Wednesday, October 22, 2008

On Sihanouk's shores


This post is long overdue (as the staff workshop actually happened in the second week of October). But hey, to be cliche, better late than never.

Every LWF Cambodia staff rounds up for a workshop to discuss plans for the next year, spend time together and recognize the achievements of the organization. This year, about 260 people attended the workshop, including me. The workshop was held in Sihanoukville, Cambodia's largest beach town. Though the water probably wasn't the best for swimming, the sky was incredible.

I am the only volunteer with LWF Cambodia and was the only new foreign face at the retreat. I am amazed by how large the staff is! Though I felt like a bit of an odd duck at first, my Phnom Penh coworkers and some new friends were quick to include me in the fun and games of the retreat. I learned that volleyball is a pretty big deal at the retreat. Teams from the project sites and the main office faced off in the prickly grass despite the afternoon heat. Unfortunately, the Phnom Penh office was defeated in the first round again this year.

The highlight of the retreat was definetly the dancing at the end. Though my traditional Khmer dancing skills are non-existant, my collegues were wonderfully willing to coach me along. I will never master the bendy-hand dance move so popular here but I think I can shuffle along decently to the steps :)


Sunday, October 12, 2008

Vietnam





Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Sapa all in nine days! Crazy travel but a lot of fun. Here are some photos of a wonderful trip with old and new friends.