A Nice Family
I'm back in Phnom Penh. I went from the airport to the hospital, and resumed my everyday life. Things are looking better here. There's more for me to do, and I like that. On the way home, the driver expressed his deep dissatisfaction with the Cambodian government regime. I think it's a sentiment that everyone feels yet few voice. Everyone talks about how horrible the Pol Pot regime is, but it's much easier to criticize someone who can no longer persecute you.
When I arrived home, my neighbors (two houses down) waved to me. My parents had befriended them, and they offered to prepare meals for me. I went over and talked with them. They have a really interesting story. Eight people live in their house: two grandparents, three children, a son-in-law, and two grandchildren (as I can figure). They prepared a REALLY nice meal for me, and one of the granddaughters (who is nine) ate with me. They wouldn't let me pay; the grandmother said that I can be like a part of their family. At one point, she picked up my hand and scrutinized the palm. Then she said something, which her husband translated "Anything you want to do, you will do. Anywhere you want to go, you will go. No one can stop you." Talk about a great fortune!
The grandfather was certified in police law and spoke fluent French before the Pol Pot regime. Somehow, he and his wife survived, and now he operates a radio station. He taught himself English (and speaks beautifully), and seems to be in remarkably good shape.
This morning at breakfast it was the same. They fixed a delicious breakfast (rice and pork) before I left for work. That really improves my condition here.
