How I spent my Thanksgiving holiday.
It is Thanksgiving Day here in Cambodia, which for the American staff equates to exorbitant amounts of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, cranberry, homemade rolls (by Christal) and amazing apple and brownie desserts (created by Emily).
For our Cambodian staff the holiday equates to all of the above, overshadowed only by the addition of pizza. Just like the pilgrims first ate at Plymouth Rock.
Our day began like a normal day for us in Phnom Penh. We got ready, stepped out of our house, greeted our turkeys (who apparently did not meet their fate on this day of thankfulness), and went into the office for a few hours. The day became decidedly more “festive” promptly at noon when we followed the smell of pizza and turkey (a beautiful combination) and ate some snacks before filling up our plates (the first of multiple times) with ridiculous amounts of good (and I like to think entirely good-for-you) food.
I love Thanksgiving.
I'm there..if you look for me.
As the eating slowed down a bit and people were beginning to feel that familiar discomfort of having eaten far more than your system can reasonably consume, shouts of delight and glee (depending on your interpretation) could be heard for miles around as each Thanksgiving Day participant was gently accompanied to the pool for an afternoon swim.
Fully clothed.
Just like at Plymouth Rock.
There were rumors floating around that one of our brave F.C.O.P. leaders may have led the charge on this pool-side
Thanksgiving tradition, but unfortunately we have no photographic evidence to confirm or deny this claim.
Incidentally, for those curious on our respective entries into the pool, Kris and Emily, who had watched nearly dozens of attendees go for an unexpected swim, determined they would not be coerced into this burgeoning Thanksgiving Day tradition. In a rebellious display of independence, they ran and simultaneously threw themselves into the water. Their courage will not be forgotten.
I, on the other hand, was standing in the kitchen by Christal commenting that I would normally take my afternoon swim at this time, so maybe it wouldn't really be so bad after all. I looked out to see my husband being carried away by 4 young Cambodian staff (he would later recall the glory of his struggle and the way he kept them at bay for nearly a minute before succumbing to the mob). I then looked to my left as Christal (mumbling something to the effect of "I'll go peacefully") was escorted away by two staff.
A very soaked Ma Sou (who had been invited for a swim by her husband whose anonymity I will protect here), attempted unsuccessfully to hide me in the laundry room area. I heard the words "maybe she's in here" coming from a male voice and I knew my afternoon swim was undeniably inevitable.
I can't really complain though because I had the pleasure of being carried by a very strong, attractive taller man I normally am not permitted to touch in this culture (my husband, for those not tracking..) A Thanksgiving Day miracle indeed :)
We finished up the afternoon by continuing to watch unsuspecting guests be "ushered" (we'll say) into the pool for a swim, drying out afterwards in the sun, and realizing that sitting at our desks a good 5 hours after eating, we are still completely and entirely full.
For our Cambodian staff the holiday equates to all of the above, overshadowed only by the addition of pizza. Just like the pilgrims first ate at Plymouth Rock.
Our day began like a normal day for us in Phnom Penh. We got ready, stepped out of our house, greeted our turkeys (who apparently did not meet their fate on this day of thankfulness), and went into the office for a few hours. The day became decidedly more “festive” promptly at noon when we followed the smell of pizza and turkey (a beautiful combination) and ate some snacks before filling up our plates (the first of multiple times) with ridiculous amounts of good (and I like to think entirely good-for-you) food.
I love Thanksgiving.
As the eating slowed down a bit and people were beginning to feel that familiar discomfort of having eaten far more than your system can reasonably consume, shouts of delight and glee (depending on your interpretation) could be heard for miles around as each Thanksgiving Day participant was gently accompanied to the pool for an afternoon swim. Fully clothed.
Just like at Plymouth Rock.
There were rumors floating around that one of our brave F.C.O.P. leaders may have led the charge on this pool-side Thanksgiving tradition, but unfortunately we have no photographic evidence to confirm or deny this claim.
Incidentally, for those curious on our respective entries into the pool, Kris and Emily, who had watched nearly dozens of attendees go for an unexpected swim, determined they would not be coerced into this burgeoning Thanksgiving Day tradition. In a rebellious display of independence, they ran and simultaneously threw themselves into the water. Their courage will not be forgotten. I, on the other hand, was standing in the kitchen by Christal commenting that I would normally take my afternoon swim at this time, so maybe it wouldn't really be so bad after all. I looked out to see my husband being carried away by 4 young Cambodian staff (he would later recall the glory of his struggle and the way he kept them at bay for nearly a minute before succumbing to the mob). I then looked to my left as Christal (mumbling something to the effect of "I'll go peacefully") was escorted away by two staff.
A very soaked Ma Sou (who had been invited for a swim by her husband whose anonymity I will protect here), attempted unsuccessfully to hide me in the laundry room area. I heard the words "maybe she's in here" coming from a male voice and I knew my afternoon swim was undeniably inevitable.
I can't really complain though because I had the pleasure of being carried by a very strong, attractive taller man I normally am not permitted to touch in this culture (my husband, for those not tracking..) A Thanksgiving Day miracle indeed :)
We finished up the afternoon by continuing to watch unsuspecting guests be "ushered" (we'll say) into the pool for a swim, drying out afterwards in the sun, and realizing that sitting at our desks a good 5 hours after eating, we are still completely and entirely full.Except for Josh who is wondering what's for dinner :)
Happy Thanksgiving!
And for those of you counting along with us, the official countdown to when we board the plane for home is now at 7 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Target here I come....
Comments
As a side note...can I just ask whose job it is to come up with the "word verifications" you have to copy in order to post a comment? In case you're curious, this one is "sockmog." I thought it was creative . Say it out loud, it might make you giggle a little.
I am excited to get to see you and Joshua on Friday. You are so adorable and funny. You remind me of my darling daughter Rebecca 26 years old great scence of humor,and imagination. You should write novels. I would read them. :)
Love Laura Selle