One week at permanent site

I have been at my permanent site for a week now and it is definitely a challenge. I have spent time getting to know my co-teachers, reading, doing laundry, and exploring the town. I live in a district town along the Mekong river. My house is directly on the river. My family consists of a man and a woman, both of whom are in their 80s. They work hard every day: doing chores, going to the wat to pray, and preparing and selling some sort of leafy green. I have no idea where they get the energy to do it. My father used to be a Khmer teacher and knows some English so it makes things easier. I start school this week, which means that I will observe the English teachers lessons and work out my schedule to work with a co-teacher(s). I really like the teachers at my school because they are around my age and I can relate to them and speak to them relatively easily. I have also spent some time talking to the 12th graders that speak some English. They were really great to talk to because they talk about what they want to improve in the community and what they would like to do in their future.

Next week is the Cambodian holiday Pchum Ben. My father has taken me to the wat a couple of times to watch the ceremonies. I'm not really sure what is going on, I just know that it is associated with the death of budda. Here is more information on the holiday: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pchum_Ben

I have posted some pictures of the ceremonies at the wat and my home. Enjoy!