The girl on the blue bicycle

I've been here for 9 days and starting to get a bit of a rhythm, I only have to stop every now-and-again to check my GPS, and I almost have a job! Actually, the private practice job is sorted (http://roomchang.com/) but it is the university job that is giving me trouble... They don't want me because I'm not yellow. Hepatitis anyone!?

I'm still information gathering about the best way to deliver the maternal-child oral health project (Cambodia Smile) and at the moment I think we'll use vaccination nurses to deliver a bundle of vaccinations, de-worming, vitamin A, oral health instruction and fluoride varnish. Watch this space!

My major success since arrival has been the introduction of Victor Nelson (Vic for short) into the big city... He is a major hit and attracts admiring glances from motorists,children and parking attendants alike! Lucky I learnt the words for bike (kong) and beautiful (sa-art) because now I know what they are saying and I'm pretty sure they're not talking about the girl (shra-all) and the fluorescent, high-visibility punga legs for extra safety and functioning. The other day I had a conversation all the way down the street with a security guard who wanted to know all about the bike and the girl. Sometimes there are chuckles and other times amazement. I feel as though riding a bike is a real barrier breaker and I cherish the moments of connection that I can indulge in each time I pedal down the street.

Some of you might know that Vic's frame was actually fabricated in here in Cambodia (before assembly inTaiwan) so what can I say Victor Nelson? Welcome home!