In Cambodia, bottled water is the safest option, so it becomes a regular expense.
The best meal I had this week was a simple one: rice with grilled pork, fresh vegetables and a small bowl of soup. Food here is about balance. Rice is the base and other dishes are shared family-style. Meals are filling but not heavy, and they bring people together.
This week, I listened to a mix of Khmer pop and songs from home. Khmer music is often upbeat and played loudly at shops, weddings and events. You hear it whether you’re looking for it or not! Music has become a bridge between cultures for me.
The most fun activity this week was spending time with students and teachers outside of structured class time. Some of the best moments happened during breaks or after school, when people relaxed and joked together. Fun here often comes from the simple things such as laughter, casual conversation and being present with others.
This week, I am continuing the James Bond series. Reading for pleasure feels different here than it did at home. It often happens in quiet moments at the end of the day, after school, or when daily routines are finished. Reading something familiar helps me relax and feel grounded, especially while living in a new environment. At the same time, I also spend a lot of time reading lesson materials and classroom resources as I prepare for teaching.
