First Impression

So after our 13 hour flight we arrived in Hong Kong and me + a few cool cats walked around down town Hong Kong. The buildings were amazing.... the tops were covered in clouds and the lights were unlike anything ive seen. We ate at this noodle shop and I had this nasty shrimp wan-tan soup... never again. The streets of that city are gated off so its very difficult to walk around and get where you want. A tropical storm was hitting the city at the time... so yea... it was pretty awesome!

The next morning we woke up early and flew to the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh. From the step off the flight I started sweating, but I was loving every minute of it cause I WAS IN CAMBODIA! After a bus trip through the crazy streets of Phnom Penh we arrived at the Peace Corps head quarters and had introductions to the people that were going to be helping us survive for the next two years. Amazingness ensued because we then broke up into groups and traveled around the city. The streets were jam packed with mopeds and cars, going every direction and not obeying a single law. People turn when they want and the direction of traffic is simply a suggestion of which way you should go. We toured a market where i saw / ate dragon fruit, maku, and duri fruit. The smell was horrible, but the freshness and lack of preservatives and chemicals was a sight to behold and unlike anything one can find in the U.S.

After that we traveled to a Wat (temple) and gazed at the buddah statues sitting in the front of this empty yet ornate room. From there we traveled to the royal palace and happened to see indian elephants roaming the street in front of it. Apparently elephants are the way to roll. While talking to current peace corps volunteers I found out toilet paper is not normally used and I will most likely be using my hand. Also, I found out huge spiders the size of your face are a normal site and I should probably get used to it... not gunna happen.

After only a day I can see how amazing this country is and how in need it is for help. The people have gone through a horrible past and most are still recovering from the murder of 1/3 of its population (3 million people) during the Kmer Rouge. Poverty is everywhere yet I see nothing but smiles from passing locals. This is going to be unlike anything Ive ever experienced and there will be alot to adjust to. I cant wait to share what lies ahead... so look out for more!

Saying Goodbye... for now

So I leave for the adventure of a lifetime in 4 days and I can't even begin to describe the emotions and feelings running through my head.

Excitement: I cannot believe this is about to happen! Soon I will be living with a Cambodian family learning a completely new culture and helping many people. This opportunity is a gift few have the ability to experience and I can't wait to start living the life of a Peace Corps Volunteer for the next 27 months.

Sadness: There's no way to get around it, I am saying goodbye to many amazing people for the next 27 months and it is something I am finding very hard to cope with. My friends and family are awesome individuals I am extremely fortunate to have in my life and leaving them behind for such a long time brings me to tears. But these situations have come and gone before... the sadness WILL pass... and it will be replaced by the memories of this upcoming adventure.

Determination: My time in Cambodia is going to be both rewarding and trying. Times may get rough but i'm more determined than ever to use my mind for good and come up with creative and useful ways to accomplish any goal I set for myself. There is so much I will be able to do and it is up to me to take advantage of my time there to improve life of the Cambodian people.

Questions?: Will I have a toilet seat to sit on / will there be toilet paper? Are there really tarantulas the size of my face? How hot is hot in Cambodia? Will I be living with 5 or 15 family member? How am I going to communicate with friends and family back home? What is monsoon season really like? and the list goes on...

These being the most prominent feelings, many more are swirling throughout my head. For now, I'm focusing on chilling with the people important to me, saying "see ya later", trying to get my America on and absorb everything that is most likely not going to be available in the coming months. For my friends and family just remember, this is not a goodbye forever. Its simply a see ya in a year or two and keep in touch during this "long adventure".