Next stop: Batambang

I was up bright and early this morning--5AM to pack my things and get an internet connection to submit my grant application. Liesel helped me edit it down to the bare bones needed to fit the character limits of the on-line form. I'm glad that I'm ahead a day here, because I thought the deadline was March 15, but it was actually midnight on the 14th! Right now it is 6:30 AM on March 15, but for you back in New England it is early evening on the 14th. Lucky me!

Yesterday evening, we went to a restaurant down the street for a buffet and show. It cost 12 dollars per person, quite expensive by Cambodian standards. The performance showcased classic Cambodian dance. We are planning to view a rehearsal of Cambodia's premiere dance troupe when we return to Phnom Penh.

Everyone is getting along well with the Aunties. They are picking up some English phrases and vise versa. It is clear that they are both strong, matriarchal personalities--very concerned about the cost of everything, and proud to drive a hard bargain. They have learned to compromise, as have we, but expect to be obeyed when they tell us to sit somewhere or eat something or buy this or that, or not buy this or that...

Supposedly, there are 80 relatives waiting for Amy in Batambang. We must stear clear of both real and cultural landmines there.