Posted by Michael

The night before last our delegation left for an internet cafe blogging session and I chose to remain behind for a little alone time. I crossed the street with the intention of smoking my cigar, having a beer, and reflecting on some of what we had experienced, to date. But in Cambodia you rarely get what you set out for. As I crossed the street I found my beer in matter of seconds and also found three very intriging fellows who wanted to engage me in converstion. They spoke varing degrees of English and said it would be helpful if I spoke with them as they wanted to improve thier Englsh. I bought them each a beer and set off on an hour and half conversation which covered the cost of my cigar, modern Cambodian politics, our present mission in Cambdia and before long we were laughing and joking as if we were life long friends and as we spoke I started to wonder exactly when these young men would make their sincere plea for me to help them out financially.Well that plea never did materialize all they wanted was little conversation, a few moments of companionship, and a feeling that they are not any different from me.

After all was said and done we hugged each other and they wished me a safe trip and hoped that somewhere all the way our paths might cross again and I must say that I hope so as well.