Sunday afternoon margarita at Phnom Penh’s newest (and best) Mexican restaurant ❤🍸#cambodiaeats #phnompenh #dosbesos #margarita (at Dos Besos)
Tag: phnompenh
Crickets! Nom nom
June 9 – I meant to be more prolific with my posting but got carried away with my every day life in Phnom Penh. Today I was invited for a going away after work picnic in front of the Presidential Palace. I skipped the last going away gathering so I didn’t want to do that again.
It was a lovely picnic hosted by Dani, a young Scottish intern who is heading home for a bit. We had roast chicken, grilled fish, rice (of course) and finished with some crickets. I already had one cricket in Siem Reap – post of that visit coming – but these were more delectable. The garlic and chili seasoning made the crispy critters quite nummy. The only downside to cricket snacks is that the little legs tend to lodge between my teeth! But that won’t deter me.
The fruit was brought in to my office this afternoon and was so lovely I had to show you.
I can’t believe I go home in 3 weeks! Time has just flown by. This country continues to charm me and I will be so sad to leave it and my Cambodian friends.
About STT, Advocacy and Empowerment
I am in Cambodia as a pro-bono accountant (volunteering) working for Sahamkum Teang Tnaut, or STT as they go by. I have taken the following from their website to share
“Mission
To provide pro-poor technical assistance for housing and infrastructure and to inform dialogue and raise awareness about urban issues
Background
Phnom Penh based Sahmakum Teang Tnaut (‘STT’) was set up in September 2005 and officially registered with the Ministry of Interior in December 2006. ‘Teang Tnaut’ means ‘Sugar Palm Leaf’ in Khmer and is used for house construction, thatch roofs, sugar and packaging. This icon of the Cambodian landscape evokes a simplicity and usefulness which STT tries to reflect in its work with urban communities. From the outset STT has had a focus on infrastructure upgrading but over the past decade many communities have been impacted by development-related land alienation and evictions. Because of this STT has strengthened its research and advocacy to draw attention to a development policy that in Phnom Penh alone has led to 150,000 residents being displaced since 1990. By supporting genuine community complaints and grievances STT and its partners have been helping communities articulate their concerns to local and international media, donors and other NGOs & INGOs.”
I am very proud to be associated with STT, even in my small role.
If you are interested in reading about one particular example, google
Boeung Kak. Many were displaced, and STT works diligently to try to prevent more instances such as this. Another example is the White Building, which is going on presently
Food glorious food
May 5 – Here we have a few of my meals so far. I am definitely enjoying my culinary options.
Top left is an AMAZING red curry made by my hostess Seyha. Served with jasmine rice because Vanny and Seyha prefer it (its what I get at home too)
Top right is a street lunch for under $1US. This bbq pork was delicious. I had walked by a few times and the smell drew me in
Bottom left is Khmer beef with egg and rice. From the Restore One Cafe near my room. This cafe employs local people and proceeds go to their work educating poor children. And yes, delish!! That is in house made ginger beer as well 🙂
Finally, my protein Buddha bowl from Lot 369. Healthy and tasty.
I will likely beceating supper at my hosts, at least during the week. I can’t beat the $2 price tag or Seyha’s delicious cuisine.
Happy Friday from Phnom Penh
My new digs
I have started my volunteer assignment at this amazing organization! Hopefully two months, assuming they need me that long.
Sahmakum Teang Tnaut, STT is an organization dedicated to helping the poor of PP with land security, helping them to help themselves prevent unfair eviction, mapping communities at risk and advocating for this demographic. It is not without risk, as is any advocacy that goes against the interests of making money. The staff is dedicated, friendly and has been very accepting.
Nuances that are different from home – leaving my shoes outside, being very aware of power use – it is very expensive. I need to remember to turn of the air conditioning when I leave the office.
I headed out for lunch a short while ago and one of the ladies on staff stopped and offered me a moto ride. My first of the trip. She is a very competent driver and I made it back safe and sound with the most amazing bbq pork and rice. I hope the smell doesn’t bother my office mates when they return. The lunch room is not air conditioned but I think I will sit there next time.
The blessings of this adventure continue!
May 3 2017
Jet lag is oh so real
After more than 24 hours of travel, including one 12.5 hr flight, I am in Phnom Penh. This is the view from my quaint Airbnb rooms at Vanny’s Peaceful Apartments. Time to rehydrate and relax but not sleep yet! It is 4 am at home and 5pm here – my body has some adjusting to do. Here is to new adventures!
A Travelling Accountant 