and dancing. Uncle Kosal was the DJ.

I wanted to open my presents, but Mom said wait, so I waited. It was time for us to cut the cake! The kids had sparklers, and when we blew out the candles, they came back on fire again! When we finished, they sprayed silly string on us and made a big birthday mess! One cake was fancy, one cake was plain, and one cake was ruined. Then it was time to eat. I had pizza while the others had noodles.

Then it was time to open my presents. I got a big watch, piggy bank, 3 boxes of chocolate coins, vehicle building set, military vehicle set, 3 dollars, a pirate ship, clothes, Lego Star Wards The Complete Saga (Wii Game), Lego Indiana Jones (Wii Game), and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull DVD.

I felt so happy. It was the best day ever! 

Going to Kdei Ta Koy Primary School

Catherine Reporting

Kdei Ta Koy Primary School is in Vielsbow Village. It is a small school. The 4^th grade classroom I visited It had no a/c or lights, so it had big windows. There were 4 rows of wooden desks that hold 2 people each. It had an old chalk board with a curtain on it so when the teacher writes the answers for the questions, she can cover them up.

The lesson was about the water cycle. It was all in Khmer so I only understood a little big. Since I couldn’t understand, a girl in front of me gave me a picture to color. When the teacher calls out on a row they stood up and read the board in a funny voice. The teacher brought in a bucket full of dirty water and all the students came up to look. Most of the students worked in groups.

Recess time! At recess, there were 3 sections I went to: the garden, the playground, and to the Chinese calendar animals. The playground had little play equipment, like 4 swings, 2 chin-up bars, 1 slide, and some tires. I played on all of them. Then we named all of the animal statues in Khmer, and my favorite one was the “damrey” (elephant).

This school is way different from Scobee (my school in America) because Scobee is big and has like 4 classes for every grade. I like the school in America because it is more easy, but I still like the school in Cambodia.

The End

Shadow Puppets - Jeffrey

Jeffrey Reporting

On Tuesday, we went to make our shadow puppets. Shadow puppets are used in Cambodia and in other Southeast Asian countries. It was kind of easy to me. First, we get a hammer and a wooden circle, so the stage won’t get ruined and metal tools to make the shape. It was hard work. I chose the frog for the shadow puppet. The people at the shadow puppet place had to mark the places, with red marker, what shape to use and where to hammer. It was kind of hard, but I did it. After I’m done, we painted certain places of the shadow puppet. It was easy, but I have to cut it out first, which was tough, because it’s made out of leather.

 After I’m done with my shadow puppet, dad said “Good job, Jeffrey!” The others were not done, so I have to wait. Dad let me borrow his IPod Touch for games. When we were all done, we went home and showed mom our shadow puppets. She felt surprised at this!

Making Shadow Puppets - Michael

Michael Reporting

It was March 10, 2009. We went to a shadow puppet theater called Sovanna Phum. We made shadow puppets.  It was hard work but I had help from the workers. I was making a bird, so I pounded it with a mallet on the black outline on the wooden surface. The puppet is leather, that is, made out of cowhide. When I finished pounding the holes, I painted the outline of my bird. Then the workers put it on a stick and my shadow puppet was finished! 

They have had this theater for 15 years. They still show shows. They have shows every Friday and Saturday. We saw one called the “Story of the Dog.” It was based on a soldier with his brave dog, his wife, his mother, an assassin, and a ghost. It was a good story. After the show they let us go back stage and try the shadow puppets. And there was a store where you could buy and make shadow puppets. Come to Cambodia, and visit Sovanna Phum!

The Most OFFENSIVE Market

Jeffrey Reporting

Note: This is Jeffrey's perspective on this very traditional Cambodian Market (Boueng Trabek Market in Phnom Penh). Its really not that bad, and Jeffrey doesn't realize most fo the food he eats that Mom cooks comes from here. But you can see how a market such as this would be

 such a shock to a young teenager used to markets like HEB, Vons, Ralphs, etc...

In the market we went to on 3-16-09, it was very stinky & offensive. There were pig noses, bad eggs, live fish, live chickens, and butchers and meatpackers showing off! It's like the strangest market ever! I think there should be a law that people 18 and older can only enter these kind of markets!

For shade, they use umbrellas. Then, on the other side is merchandise. Clothing, music CDs, toys that are actually thingies, it's like boring to me! I give this market a 2%! I hate this market! And I bet the U.S.A. will ban those kind of markets in their country! However, this turns upside down at night! It turns into the only fair in Cambodia! However, it's pretty small and pretty cheap. that's all!

Things I like and don't like in Cambodia, and Things I Miss in the U.S.A.

9 Things
by Catherine


There are 9 things I want to tell you guys, new likes, things I dislike and things I miss back in the U.S.A. Here they are.

3 things I like in Cambodia:
1. I like my new friends because they are nice.
2. I like Ken Svay because of my family.
3. I like the games because they are fun.

3 things I dislike in Cambodia:
1. I dislike bugs because they are creepy.
2. I dislike the weather because it is hot.
3. I dislike the outdoor markets because they have creepy stuff.

3 things I miss in the U.S.A.
1. I miss my friends because they are nice.
2. I miss school because I get to do stuff right.
3. I miss quietness at night because my street is noisy.

I wish I can hear from you guys back in the U.S.A. I miss you a lot. See me back in the U.S.A. on July 4. See ya!

Visit to the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda

Catherine Reporting

One day, I had a field trip to the Royal Palace with my family. We had a tour guide. She as a young girl and she spoke English very well. She was dressed in yellow with a black skirt. We visited the throne room first but we had to take our shoes off. It was very nice. It had a mirror and our tour guide said that when we looked in it, that we are the future King and Queen. Then, we took some pictures in front of the king‘s house. Then, we went to a building with Khmer women manikins wearing different colored sarongs for different days. Then we went to the Silver Pagoda. The Silver Pagoda had many treasures and had a silver floor made up of thousands of pure silver tiles. Then, we went to see the model of Angkor Wat, and when pigeons landed on it, it looked like they were invading it. There was a pond filled with fishies and one turtle, and I got to feed the fishies with fishy kibble. Then we got some snacks. Then we went to see the white elephant house. (There were no real elephants.) Last, we went to an ice cream shop called Swensen’s. I got a single chocolate scoop on a cone. I was happy.

Best of the Best Cambodian Rock Concert

Michael Reporting

It was Valentine’s Day. We went to the Olympic stadium to see a rock concert called Best of the Best. When Uncle Kosal dropped us off, we were 3 hours early. But we had to eat something first.  Dad had noodles. Me and Catherine had cotton candy, but I gave the rest of my cotton candy to a poor man. I tried to give him my quarters but they are useless in Cambodia. After that we went to our seats to see the show. Unfortunately it was 2 hours late! I thought I would rot and die, but I didn’t. While we were waiting for the show, we got shown on the big screen. Then the show finally began. They had loud Khmer rock music, and funny comedy skits. They had tons of special effects like fireworks, smoke, and big spotlights. It was the greatest show I had ever seen! I got tired, so we went home early. But the exits were super crowded. On the way out I had to use the people as bars so I would not fall, but then people tickled my tummy! When we got out people were selling snack bugs, like fried crickets. Dad wanted us to eat the bugs, but we refused. We went home and we went to sleep. I thought it was the greatest day ever!  

My Family Eat Ants!

Michael Reporting

Did you know that some people eat ants? Well, its true. One time my Uncle Kosal brought a container of big red dead ants. We were so grossed out, we almost threw up! Dad tried to make us eat them, but we refused. We sat and ate our food on the floor because we didn’t want to be near the disgusting ants. First my mom ate them, then Dad ate them, then Uncle Kosal and Aunt Vy ate them. Yuk!

Our Trip to Vietnam - Jeffrey Reporting

In our trip to Vietnam, we went on a bus. We saw the sights of Cambodia and Vietnam. At the border, we had to check our passports and our baggage. When we arrived at the hotel in Ho Chi Min City, we checked into our a room. And there was free high speed internet in the hotel lobby.

We went to the Unification museum. It was the Presidential Palace of South Vietnam before the end of the war. It’s like the capital building and the president’s house in the U.S.A., combined! At the 1^st floor were rooms like the meeting room. This room has a piano. On the 2^nd floor, it was like the 1^st floor. The 2^nd floor has some animal sculptures. It was kind of creepy. The 3^rd floor is the president’s and the first lady’s recreation room. There is a movie theater, a gambling room, and the courtyard. On the top floor is the watch tower. There is a helicopter here. At the basement is the military area. It showed a map of Vietnam. Then at the ground floor, the rooms are the kitchen and the garage. The president had a luxurious car! Then we move out of the unification museum.

At night we saw a Water Puppet show. It showed the life of the countryside of Vietnam. The puppets are doing boat races, fish catching, and dances. There were musicians signing and playing instruments to accompany the puppet show. The puppets’ voices are in Vietnamese, and the people that are playing the instruments are speaking the voices of the puppets. The Water Puppet show was 90% good.

The food here is bigger. They even have the R-word! I ate ice cream, onion rings, and a hamburger for dinner and desert.

Catherine's Poem - Down in the Valley

Note: In addition to reporting on their experiences here in Cambodia, the kids will also be publishing some of their school work from homeschooling. Here's a poem Catherine was inspired to write after reading some poems by Shel Silverstein.

Down in the Valley

by

Catherine S. Wright

Down in the valley

With the purple dragons,

I asked the valley keeper

if I can keep one

But he said, "No."

Down in the valley

With the blue dragons,

I asked the valley keeper

If i can keep one

But he said, "Go to a different valley."

Down in the valley

With the red bunnies,

I asked the valley keeper

If I can keep one

But he said, "Go to a pet store."

But I said, "No."

Down in the Valley

With the orange baby triceratopses

I asked the valley keeper

If I can keep one

But he said, "No way!"

Down in the valley

With the black puppies,

I asked the valley keeper

If I can keep one

And finally, someone said "YES!"

The black puppy and I lived happily together.

Dancing Water Fountains in Phnom Penh

Catherine Reporting

One night, my family was going to the riverside, but we stopped by the Dancing Waters to watch It. :-) It was awesome! There was this guy controlling the water underground. It had really catchy music. There were a lot of colors, and my favorite color was light blue. There were many styles, and my favorite style was the one that looked like an ice cream cone melting! It was in Phnom Penh, in between the Independence Monument and the Royal Palace. I went with my parents, my brothers, my aunt Vy, my cousin Tong and my uncle Kosal and I rode his tuk-tuk. And guess what, the riverside was boring.

Our New House in Cambodia

Jeffrey Reporting

The house has mosquito nets. The protect us from the mosquitoes when we sleep. We have 2 kitchen areas in our house; one for cooking and one for dry storage. In our house, we have 3 stories, but they are smaller than the usual 2 story house in the U.S.A. We don't have wireless internet here, so we can't do much on the internet. We don't have trash cans, so we use baskets as a trash can. The shelves are made out of rattan, so these shelves are unstable. At the 3rd floor, there is a homeschool/entertainment section. There is a TV in this room for entertainment. I will make a video tour of our new home and hope to post it soon!

Our New House

Michael Reporting

My new house in Cambodia is a lot different from my old house in the U.S.A. It is 3 stories high, it has ice cold showers, a balcony, and a small kitchen that is seperated from the cooking room in the back of the house. The living room is so big that we put the eating room there too. We also have a TV Room which is also the home school room. That's all kids! Bye, or as they say in Khmer, "leahaey!' 

Our Grandma's House in Cambodia - Kitchen

Our Grandma's Kitchen

Michael Reporting

[Photo by Michael]

The kitchen at my grandma’s house is very poor. It’s not like a U.S.A. kitchen. It used to be a cow pen for my uncle’s cow. They turned it into a kitchen after he sold his cow. It does not have a fridge, light, or air conditioning. The floor is dirt. It only has a stove that runs on fire wood, a small gas stove that uses a propane tank, a chopping cylinder for meat, and a wire mesh cabinet to keep bugs away from the food.

Our Grandma's House in Cambodia - Underneath

About Underneath our Grandma's House
Michael Reporting

My grandma’s house is not like the homes in the U.S.A. Because the house is on stilts there is lots of room under it. The family spends a lot of time under the house because its shady and cool. Under the house there is a kitchen table and a resting place for the family kindof like a family room. Under my grandma’s house there are also 2 hammocks and 1 dining table. They like to eat meals under the house.

Our Grandma's House in Cambodia - Inside

About the Inside of Grandma's House

Jeffrey Wright Reporting

Hi! My name is Jeffrey Wright, and I’m reporting about inside Grandma’s house! As you can see, the TV is small, because most people in Cambodia have a poorer life than Americans. The photos in this house have family members that include my mom and dad when they got married and me and my brother and sister when we came in 2005. I felt a little surprised when the picture is there. There is also a portrait of Jesus Christ, because my Grandma and her family are Mormons like me. At the left side of this house are 3 bedrooms and a small bathroom. In most parts in Cambodia like this one, the beds are usually covered with a mosquito net. This room here is a multipurpose room. It is used as a TV room, a living room, a dining room, and a sleeping place. The way these Cambodians sleep is that they get a mattress, surround it with a mosquito net, and get a pillow and blanket. This concludes my report!

Our Grandma's House in Cambodia - Front

Our Grandma’s House in Cambodia
Catherine Reporting


Hello, my name is Catherine Wright and this is my Grandma’ house from the front. As you can see, there are many plants. It is in the Vielsbow Village and is about 10 kilometers outside of Phnom Penh. On some houses, there are stilts because of floods, but at my Grandma’s house it doesn’t flood any more so they turned it into a room.

And here's the house from the back. The back steps are really steep! That's my cousin Tong at the back door.

Cambodian Wrights - The Wright Kids Reporting from Cambodia

Welcome everyone to our Cambodian Wrights Website. This blog belongs to our three kids, Jeffrey, Michael, and Catherine, who will be filing various reports on their experiences here in Cambodia. Their father, Wayne, will be teaching at the Royal University of Phnom Penh as a Fulbright Scholar during the Spring 2009 semester. You can read more about this at http://asunews.asu.edu/20080925_fulbrightaward

Content will be added soon. Please feel free to post comments!