Quirks and quarks ...

Identity for sale anyone ...?

- Sukhon, the landlord's 29 year old friend, told us, that he had proudly bought someone's else's position  - someone else's  ID card, that stated this 'retired' particulars - this older person's personal identification: DOB, name etc.  He bought it for the purpose of legally retiring early, as an 'older' policeman.  Now,  this 'lucky' individual will be able to legally collect government pension for the rest of his life.

- Owning a good pair of walking shoes is a must with rubber soles at that, to avoid electric shocks from unearthed, dodgy wiring.

- A minivan for 14 people will usually be packed, like sardines, with 25 people or more.  For example, it's normal for 6 people to share a two seater chair.  And, if you're lucky, a child might even end up siting on your lap.

- Some may even sit on motorbikes hung at the back of the minivan for comfort?  

- Bus drivers, minivans and alike, are randomly stopped by the police, on the side of the road, to check for accurate documents.  In turn,  a case of water, money, you name it,  are donated for the patrollers to share with their comrades.

- Holding several monologues is the key to be had on the bus, talking over each other on their phones throughout the 5 ½ hour journey to Phnom Penh  

- Lack of the correct tools or materials will never stop a Khmer person. Where there is a will there is always a way. 

- Creepy crawlies, mice, rats are usually found in printers, photocopy machines, desk draws etc. , until they're released to freedom ...

- Occasionally, the office computer will be full of viruses that it can no longer save or print documents either on the desktop or the USB.  Instead, a logo of a smiley little man pops up to warn you of these deadly viruses. 

- Recently, 3 new staff was added to our office.  Rationale:  to fill the empty seats.   Perhaps, 3 specialists (Math, Science, English) could potentially replace them for ongoing trainings, workshops, follow-ups ... to build the capacity of teachers?

- Every once in a while, the director, will order everyone at the office to reorganize furniture for more space.  Even though the office is already large enough with plenty of space to maneuver around.

- No one knows where anyone else is, what they’re doing or when they’ll be back, even when you ask of their whereabouts.  This counts for yours truly, despite the fact that my translated weekly agenda is on the board for all to see.

- Pate, aka sandwiches with unidentifiable slab of processed meat are usually offered at trainings, workshops and alike that everyone looks forward to at break.

More later :)