Personal Journey and Adventures of Nina

Lesson Tim e Time to get serious. This is the entire reason the school exists. With education, these kids might get jobs away from their desolate lives, away from the doldrums of watching their siblings whilst their parents work in the rice fields, from a possible life of begging or worse. With knowledge of Khmer, English and some Math, these kids are well armed to break the poverty cycle. There are three full time teachers at Sangtawan School who are wholly committed to engaging these children. The children, in return, are eager to impress. I witnessed the teachers as encompassing a happy combination of caring and fun but with the appropriate amount of firmness. Khmer Written Language I was struck by the beauty of the written Khmer language. It appears lyrical and romantic tinged with a semblance of ancientness. This is  from  Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. English Translation “ All human beings are born free and equal ...

As I approach my upcoming New Zealand trip, I find myself reminiscing about our last little adventure.  Our travels led us from Cambridge on the North Island, South West to New Plymouth by way of Lake Taupo. The imposing Mount Taranaki  volcano and the quaintness of the seaside buildings, reminded us immediately of Oregon, USA .  It was like having Mt Hood and Cannon Beach all in one place. Of course, just add the super friendly New Zealander's and you have the perfect little get away. The State Hotel , an absolutely gorgeous quaint boutique hotel on Devon Street right in the heart of New Plymouth was our home for the next two nights. The Common Sitting room in The State Hotel, Devon Street, New Plymouth Hallway to our room, State Hotel The entrance to The State Hotel and our bedroom .  We found the perfect little Vegan/Vegetarian restaurant for dinner, Loving Hut , just down the street from the hotel. The food was not only fab...