last day...for now

Today is my last day in Phnom Penh for quite a while. The past few months have been a heck of a ride. I have discovered more about myself here than I could have ever thought possible.

I think I have a better handle on everything now...

Less than 20 hours to go and I will be on my way back to the states. So this is Makenna, signing off from this Blog until June......

Merry Christmas

Christmas in Cambodia was a funny experience to say the least. Its really hard to get into the holiday spirit when you are sitting by a pool, under palm trees, sweating like a pig. As a result, I didn't really feel Christmas-y. But that doesn't mean it wasn't an ok day.

Essentially, at this point, things are winding down so quickly I can hardly believe it. My room is packed up. My wall o' pictures has been taken down. I have my plane ticket purchased...And I move into a guesthouse in two days. The texts for my "going away temporarily" party have been sent. Essentially its down to the wire. And all I can say to that is WOAH.

I'm looking forward to everything but the snow. SNOW??? I have n't felt weather any colder than 70 degrees since I got here...and even when its 75 I wear a sweater and sometimes a hat. I still think the Khmer's in full on parkas are amusing. In fact, two days ago when it was 70 degrees (this is freaking cold here...i was shivering), I saw a khmer girl looking like she was about to go skiing.

But me complaining about cold is silly...when there is FIVE FEET of snow looming in Colorado. Ha.

Adventures

Early one Thursday afternoon, my roommate and I decided we wanted to go to Siem Reap and get some work done for the Cambodia Pocket Guide. We looked at the time only to realize that our options for buses were non-existent. As a result we packed one backpack and hopped on my moto bike and headed north. A few hours later we arrived in Siem Reap completely unharmed, unscathed, but slightly dirty. In fact...really dirty. But a shower and some dinner and we were good as new.

My roommate moved in two weeks ago, just in time for me to leave. Essentially she is taking over the apartment and was desperate, and as a result ended up being my roommate for my last month. She and I (to say the least) have way too much fun. Its probably good that she isn't a permanent addition because she and I are always out looking for fun in new places. Which at times is great, but at times can also be less beneficial to getting things done. *cough* articles *cough*.

As of next month I will have nearly 15 articles finished and published and paid for. How you like them apples?

Its been a lot more fun to be in Siem Reap with my own mode of transportation. It makes being here much less expensive, and significantly more enjoyable.

I guess you could say that this is my last big adventure before I hit the airport and the books again. Which is exciting news as...I'M A SMITHIE AGAIN!!!!!!! Graduating as a member of the class of 2007...assuming everything continues to move in current directions.