Singing in the rain

The rain is starting to hit and for the last few days the streets have become massive puddles with about 10cm worth of water, turning Phnom Penh into to a network of waterways. I have discovered that if I go slowly on my bike, and don't stop, I can keep the waves and splash down low enough that I don't get too wet... It's actually quite fun! I've discovered that this is a great analogy for working here in Cambodia.

This week I have had a bit of disappointment in that I had been told by the university on Monday that I could start work and so began to lecture, tutor and plan lecture and course outlines... Just when everything seemed to be getting going it started 'raining'. On Friday night they told me that some of the management were still opposing the employment of this foreigner and that I had to stop. Thankfully I like riding in the rain here and I think that if I just gently push through it will all work out... I have gentle momentum in place from my private work and my research, I've got to keep spinning just fast enough to keep moving, slow enough that I don't make to much of a splash, and with enough foresight that I don't have to stop too suddenly and plant my foot in the river that is the road! Although my first reaction was to eat chocolate (Hershey's cookies and cream) after some time I was able to mediate on what was happening. I (still) feel inherently grateful to be here and so far I feel like I have been able to make the most of every day. Therefore I am determined to go on seizing every opportunity, strong in the conviction that the best is yet to come! No one said it was going to be easy.