Kingdom of Cambodia Day 3

But Today began with me waking up at 5am...again. No matter how tired I am, or what time I go to bed, I keep waking up at the butt crack of dawn and it stinks.  By the time I finally get used to this time zone, its going to be time to go!  But I digress...

Today was pretty similar to my previous days, and tomorrow actually starts the hard stuff. We picked up 3 people from the airport today: Gowri, from New Zealand, and Heather and Adam from California. We ate lunch and hung around the mission before heading to the Russian Market again. It was entertaining, because the girls were asking me all sorts of questions about the city, since we were in a tuktuk together. I felt so smart, explaining things about the city and the market. I actually bought a few things from the market today, and worked on my haggling skills. Cambodian Life Lesson #3: if you really can't get a price down by a dollar or two, start walking away. Most of the time, they will give you what you want, or at least a better deal. The only thing they hate more than lowering a price is losing a good sale.

While at the market we went to this awesome NGO Dnon-government organization) shop, where people with handicaps make different items, and they are sold in the city. All of the proceeds go directly back to the people who made the items, and it provides a means of employment for those with special needs who might not otherwise be able to support themselves. There are quite a few NGOs around the city, and I love the idea and practice behind these shops. I hope we are able to visit more organizations like this!

After coming back, praying, and eating, we had the night off to do as we pleased. So, 5 of us pleased to go and see the new Batman movie (I know, I know; shopping and movies makes it seem like I'm working REALLY hard on this trip...lol). It was awesome seeing a movie at night for 3 dollars in a normal theater (If movies were that cheap at home I would see them ALL the time!) The movie was pretty epic (although my ears are STILL ringing from the volume a half an hour later), and I may or may not have cried at the end (although I'm pretty sure I did a good job of hiding it from everyone). If you are reading this Ana, it wasn't a twenty minute sob fest like last time; just a few tears and sniffles. 

Tomorrow is definitely going to be much busier; we are getting a training/debriefing at the mission, touring
Wat Phnom, a huge temple in the city, visiting the Killing fields and prison, and hoping to learn more about the city and culture so as best to serve and reach the people here. I'm just praying I can sleep til 6 or 7 tomorrow!