#plaepakaa

Week 1: Phnom Penh - Machiavelli, Apt Hunting, Visitor & Tarantulas

It has officially been a week since I moved to Phnom Penh, I can't say I quite know north from south but am getting there. This week I have seen all three shows in the Plae Pakaa program. I was so emotional over the Machiavellian prince and his cruelty in Mak Therng - it is a must see when you arrive. The show made the front page of Phnom Penh's weekly entertainment guide The Advisor and we are hoping for more as the season continues. Work is a wonderful and I hope to add more and more value as I become immersed in the culture of Cambodian Living Arts and Cambodia itself. 

David also came for his first visit to Phnom Penh since my arrival to help me apt hunt and explore the finer things in the city. We enjoyed the roof top at La Maison d'Ambre a great boutique hotel on 110 St. and an unlimited boozy brunch... not to mention it was unlimited FOOD a concept I was not familiar with. Public House is definitely worth a visit, especially if you are use to brunches in NYC. Plus, the menu is filled with bacon. 

I experienced my first massage ever from Bodia Spa, an elegant oasis in the city. If you are looking to 'treat yo self' I highly recommend it. I was skeptical at first but have become a true believer in professional massages after this one. 

And of course to check off something on my 'bucket list' I ate a tarantula! This adds to the scorpions I had in China and the alligator I had in Oregon, oh I also tried Kangaroo in NYC. We ate at a restaurant that is part of Friends-International which is a program that helps train and employ locals in efforts to prevent drug use and increase youth's capacity to find work. 

First Weekend in Phnom Penh | Plae Pakaa, Haircuts & Night Market

In 48 hours I was able to get a lot done thanks to my new family members. A few hours after landing in Phnom Penh I attending the dress rehearsal for Passage of Life, one of three rotating shows in the Plae Pakaa program. For three months I have been planning for the high season which starts tomorrow! To finally see the people and performance in person was both a relief and a joy. 

On Sunday after a good nights rest I ventured out to the Russian Market with my cousin for some shopping. We then styled our hair with a fresh cut and shampoo. The best $3.00 I've spent for a great trim and scalp massage. 

Then off to the Night Market. We parked near a hot spot for young locals and walked the water front, enjoying the evening dances and games of badminton. We arrived at the Night Market just after sunset.