In the Cambodian News... hilarious!

If there is one thing that I love here in Cambodia, it is noting the differences between how this nation operates compared to the United States. I have become much better at using the word "different" rather than "worse," because the latter implies that my culture and country do some things better than others.

These two news stories appeared in successive Cambodia Daily newspapers. They are hilarious in their own way and can definitely be describes as "different!"

Headline: One Officials Embarrassment Becomes Internet Sensation

If any of you are YouTube fanatics, you might have seen this clip. In just a few days, it has accumulated nearly 40,000 views in a nation where internet access is limited. If you have not seen the clip, it can be seen using the following link: Phnom Penh Roadrage .

In brief, a government official was arrested for running over a military official's moto while a police officer just watches the whole debacle. This is probably the most that all three branches of the government have worked together in recent years. However, as the official drives off, he takes the moto with him, a shot is fired by the military official and the police officer simply walks away. Knowing the streets, the driver continued for 1-2 miles before being stopped by police. Here are some quotes from the article. :

• "The driver of the car, Mr. Than has retained his position as the deputy director general of the department of National Assembly-Senate Relations and Inspection."

Essentially what this quote means is that Mr. Than gets paid a lot to do very little and people in the government are not concerned about his day-to-day routine.

• "In the beginning of the investigation, we (the police) had thought about sending him to the court but we found out that he is mentally ill so we will not... the court would look as silly as him."

I appreciate the officials honesty as well as his respect for the court system. Instead of taking this guy to court and seeing some justice, the Cambodian officials decided to just let him go and allow this man to jump back into his car. Sounds good.

• "Mr. Than has worked for the government for 20 years, but his former staff pities him because he used to be a good man but has become like this... It has also been noted that Mr. Than no longer performs official duties but still recieves a government salary."

I have come to the conclusion that the smart one is Mr. Than. Pose with a mental illness and you can get away with driving over an officers moto, you have no expectations at work and you still get a check. Sounds like Mr. Than has an awesome pension plan!

We loved this article, the clip and the people who commented. That one for sure gives you an indication of life in Phnom Penh as well as the way issues are sometimes handled in the city.

Headline: Breaking out the Hoodies: Cool Weather May Last Until January

This article appeared two days ago. We have had INCREDIBLE weather in Cambodia starting last Friday. It was as if someone flipped the hot and rain switches off. It is cool and breezy and the weather really does make this place feel totally different.

However, it seems to be too cold for many Cambodians and here are some comments to support that feeling.

• "Mountainous areas will be most affected, with temperatures hovering between 13 and 15 degrees celsius (roughly 58 - 60 degrees farenheit)... while lowland areas will hover between 16-18 degrees (about 60-65 degrees farenheit."

This is not cold, it is called awesome and I will take it any day over the 85-95 with monumental humidity.

• "The temperatures could be around 14 degrees at night but it will not affect the soldiers in the mountainous areas... if the temperature gets below 10 degree (50 degrees farenheit) we will declare an emergency... soldiers have already been given heavy winter coats and improvements are being made to their camps."

50 degrees? An emergency? 50 degrees should be cause for celebration and jubilee. I have some jackets that to soldiers can wear, I will not need them as I will be outside enjoying the nice weather!

Great stuff from the Cambodia Daily. In all honesty, there are articles published everyday that highlight the often too present violence seen in this country and it has been nice to read the paper and enjoy a few laughs. Bundle up and enjoy the video clip!