Once every year the Khmer foundation sponsors a charity fair. The purpose of this fair is to highlight the talents of the children in traditional music, dance, and sports and to thank all those who supporters, friends, board members. Additionally it is a time for alumni to gather and to hopefully raise a bit of cash.
It was to my delight that the fair was postponed to March this year and I was able to participate in this gala event. The setting was reminiscent of a medieval carnival, albeit with large loudspeakers spewing ear deafening decibles. There was a large, colorful tent, festooned in streamers, with seating for one hundred guests. In the front was a sizable stage for performances. The soccer field sprouted another gargantuan tent. Both tents contained observation stands with VIP seating in front consisting of beautifully carved hardwood sofas and chairs. Much to Rich and my chagrin we were considered VIPs, too, and placed prominently in front of the activities.
One must feed such a large gathering, so booths were constructed where the cooking staff along with students prepared traditional foods such as grilled meats, curries, sliced fruits, soups, sandwiches on really baguettes, and amok fish, and as always plenty of rice to fill you up.
A system of chits provided a cashless economy to purchase foods, drink and the various games of chance. One also could purchase handmade crafts from women’s cooperatives and I purchased a scarf and a nice piece of fabric to use as a sarong.
A system of chits provided a cashless economy to purchase foods, drink and the various games of chance. One also could purchase handmade crafts from women’s cooperatives and I purchased a scarf and a nice piece of fabric to use as a sarong.
The weekend was action packed and as part of the esteemed staff, it was quite grueling. We were picked up from our hotel in Phnom Penh at 6:30 for a treacherous drive to home 1. As I have related before, Phnom Penh drivers are fearless and follow the assumed rule, if you are bigger you have the right of way. (Our driver took daring to a higher art form, passing on two lane curves and on hills, blasting the horn at regular intervals, and playing chicken with trucks and the ubiquitous motorcycle. I was fortunate enough to have a seatbelt but also the front passenger position.) But I digress; we stayed at the home until 10:00 on Saturday night and were taken home early, 8 pm on Sunday. Both days consisted of multiple soccer games, traditional dance performances in costume which were choreographed by a gnome like, elderly woman, who was a former dance teacher for the royal family. There were multiple meals, gatherings to chat with those who spoke English, and consulting with the inner circle for discussion and planning.
On Sunday, an archeology professor educated in the U.S. escorted us on visits to the local Wat (Buddhist temple) built on a prehistoric mound, and to some other mounds in the area where artifacts were surfacing from the soils due to animal digging and erosion.
On Sunday, an archeology professor educated in the U.S. escorted us on visits to the local Wat (Buddhist temple) built on a prehistoric mound, and to some other mounds in the area where artifacts were surfacing from the soils due to animal digging and erosion.
On Monday we returned to Battambang, a bit worn out, but full of wonderful foods, experiences, and memorable friendships. For more pics, click here.
No comments:
Post a Comment