All the way from Cambodia, I can hear the sound of Toronto. The streets are filled with honking and tires screeching as another person wanted to get home faster than the next. One car cuts off another, and the endless circle of life continues. A far cry from the Lion King Theatre production for the Elton John song Circle of Life, but alas it is what we have to do within the context of "les rat race." Forgive me to discuss some of the ingredients we prefer to avoid that make time shred away at the soul. It is what I also don't care for, or feel. As I am now in the thick of converting into a man with a spirit filled with the smell of the country in my heart. I look the same, but I don't feel the same! Sorry to play up on the dualism of where we each are, but the images of the recent past are always ruminating.
Work has become a healthy rhythm. My non-profit organization, Save Cambodia's Wildlife is great. The Team, or my staff members as I call them, (they DO look up to me for advise as the CUSO/VSO Advisor), are the kindest bunch I could have asked for. They are eager to learn, and my next stage of this placement is beginning to take shape. The fundamental knowledge sharing part, where I have their trust and respect enough to have them listen to my words intently. I listen to them as well, as the on-the-ground implementation of the programs is something they have a far better understanding.
This is three of my good SCW Team members. From left to right, Channouen, Bros and Sovansom.
I have gone on more field visits on roads suited for mudslides and so dangerous that it adds another dimension of manly bravado to my history of adventure. At one intersection of road and water, the locals were wading through a stream with their motorcycles that was passed their wastes. A truck was parked on the side that was to go to the same village that I had planned on seeing. The truck was full of malaria supplies and could not pass, and there weren’t many options for alternative routes. Not sure what we were going to do, I see my colleague heading in first, so I took proactive measures and kept my motorcycle in first gear and plowed through with no hesitation to the other side (running shoes and jeans completely drenched and the only clothing I had for the overnight stay!). I believe I was heard belting out a 'yee haw' as a flash of American good old boys playing in the muck took me over.
The Sesan River is bloated from the wet season helps to cause havoc on the small tributaries that flood roads. I just love the lush green this time of year produces.
I am glad I went through as I met some of the Indigenous villagers that partake in our bamboo shoot program. We taught them the technical skills to collect, and package bamboo shoots for sale in the market. I asked what is a good dish with bamboo shoots and it seems everyone knows accept me, but it basically becomes the substitute for a salad, and is more like a coleslaw once prepared and eaten with any meat or fish. Yum! And sustainable!
The first stage in preparation is clean and finely chop, add salt and let it soften up in a few days!
This is the part where I am going to ask again at this time if you could PLEASE donate 5-10$ to supporting these initiatives through my fundraising page. They need to continue these efforts and I need you help to make it happen.
Warm Regards,
Andre
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