connecting with local Siem Reapers...

Day after my arrival I jump right into connecting with local Siem Reap people to pursuit my school project. Mr. Garms from USA (ref="http://www.khmerschool.com">) gave me some names and numbers. so i track them down but i decide not to carry mobile phone while in this whole tour, and my Khmer language level is that of perhaps avarage Cambodian Cat or Fish.

so i ask and ask and ask. soon enough i feel no problem to say "I need your help", a sentense i would rarely use in New York. After much help from Angel, a vendor I bought a small backpack from (he graduated from university in Phnom Penh majoring Business and Tourism) and Liho, a beautiful Chinese-Khmer girl from a souvenier store i bought a tea set from (who works 7 days a week from 7AM to 10PM) and some other kind and curious local people (they seem to wonder what i'm running around for in this town full of foreigners who takes them as the disposable catering towards tourism) i finally make it through to Mr. Chey, an auto mechanic whose cousin Mr. Thai, is the head teacher of one of the schools. (Mr. Chey and Mr. Thai are the nephews of Mr. Ou, the president of the organization in USA)

Upon meeting Mr. Chey and two fellow Cambodians finally, i explain my intention by using gesture, drawing and my photos from Si Saket school project (see ) and Aiwaben-East side school project (more on this on later post sometimes)

sometime it's good to be in need of help. it connects you to people. and sometime it's good not to be able to speak the common language. so many friends i have whom i don't need help from, and who speak the same language with me, turn stale and cold.