Cambodia - 1st 2 weeks - Reccy Trip

We arrived in Cambodia 2 weeks ago - the time has alternately dragged and flown by. Our UK Overseas director Tim (see photo - Sorry Tim, it was the only one I had!) has kept us very busy. We have had meetings morning, noon and night and fitted in visits to the sights, the markets, the food store and of course to every place in town that will serve Tim a good (and sometimes bad) cup of English tea! .

We have met so many people that I am a bit confused about who is who, but we are starting off next week with a Christmas party / BBQ so that will either add more confusion, or help us to consolidate some of the information that we think we know!

We are currently in a guest house and will move to our rented houses next week (Daniel) and the week after (me and Anna). This is very luxurious compared to Africa - running water (mostly), constant electricity, fridge, fans and a washing machine! Most things are available (but for a price - Cheese especially is very expensive). The food is imported from Australia and a lot of other household items from China. The fresh fruit / veg is plentiful - as is the palm oil and MSG!

There are many serious issues facing Cambodia which I will try to outline over the next few weeks. And the credit crunch has not left this place alone either. The currency is in dollars - this time last year £1=$1.9, now £1=$1.4. This does not hugely affect the people on the street, but many missionaries and NGO's are struggling (thoise from the UK and Australia in particular) as their home support does not go as far. Also, the offical rate of inflation is 33% - this does affect everyone, ex-pat and local alike. I did not really think this through until Tim was talking to me about the budget, which was set on last years' income - I think we may be living on the British equivalent of beans on toast (which is rice/ noodles with vegetables)!!