okay, so that last blog sounded too much like complaining. so this time, i'm going to write about what's been great about being here in phnom penh.

- first of all, everything here is cheap! when i went shopping with chantha over the weekend, she got a shirt for $5, pants were about $8-10, and i saw a dress for $15. i went out to dinner with julia last night, and with tip, my meal cost $2...i got this stir-fried chicken vegetable dish and rice - both gigantic servings, and so yummy. today, i went out to dinner with chantha and her friends, and the whole delicious meal cost $7 for the six of us! (btw, we had this amazing green papaya salad, and i've been warned about eating uncooked dishes at restaurants, but i figured since chantha and all her friends were eating it, it was pretty safe. so i totally stuffed myself, and when we walked out of the restaurant, i noticed that they actually prepared food outside. so i look over, and i see a green papaya salad, waiting to be served, and swarming with flies...hmm. so far, my stomach's been okay, but...i'll keep you posted.)

- burping in public is totally acceptable and commonly done. i think i read somewhere that burping after a meal is considered a compliment, and people at my work burp at any time. though i still find myself holding back in public, it's only a matter of time...my ex-roommates can probably attest to that. definitely a positive point...

- my apartment is very conveniently located. it's less than a five minute walk to work, and there's a western-style supermarket on the way. the internet cafe i go to is right around the corner, and there are numerous restaurants within walking distance. julia lives only a few blocks away, and phan bun's temple is about ten minutes away. plus, my apartment, like i said before, is pretty nice, it has a washing machine, and i get cable (again, something i mentioned before...sn: i've now also seen 50 first dates and cold mountain on that channel...hehe).

- most people speak some english, though sometimes i find it hard to understand them. in any case, there's a real desire to learn and practice english, so it totally opens doors to meet nationals and spend time with them.

there are plenty more, but i'll try to keep my blogs at a reasonable length...okay, i know, it's not going to happen.