After a charming Italian dinner to send-off my charming Italian roommate, I returned home a bit tipsy to find a brown spot running into the corner behind my bed. I kicked the bed and watched the brown spot run across to another hiding spot. There aren't many place to hid in my room, so when I kicked the suitcase the furry animal had no choice but to run back behind the bed.
At this point, I finally connected the dots that there was a mouse in my room. I wasn't sure what I was going to do about it, but I figured I needed shoes to do it. I went out to the foyer to put on a pair of black loafers sans socks. They looked like the type of hard-soled shoe that could both protect my feet and stomp the life out of a mouse. Granted, I didn't think that I was actually going to break any mice necks with my shoes, but to be on the safe side I wasn't going to chance using soft, rubbery running shoes.
All I really wanted at that moment was the mouse out of my room. Sure enough, when I re-entered and kicked around all the piece of furniture and closet space, there was no mouse to be found. It's a small room made out of concrete, tile and wood for the doors and shutters. There aren't many places to hide.
I then proceeded to check all of the house that I could and still no sign of the mouse. Tired from a full meal, I decided that there was no mouse in the room and it was time to go to sleep.
I was a bit worried that the mouse was still in room, but the thought only kept me up for an extra 15 minutes at which point I slumbered peacefully. That is until the hour of 4 AM, when my subconscious went into overdrive. It is highly likely that what I felt moving over my shoulder was the wind from the fan. However, there remained a distinct possibility that a mouse had just run over my shoulder blade. My subconscious wasn't going to have any of that.
At this point, I freaked out a bit. Over turning every piece of furniture, I worked myself into a frenzy that completely eliminated any possibility of a return to the sleep that I desired so much. Sleep deprived days at work make me irritable and grouchy. All I can say for sure is that there will be mousetraps in my house before nightfall.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Saturday, July 24, 2010
A Poem from my Bubba Lu and Other Reflections
From me to you
Here's a going away gift
I hope when you use it
It give you a lift
You've been back to Burien
Your American home
You've lived with friend Tom
But now you must roam
To travel afar
You have no phobia
So now you take off
To your job in Cambodia
Being in the US was a blast. Among the highlights were re-exploring Seattle's artistic side, experiencing California with Conor and Jam, returning to synagogue with my parents, hanging out and living with Tom and Lily, eating berries, visiting my favorite elementary school teacher, meeting Khmer-American students at the UW, cool and rainy NW weather, beautiful mountain settings, Mexican food, enjoying local beers with friends, meeting new people in casual settings, live theater, Daniel's bachelor party, board games, running through parks, walking on a beach with my sisters, the pride festival in SF with friends I haven't seen in years, bagels with jalapeno cream cheese, and having dinner with my immediate family.
Transitioning back to Cambodia has taken a bit more time than I expected. I am not sure if the emotion I am feeling is a longing to be back in the US or a longing for something new. Currently the hotel where I work is under reconstruction, which lends to a general feeling of flux.
The hotel closure also means I have a bit more spare time. It also means that I need to be more self-directed. While that is an ideal environment for some, I find that I accomplish less when I have less to do. Deadlines and demands get me moving. Open-ended tasks are encouragements to delay for a bit longer. I cannot say why I am wired this way, but it has held true in the past.
In the past few weeks, there have been some events that have lit a fire underneath my ass, but nothing strong enough to keep me running. Whatever it is that needs to kick me in the keister, I hope it happens soon so that I can get back into the swing of things.
Here's a going away gift
I hope when you use it
It give you a lift
You've been back to Burien
Your American home
You've lived with friend Tom
But now you must roam
To travel afar
You have no phobia
So now you take off
To your job in Cambodia
Being in the US was a blast. Among the highlights were re-exploring Seattle's artistic side, experiencing California with Conor and Jam, returning to synagogue with my parents, hanging out and living with Tom and Lily, eating berries, visiting my favorite elementary school teacher, meeting Khmer-American students at the UW, cool and rainy NW weather, beautiful mountain settings, Mexican food, enjoying local beers with friends, meeting new people in casual settings, live theater, Daniel's bachelor party, board games, running through parks, walking on a beach with my sisters, the pride festival in SF with friends I haven't seen in years, bagels with jalapeno cream cheese, and having dinner with my immediate family.
Transitioning back to Cambodia has taken a bit more time than I expected. I am not sure if the emotion I am feeling is a longing to be back in the US or a longing for something new. Currently the hotel where I work is under reconstruction, which lends to a general feeling of flux.
The hotel closure also means I have a bit more spare time. It also means that I need to be more self-directed. While that is an ideal environment for some, I find that I accomplish less when I have less to do. Deadlines and demands get me moving. Open-ended tasks are encouragements to delay for a bit longer. I cannot say why I am wired this way, but it has held true in the past.
In the past few weeks, there have been some events that have lit a fire underneath my ass, but nothing strong enough to keep me running. Whatever it is that needs to kick me in the keister, I hope it happens soon so that I can get back into the swing of things.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is the ancient capital of Laos, the forgotten, land-locked country of South-East Asia. About five or ten years ago, backpackers, followed by more established travelers decided not to forget about Laos and the country has become a frequent stop-over.
I made my own visit over the past weekend. My review of the location is mixed, not because I had a bad time, but because I was visiting to get a feel for the place and what it would be like to live there in the future. My hotel is branching out and opening its second property. During my time in the UNESCO-protected town, I had the chance to meet the general manager of the new property, as well as the building site.
As far as a place to visit in SE Asia, I would place Luang Prabang on the top ten probably. It is easy-going in nearly every sense. The people do not try to hassle you into buying things, the shops are small and family-run, the streets are clean with only the occasional street dog, the temperature is mild and the environment exudes a feeling of calm. Nestled between the turns of the Mekong River, the Buddhist kings of past decided to construct one temple after the next. Walking through the town, a visitor is surrounded first by all the temples and then by the French colonial buildings that are now protected by the UNESCO organization.
In addition to the enjoyable pace of the town, visitors are encouraged to see the greater periphery of Northern Laos. Tour vendors offer one-day to week-long excursions that may include trekking, biking, Mahout courses, hill-tribe homestays, kayaking, or zip-line adventures. My friend, Conor, and I opted for a two-day trip that include trekking to Hmong and Khmu villages, followed by kayaking down one of the rivers that feeds into the Mekong.
Again, I have generally positive reviews for the experience. I would say that visiting a hill tribe did not seem like a particularly genuine experience and I would warn others about the risks related to this type of cultural tourism. People are not exhibits and the Laos tour guides are running the risk of turning cultural treasures into tired photo opportunities. The trekking and the kayaking were quite enjoyable. I narrowly missed a conflagration with some rock while kayaking and paddled away with a few bruises on my chest.
Small accidents and touristy gripes aside, my bigger concern with the place was its livability. Luang Prabang is about half the size of my current "city" of Siem Reap. The entire town can be covered without problem by bicycle. There are only a handful of places where expatriates seemed to meet and the most common choice of activities is drinking the ever-present and enjoyable Beer Lao.
When I lived in Seattle, I did not take enough opportunity to experience the arts, music and culture that give the city its vibrancy. However, having lived in a small city for nearly two years, I now recognize the importance of those outlets. At this point in my life, I would prefer to live in a larger city over a smaller center. For the opportunity that my work is providing, I am willing to downsize once more. However, now I am faced with answering the questions of "when?" and "for how long?"
One final point, if there is one word to describe the Siem Reap environment at this time of year, it is "dusty". Brown-red dust everywhere. Luang Prabang does not have this problem, but they exchange it with another. In preparation for the rice harvest, various hill tribes burn large patches of the verdant hills that compose Laos. These hills then trap the smoke to create one of the haziest environments I have ever seen, in pictures or in life. The one word to describe Luang Prabang at this time is "smoky".
I made my own visit over the past weekend. My review of the location is mixed, not because I had a bad time, but because I was visiting to get a feel for the place and what it would be like to live there in the future. My hotel is branching out and opening its second property. During my time in the UNESCO-protected town, I had the chance to meet the general manager of the new property, as well as the building site.
As far as a place to visit in SE Asia, I would place Luang Prabang on the top ten probably. It is easy-going in nearly every sense. The people do not try to hassle you into buying things, the shops are small and family-run, the streets are clean with only the occasional street dog, the temperature is mild and the environment exudes a feeling of calm. Nestled between the turns of the Mekong River, the Buddhist kings of past decided to construct one temple after the next. Walking through the town, a visitor is surrounded first by all the temples and then by the French colonial buildings that are now protected by the UNESCO organization.
In addition to the enjoyable pace of the town, visitors are encouraged to see the greater periphery of Northern Laos. Tour vendors offer one-day to week-long excursions that may include trekking, biking, Mahout courses, hill-tribe homestays, kayaking, or zip-line adventures. My friend, Conor, and I opted for a two-day trip that include trekking to Hmong and Khmu villages, followed by kayaking down one of the rivers that feeds into the Mekong.
Again, I have generally positive reviews for the experience. I would say that visiting a hill tribe did not seem like a particularly genuine experience and I would warn others about the risks related to this type of cultural tourism. People are not exhibits and the Laos tour guides are running the risk of turning cultural treasures into tired photo opportunities. The trekking and the kayaking were quite enjoyable. I narrowly missed a conflagration with some rock while kayaking and paddled away with a few bruises on my chest.
Small accidents and touristy gripes aside, my bigger concern with the place was its livability. Luang Prabang is about half the size of my current "city" of Siem Reap. The entire town can be covered without problem by bicycle. There are only a handful of places where expatriates seemed to meet and the most common choice of activities is drinking the ever-present and enjoyable Beer Lao.
When I lived in Seattle, I did not take enough opportunity to experience the arts, music and culture that give the city its vibrancy. However, having lived in a small city for nearly two years, I now recognize the importance of those outlets. At this point in my life, I would prefer to live in a larger city over a smaller center. For the opportunity that my work is providing, I am willing to downsize once more. However, now I am faced with answering the questions of "when?" and "for how long?"
One final point, if there is one word to describe the Siem Reap environment at this time of year, it is "dusty". Brown-red dust everywhere. Luang Prabang does not have this problem, but they exchange it with another. In preparation for the rice harvest, various hill tribes burn large patches of the verdant hills that compose Laos. These hills then trap the smoke to create one of the haziest environments I have ever seen, in pictures or in life. The one word to describe Luang Prabang at this time is "smoky".
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Catching up
No matter how much or little I work, I always feel behind. There are less than 50 days until my hotel closes for major renovations. During the hotel closure, I will be spending some time back in the US. My work has graciously allowed me to continue working while I back in the US, which gives me the chance to spend more time there.
I bought my ticket this week. I will coming back on the 25th of April and returning to SE Asia, tentatively, on the 7th of July. If construction is delayed and I am productive, I may extend my stay longer. I do not know when I will have another chance to spend such an extended amount of leave. I will also be continuing my contract with the company, with the expectation of helping to set-up a new hospitality school in Laos.
A few weeks ago, I showed my mother around Cambodia. It was quite a bit of fun for me to introduce her to my current lifestyle and social circles. We toured the south of Cambodia, experienced beach life, visited pepper fields, and strolled along a peaceful riverfront. Then we headed up to Siem Reap to take in the temples and the leisurely pace that the town offers.
Everything was going so well, that it was only natural for it to end on a negative note, in this case, with my mother falling off a slippery rock at a waterfall park and breaking her leg. However, my Mom is one tough cookie, and she walked up the 4 flights of narrow stairs to get out of the park, managed a local Cambodian clinic, and toughen through a 30 hour trip to get back to the US.
In other news, I made hamentashen and joined a very small Purim party.
I bought my ticket this week. I will coming back on the 25th of April and returning to SE Asia, tentatively, on the 7th of July. If construction is delayed and I am productive, I may extend my stay longer. I do not know when I will have another chance to spend such an extended amount of leave. I will also be continuing my contract with the company, with the expectation of helping to set-up a new hospitality school in Laos.
A few weeks ago, I showed my mother around Cambodia. It was quite a bit of fun for me to introduce her to my current lifestyle and social circles. We toured the south of Cambodia, experienced beach life, visited pepper fields, and strolled along a peaceful riverfront. Then we headed up to Siem Reap to take in the temples and the leisurely pace that the town offers.
Everything was going so well, that it was only natural for it to end on a negative note, in this case, with my mother falling off a slippery rock at a waterfall park and breaking her leg. However, my Mom is one tough cookie, and she walked up the 4 flights of narrow stairs to get out of the park, managed a local Cambodian clinic, and toughen through a 30 hour trip to get back to the US.
In other news, I made hamentashen and joined a very small Purim party.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Goodbye
The longer we live the more goodbyes we seem to end up saying. Oddly enough, the practice does not make it any easier. For the most part, the goodbyes that I am obligated to say in Cambodia are saddening, but not depressing. They mark the end of the time we get to share together in a foreign country, with the lingering promise that perhaps we will meet again on the crossroads of life.
This week I had to say goodbye to one of my co-workers, and it was a much harder goodbye to watch than any other. My co-worker's name is Sambat and he was finally diagnosed with leukemia at the end of last week. The diagnosis marked the climax of four months of odd symptoms that began with a swollen face.
The past two weeks saw a flurry of events that took Sambat from one hospital to the next, as the entire hotel watched the chances for treatment gradually fall away. Ultimately, the final verdict was passed down by an American doctor on Friday, who pronounced the case untreatable. The doctor's prognosis was that Sambat would last no longer than a month. Even the next five days would be a challenge.
I am not particularly great friends with Sambat. We were always friendly, but our personalities and interests were different. We would socialized with the same people at different times. He exhibited a cheerful, happy-go-lucky attitude that I found uplifting sometimes and grating at others.
Over the past months, I watched this confident, healthy 22-year old lose a battle with his own body, robbing him of the most basic human rights. Two weeks ago, he lost the strength to walk. The past week, his severe swelling made it nearly impossible to eat or drink anything. The excruciating pain, also made sleep extremely difficult to obtain.
The total of those events led Sambat to beg those around him to end his life. It was not until the day after the American doctor's visit that Sambat finally received the pain medication suitable for his condition. Within minutes of his first injection of morphine, he slipped into a deep, relaxing sleep. Although his face was swollen, his lips and skin bulging out of their normal shape, it looked for a moment that a smile appeared on his face.
I can find no logic or reason in the death of a young man. It would be comforting to know that in the great universe of crossroads, perhaps where the real plane crosses with the imaginary plane, or where this dimension coincides with another, that friends and loved ones have the opportunity to meet again.
However, at this moment, I would be equally comforted to know that sleep is peaceful and that the last sleep we take is more tranquil, calm, and painless than any night of sleep that precedes it. To you Sambat, I wish you a very good sleep. Goodnight and see you in dreams.
This week I had to say goodbye to one of my co-workers, and it was a much harder goodbye to watch than any other. My co-worker's name is Sambat and he was finally diagnosed with leukemia at the end of last week. The diagnosis marked the climax of four months of odd symptoms that began with a swollen face.
The past two weeks saw a flurry of events that took Sambat from one hospital to the next, as the entire hotel watched the chances for treatment gradually fall away. Ultimately, the final verdict was passed down by an American doctor on Friday, who pronounced the case untreatable. The doctor's prognosis was that Sambat would last no longer than a month. Even the next five days would be a challenge.
I am not particularly great friends with Sambat. We were always friendly, but our personalities and interests were different. We would socialized with the same people at different times. He exhibited a cheerful, happy-go-lucky attitude that I found uplifting sometimes and grating at others.
Over the past months, I watched this confident, healthy 22-year old lose a battle with his own body, robbing him of the most basic human rights. Two weeks ago, he lost the strength to walk. The past week, his severe swelling made it nearly impossible to eat or drink anything. The excruciating pain, also made sleep extremely difficult to obtain.
The total of those events led Sambat to beg those around him to end his life. It was not until the day after the American doctor's visit that Sambat finally received the pain medication suitable for his condition. Within minutes of his first injection of morphine, he slipped into a deep, relaxing sleep. Although his face was swollen, his lips and skin bulging out of their normal shape, it looked for a moment that a smile appeared on his face.
I can find no logic or reason in the death of a young man. It would be comforting to know that in the great universe of crossroads, perhaps where the real plane crosses with the imaginary plane, or where this dimension coincides with another, that friends and loved ones have the opportunity to meet again.
However, at this moment, I would be equally comforted to know that sleep is peaceful and that the last sleep we take is more tranquil, calm, and painless than any night of sleep that precedes it. To you Sambat, I wish you a very good sleep. Goodnight and see you in dreams.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Domestic Abuse
I got socked in the eye by a door a few nights ago. It was a hotel door, with the ball latches that allow you to open the door and peak outside without letting someone in.
When I heard my friend knocking outside at 1 AM, I opened the door for him with my eye level to the fist-like catch. My friend decided he needed to get into the room more quickly than I could pull it open, so he pushed forward. As we both had some drinks, this led to the predictable ending of the door punching me in the face.
I wasn't so happy at the time of the event, but it seemed rather hilarious in the morning. My friend said he was sorry and that it would never happen again (They always say that don't they). I really hope someone asks how I got this shiner so I can say, "No. I am telling the truth; I just ran into a door."
When I heard my friend knocking outside at 1 AM, I opened the door for him with my eye level to the fist-like catch. My friend decided he needed to get into the room more quickly than I could pull it open, so he pushed forward. As we both had some drinks, this led to the predictable ending of the door punching me in the face.
I wasn't so happy at the time of the event, but it seemed rather hilarious in the morning. My friend said he was sorry and that it would never happen again (They always say that don't they). I really hope someone asks how I got this shiner so I can say, "No. I am telling the truth; I just ran into a door."
Monday, December 21, 2009
Three months fly by
For those who are still following this blog only to see that nothing is updated, I apologize. I haven't posted an entry in quite some time, but it hasn't been for the lack of good material. In fact the past three months have been filled with great stories, but none of the time to sit down and write them. My lack of a working camera has also made it difficult to record the events pictorially.
Rather than trying to haphazardly tell the stories and events, I am just going to list the events and allow whoever is reading this to piece the details together.
Watched some friends and their organization get blacklisted from Cambodia, with the requirement that they leave within 24 hours.
Thought I had saved someone's life, but found out two months later that I didn't.
Dated a co-worker, became the center of the rumor mill, and eventually decided that the whole thing was a big mistake.
Attended at least 10 good-bye parties.
Joined a bible study, which ended up being rather discouraging for the people who were hoping to open my eyes to the splendor of their Christ; the bible study was subsequently dissolved.
Was sent on a business trip to Hong Kong with a notice of two days. Business trip consisted of drinking gin, trying to socialize, and picking up an award for something I am casually involved with.
Traveled to a conflict zone, met both sides of the conflict, and tried to speak with my limited vocabulary of both languages.
Watched a land-mine being removed from a road I traveled down fairly regularly and assumed was perfectly safe.
Watched a boy who had no way to communicate for four years, suddenly find the right people and tools to teach him how.
Was instrumental in helping to build a three-classroom school for a hundred children that had been studying in an unstable shack. Oddly enough, I did not feel completely satisfied on the completion of the school.
Selected 25 new students for hospitality education, with personal stories that ranged from murderous fathers to orphaned children who sleep outside.
Avoided dengue fever, unlike five of my co-workers.
Donated blood, with minor complications that resulted in a gigantic bruise across my arm.
Went to an indoor rock climbing wall on a regular basis, but then not at all.
Hosted about 15-20 random strangers to sleep in my guestroom. The most interesting of which was either the triathlon athlete who was riding his bicycle around the world or the Vietnamese-American who lived in Mongolia.
Ate tofu seasoned with concrete.
Swept water out of my house twice, once after an entire day of heavy rains, then again three days later when the river spilled over and flooded large portions of the city.
Watched the roads turn from bad to terrible and then, with a quick declaration from the Prime Mister, restored with the kind of speed that only an authoritarian ruler can make possible.
Lived perfectly content without a TV for three months, but finally broke down and bought one. Haven't noticed much of a difference.
Visited the outstanding Islamic Art Museum in Kuala Lumpur and came to the conclusion that Islamic societies get very little recognition for their advances to general world development.
Stopped the potential use of child labor at my workplace.
Looked at a piece of land being sold by someone who seemed to be running a brothel, and decided that that was enough reason not to buy the land.
Paid a bribe to a Cambodian solider to camp at a 14th century temple. Spent the later evening watching the stars and eating chips-ahoy cookies with the person that we paid-off.
Figured out a way to make sure that my roommate could pay for university without getting a loan that might ruin him.
Learned how to drive a motorcycle. Use of the breaks is still a problem sometimes.
Swam in an ancient reservoir.
Was complemented on my performance as Master of Ceremony at the hotel's graduation ceremony.
Underwent some difficult staff issues and meetings that ultimately led to the resignation of one of my staff, who has five years of experience with the hotel.
Bicycled around Angkor Wat in nearly complete darkness.
Jumped into a saltwater pool with all of my clothes on, and pulled a World Bank consultant into the pool with me.
Watched Kung-Fu Panda a dozen times with co-workers, who never tired of the jokes.
Became more inebriated than necessary in a night that began with a third of a bottle of whiskey, followed by beer, then another bottle of whiskey, and finishing with shots of sambuca and sips from a bucket of redbull plus unknown alcohol. Amazingly, I still made it to work at midday on Sunday, sober, for the extra work I had scheduled.
Denied a young, Cambodian girl her graduation diploma in a conversation that was filled by a large amount of tears.
Terrorized some small cats (no physical harm) in the hope that they would stop begging for food at our staff canteen.
Watched an elderly woman have her decayed, red-stained teeth pulled.
Organized a day trip for a group of 60 hotel consultants.
Something else amazing that I cannot write in any open forum.
Well, that is it. I hope that I will have more time to write stories from now on, but something tells me that that may not be true.
Rather than trying to haphazardly tell the stories and events, I am just going to list the events and allow whoever is reading this to piece the details together.
Watched some friends and their organization get blacklisted from Cambodia, with the requirement that they leave within 24 hours.
Thought I had saved someone's life, but found out two months later that I didn't.
Dated a co-worker, became the center of the rumor mill, and eventually decided that the whole thing was a big mistake.
Attended at least 10 good-bye parties.
Joined a bible study, which ended up being rather discouraging for the people who were hoping to open my eyes to the splendor of their Christ; the bible study was subsequently dissolved.
Was sent on a business trip to Hong Kong with a notice of two days. Business trip consisted of drinking gin, trying to socialize, and picking up an award for something I am casually involved with.
Traveled to a conflict zone, met both sides of the conflict, and tried to speak with my limited vocabulary of both languages.
Watched a land-mine being removed from a road I traveled down fairly regularly and assumed was perfectly safe.
Watched a boy who had no way to communicate for four years, suddenly find the right people and tools to teach him how.
Was instrumental in helping to build a three-classroom school for a hundred children that had been studying in an unstable shack. Oddly enough, I did not feel completely satisfied on the completion of the school.
Selected 25 new students for hospitality education, with personal stories that ranged from murderous fathers to orphaned children who sleep outside.
Avoided dengue fever, unlike five of my co-workers.
Donated blood, with minor complications that resulted in a gigantic bruise across my arm.
Went to an indoor rock climbing wall on a regular basis, but then not at all.
Hosted about 15-20 random strangers to sleep in my guestroom. The most interesting of which was either the triathlon athlete who was riding his bicycle around the world or the Vietnamese-American who lived in Mongolia.
Ate tofu seasoned with concrete.
Swept water out of my house twice, once after an entire day of heavy rains, then again three days later when the river spilled over and flooded large portions of the city.
Watched the roads turn from bad to terrible and then, with a quick declaration from the Prime Mister, restored with the kind of speed that only an authoritarian ruler can make possible.
Lived perfectly content without a TV for three months, but finally broke down and bought one. Haven't noticed much of a difference.
Visited the outstanding Islamic Art Museum in Kuala Lumpur and came to the conclusion that Islamic societies get very little recognition for their advances to general world development.
Stopped the potential use of child labor at my workplace.
Looked at a piece of land being sold by someone who seemed to be running a brothel, and decided that that was enough reason not to buy the land.
Paid a bribe to a Cambodian solider to camp at a 14th century temple. Spent the later evening watching the stars and eating chips-ahoy cookies with the person that we paid-off.
Figured out a way to make sure that my roommate could pay for university without getting a loan that might ruin him.
Learned how to drive a motorcycle. Use of the breaks is still a problem sometimes.
Swam in an ancient reservoir.
Was complemented on my performance as Master of Ceremony at the hotel's graduation ceremony.
Underwent some difficult staff issues and meetings that ultimately led to the resignation of one of my staff, who has five years of experience with the hotel.
Bicycled around Angkor Wat in nearly complete darkness.
Jumped into a saltwater pool with all of my clothes on, and pulled a World Bank consultant into the pool with me.
Watched Kung-Fu Panda a dozen times with co-workers, who never tired of the jokes.
Became more inebriated than necessary in a night that began with a third of a bottle of whiskey, followed by beer, then another bottle of whiskey, and finishing with shots of sambuca and sips from a bucket of redbull plus unknown alcohol. Amazingly, I still made it to work at midday on Sunday, sober, for the extra work I had scheduled.
Denied a young, Cambodian girl her graduation diploma in a conversation that was filled by a large amount of tears.
Terrorized some small cats (no physical harm) in the hope that they would stop begging for food at our staff canteen.
Watched an elderly woman have her decayed, red-stained teeth pulled.
Organized a day trip for a group of 60 hotel consultants.
Something else amazing that I cannot write in any open forum.
Well, that is it. I hope that I will have more time to write stories from now on, but something tells me that that may not be true.
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