From Kampung Cham to Phnom Penh

Friday we took a bus from Kampung Cham to Phnom Penh. Life is rural areas is so clean, this swimming pool in Kampung Cham symbolizes very well the purity of life outside Phnom Penh. Early at 9 am. There were not even many people, only one swimming trainee. I was surprised to be able to swim in such a nice pool in Cambodia.

While Sophary and Chann learnt about interviewing, analyzing qualitatively and conducting focus groups, I learnt khmer-language and khmer food. One of the common things Cambodian eat, is the loose rice porridge. You flavor it with condiments, such as salty eggs, some pickled beans and garlic, salty fish, tofu and pieces of pork ear. I learnt to like this porridge. 

In Phnom Penh, Chann and I visited a listener, a couple with children aged 16 and 21. They listen to Krusa-FM via Galcom radio. It is handy, since the signal is always clear. 

The father of the family and his son had an accident eleven months ago. Their motorbike was hit by a truck. The father hit his head (the helmet flew out from his head), while the son survived unharmed. Now the father has been paralysed ever since the accident. He can listen and observe, and grab things with his right hand. The wife takes care of him, with hope that the situation will improve. And it has improved a little. He does not get physical therapy or anything. Meeting people like this really touches my heart. I am amazed of the love that the wife shows to her husband. When I asked, what is her favorite program on Krusa-FM, she said ‘Prayer program’. She looks for God as a source of love and hope. Here is the wife with Chann.