Posted by Dr. Judy Greenwald

Well, it's our first full day in Phnom Penh. We began by taking a tuck tuck around the city to get an overview of our environs. That was a prelude to our visit to the master performers' demonstration of the work they are doing revitalizing the music and dance almost lost to the abyss. The children who performed were beautiful and extraordinarily talented in their music, dance and opera recitals.

However, it does not paint the picture entirely if we do not mention the utter squalor and poverty in which these schools reside. None of us (including me the third world traveler) have ever seen the like. We strolled through rubble and shambles for homes as the people greeted us with "hellos" on our way to visit the school. Such kindness and generosity from them as they proudly demonstrated their skill. It also is of note that we recited numbers up to 100, the days of the week and the months of the year with them. Emily and I gave the dancers lessons in pirouettes and change ma's.

Speak to you soon. We all thank you for your responses to us. It helps us feel we are having an impact from world to world, culture to culture.