Katrina K. Photography

Well, we've almost done it.  The book is now all put together and nearly ready to go.  Right now, we're just doing one last proof reading, then it's off to the presses!  But wait,

With the exception of pub street and the beer gardens, Siem Reap closes down by 9 pm.  Tonight it rained quite heavy, so I decided to enjoy the perfect weather and the music of the amphibious animal that is like a frog, but not a frog (and no, It's not a toad).  Nobody we know can translate the name into English, but after many years of hearing it, we were finally lucky enough to see it (sorry, no photo).  It only comes out when it rains and it sounds like a calming, rhythmic zuzuvela (yes, I know that sounds like a contradiction).  After spending half an hour out here, I decided it wad high time to crack open a beer and read a book. Tonight reminds me why I love this town. I'll be sad to leave next week.  It's been a fantastic summer, and I think we've both learned that apartments are definitely the way to go.

Mangosteen & Dragon Fruit   I've always loved the fruit in Asia, especially the pineapple (which I

Went to my good friend Kimloe's village today.  It was so remote that I made two kids cry when I said hello!  TWICE!  Am I that scary??  bwaaahaaahaaa

Was up early this morning and couldn't go back to sleep.  I heard the temple music, so I thought I'd get up, make a pot of tea and edit the book while enjoying the music.  It's a hot but beautiful morning.

This summer is officially a success: We now officially have a first draft of the book!  It's not in print yet, but Tadashi is posing with the first chapter we had printed up a while ago.

The other day, Sophath invited us to a picnic at the West Baray, which is a lake West of the famous temple Angkor Wat.  We were happy for the invitation and had a great time.  In attendance were Sophath, his wife Dahlin, and their daughter Leak (pronounced "Leah", whom we named), in addition to our new friends DJ, Chhuy and Hong Kong, as well as hong Kong's girl friend. The picnic party The West Baray is the largest lake near Siem reap, and the far end has lots of picnic shelters that you rent for the afternoon; they come with shade, a mat to cover the dirt and hammocks.  We were a large group, so we rented two little "rooms", one for eating and one for the hammocks. As is the custom, Sophath made yummy fried chicken.  Siem Reap has a KFC now, but we had

We celebrated Independence day with our Cambodian friends, including Sophath as well as Leak and Bun and their adorable son Chan Noriet (aka Mario). We had a great spread, which was appreciatd by all.