Saturday around town

I stayed in town this weekend, a bit to explore my own city more (as it seems I've been out of town every other weekend since I arrived) and a bit to maintain my sanity (as it seems that some form of culture shock is potentially starting to settle in and I just needed some down time).

Saturday morning started a bit rough. I woke up to the bird that lives in my bathroom vent BLARING his song into my bedroom. (A week ago I thought it was cute. 6:45am on a Saturday morning--not so cute.) Fell back asleep but awoke to a bad dream and the dogs barking outside (unfortunately they weren't part of the bad dream. they're basically always barking). Stumbled out of bed to make coffee. Ignored the gecko that skittered across the kitchen wall (also a constant. they're still in the cute category, but ask me in a month).  Wondered about the buzzing sound I kept hearing until the dragonfly appeared and flew into my hair. Coffee still dripping...crossed the room to get out the oatmeal, stepped in a collection of ants devouring some food particle on the floor. AHHHH!!!

Had several life-giving conversations with dear friends on skype while sipping coffee. And then out of the house with my journal for a jaunt around town. First stop: the riverside. I've only caught glimpses of this beautiful place, but haven't actually walked the boardwalk. I don't know what it is about being by water that feeds my soul, but it does. I sat on a park bench and stared out at the boats and watched the international flags flap in the wind for a long time. It was lovely.

I meandered down the street to a nearby market, and grabbed some freshly squeezed sugarcane juice and a stash of my favorite fruit.

Then up to another landmark I've only seen on the map: Wat Phnom, a huge temple built on hill surrounded by a green park. I feel like it's the biggest collection of trees I've seen within the city, and a place I think I will go more often. 

It is also the home of Sambo, Phnom Penh's city elephant. He is introduced by this most fantastic sign: :-)

It was a beautiful day in the city, chit-chatting in Khmer and taking pictures amidst journaling and thinking a lot. It ended with a slumber party/movie night with two new good friends. Collaging was involved, as evidenced here:

There's a lot on my mind and in my heart, and many dynamics about daily life (where to eat, how to spend money, where to invest my time) and questions I have about how to carry myself (my privilege, my wealth, my faith) in the midst of it that I'm struggling to understand let alone put into words. I'm thankful for a mellow weekend and the presence of good friends--new and old--who have been such an encouragement. I'm in a growing and stretching place. Where there are geckos and elephants and a bird in my bathroom. :) It's good.