if you could only see me now...

My very own gatekeepers

jenniksnyder — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:04:47 +0000

Not only do the kids like to dig through my bags, but they’re convinced that I need help pulling my moto inside the gate.

Their idea of helping me is 1 or 2 or 3 of them piling on trying to help me drive.

These kids make me smile so much.

Fun with floss

jenniksnyder — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:48:06 +0000

My neighborhood kids have a habit of inspecting any bags that I carry into the house. The other day they found dental floss and wondered what it was. I opened the package and demonstrated flossing. Of course, they wanted to try so we all pulled a piece of floss and they gave it their best shot. I’m pretty sure they just liked the minty flavor more than the flossing.

Unwanted neighbors

jenniksnyder — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:41:42 +0000

Thankfully I don’t have any trouble with unwanted houseguests in regards to rats! But outside once the cover of darkness falls…you better watch your step. This big guy showed up dead one morning next to our trash.

Fanta Fan

jenniksnyder — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:49:52 +0000

Today my roommate, Holly, and I were ‘out and about’ after class and we needed to make a stop to give something to a friend. While she was visiting I noticed a little boy standing near me staring very intently at me. I kneeled down and tried to get him to talk to me, but to no avail…he just kept staring stone-faced. That’s cool.

I meandered back across the street to our moto to wait and I noticed that he was right behind me again…still staring. I’m not sure why, but suddenly I thought I should offer him the Fanta I was drinking. He smiled, grabbed the Fanta with both hands like it was exactly the treasure he’d been waiting all his life for and darted back across the street.

After that he was smiling and playful with me and he let me snap a photo of him sitting on the curb sipping his Lychee flavored Fanta.

I’m in the Doghouse

jenniksnyder — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:49:40 +0000

Take a close look at this one…

….need I say more?

ps. It doesn’t taste as bad as it looks……I know.

Hors d’oeuvres anyone?

jenniksnyder — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:43:36 +0000

Contrary to how it may sound, I do more with my time than try strange foods. However, I must admit, these are among the most interesting experiences that I have.

This was my first attempt at eating a grasshopper….

Confessional: I said this was my first “attempt” at eating a grasshopper. I put the whole thing in my mouth, chewed it up, and while it was sitting in the side of my cheek waiting for a swig of coke to wash it down….the juices started running down my throat….I started to gag….and I had to spit it out.

So I can’t say yet that I’ve eaten a grasshopper, but I still call it a success.

After all…when was the last time you chewed up a giant grasshopper?

4th of July Celebration

jenniksnyder — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:18:19 +0000

On the 4th of July my roommate, Holly, found some sparklers and party poppers at the store. After dark we went out on the street to round up the gang of neighborhood kids to join in our celebration. I had no idea they would be so excited about celebrating the independence of America…..oh wait, maybe it was just the fireworks

Note to self….learn how to say, “don’t put that in your mouth,” in Khmer…

The kids had a blast (pun intended) and it was much more fun for us to watch their excitement!

Still peaking into my home…

jenniksnyder — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:47:27 +0000

A peak into my home…

jenniksnyder — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 06:43:58 +0000

Living Room

Grilled Bananas & Roasted Crickets

jenniksnyder — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 05:57:44 +0000

Food is always an interesting part of culture, isn’t it? I’d like to think there is nothing I won’t try at least once…maybe just give me a little more time, ok?

I’ve often been asked as I walk by the restaurant next door (you know the one…) “you eat dog?”…I smile and reply in my best Khmer, “maybe another day.” They laugh and I laugh, but one of these days I’m going to surprise both of us.

I have started to slow down and check out street vendors as I walk by to see if there is anything tasty I would like to try. Some of the vendors on wheels walk the streets with their goodies. Not only is it a chance to try something new, but it’s a chance to practice speaking Khmer. So I stop and buy some grilled bananas, fresh pineapple, roasted crickets or maybe ice-cream….Gotcha..haha! I haven’t had the guts to try the crickets yet….maybe another day

Last week during class my Khmer teacher took me to the market to practice bargaining for something, in Khmer, of course. After making our purchase, a stylish rug for her bathroom, she wanted me to try some food with her. She expressed concern that I wouldn’t want to eat there because it’s very dirty in the market.
“It’s ok,” I said. “I’ll try whatever you put in front of me.”

I’ve heard rumors of people in other countries eating partially developed chickens or ducks out of the egg.

We sat down at a short table on little stools and she ordered up some eggs and sugar cane juice. She showed me how to take my mini-spoon and tap through the top of the egg to make a whole in the top. Add a touch of salt/pepper and a splash of lime juice and you’re good to go.

Just so you know, partially developed baby ducks have already begun growing bones and feathers.