IYF Volunteer 1st Meeting

Situated at Teuk Tla Commune, Sen Sok District, IYF center is where all 200 volunteers meet to be informed of our responsibilities to be a volunteer.

In this first meeting (April 28, 9:00-11:30), we were given a copy of World Camp schedule and we were also briefly explained about what the benefits of being a volunteer are as well as that of being participants in World Camp are, what the activities we will do throughout the five-day program, and how we will be graded for our performance as a volunteer.

As I’ve written in my previous posts about IYF, it’s our honor to have World Camp celebrated in Cambodia for the first time. Therefore, I would like to recommend to any interested university students to participate in this program because it is such a good program that aims at developing our potentiality to be a future leader. In this program, there will be exchange of culture between participants (Korean, Cambodian, Vietnam, Thai, and others) through cultural performance, communication, and group work. At the same time, it’s a good work opportunity to learn about the depth of your mind through the speech of the chief advisor, Dr. Ock Soo Park.

If you are interested in being a part of this marvelous program, you can register by paying only $10, and you will experience this chance of change. Registration desk is at IYF center or at the Department of Youth of MoEYS located on Norodom Blvd. For more information, you can contact my email address: taingleng0805@gmail.com. 1,000 seats are allowed!

IYF Volunteer

I am finally selected to be a IYF volunteer for World Camp 2010. We were with so much of anxiety while Nareth and I had been waiting for the result of the IYF volunteer selection since last night and the whole morning. And we felt very excited when we saw our names listed on the list as if we had hit a jackpot. Nareth, Vutha, and I were selected.

IYF 2nd workshop was held on the 24th and 25th April at the Royal University of Agriculture which was intended to select the 200 volunteer students from various universities in Phnom Penh for the World Camp 2010 program which is organized by the IYF Cambodia.

After having been participated in two workshops for five days—1st workshop for 3 days, and 2nd workshop for 2 days—and having answered several questions related to the study of human mind taught by the Chief of IYF Cambodia, we are now eligible for the World Camp which is a good opportunity to learn about ourselves through the study of mind; to know how to work together; and to understand about other cultures.

I really look forward to the upcoming program which is to be scheduled on 17th-20th of May. I hope I will do well and expect a memorable and meaningful experience.

Pictures taken on the 1st day of 2nd workshop are in the followings:

Gathering for Shakespeare’s Birthday

It seemed to be an excuse for using Shakespeare’s birthday to have a gathering at Lucky Seven on Friday evening. However, it was a good occasion to meet other English literature students who either are currently studying or used to study in the afternoon session. Personally, I was glad to meet these new friends who have something in common. Besides Lak and Chetra, I met other members who I’ve often seen in facebook, including Visal, Kim Heng, Ratha, Sreyvoat, Sandap, and Theary, but never in person.

Admittedly, as a literature student, I’ve never noticed the background of Shakespeare who has always been considered the father of English literature until I was invited to join this small party that induces me to start checking up on him. It’s just a general knowledge for an English literature student.

Though only shortly we met, it was a memorable moment. And I hope I will know them better next time.

In Commemoration of Shakespeare

Only relaxation you would give
Is what I used to believe,
How dreadful you appeared to be
When I had to analyze you critically.

You are more than I realize,
Give me a means to mobilize,
After learning the depth of you,
Somewhere beyond my world you bring me to.

Literature studies you are named,
Abundant writers who are famed,
Among of those is Shakespeare,
Other writers come in the rear.

A supposed poem for commemoration,
Just to call for special attention,
Learning literature is integral,
Enrich your life and be exceptional.

*I would like to apology for any mistakes made both grammatically and in poetry format, for I haven’t studied any poetry course. Give some feedback and correction if possible.

I wish....

I wish I were a blade of grass—no matter how tiny the fissure was, I would be able to push myself out to reach the brightness of the sunshine.

I wish I were a little bird—flying up high into the sky; going from place to place regardless of boundary, to see the world beyond of mine.

I wish I were an ignorant babygirl—who cares for nothing around her; living in a world of no worry but peace in mind.

I wish I were a powerful magician—giving myself whatever I want; doing whatever I wish; going wherever I like; making a world of wonder.

I wish I were a computer with unlimited space—able to back up lessons I’ve learnt, save all people I’ve met, and folder experiences I once have had, but delete all moments of unhappiness and despair.

I wish I were a flexible robot—working without feeling exhausted, completing tasks as fast as I could, and of course everything would be perfectly done.

I wish I were an expert in human relation—able to read people’s mind and know what they want and need; able to communicate effectively with people; being loved and welcomed by the world.

I wish I were the God—directing myself to the best destiny of all; make me a person of health, cheer, wisdom, luck, and fortune.

Unfortunately, I am neither of these! LIFE is not so easy! FACE it and LEARN to live in reality and make the best of you…

Suon Soben Chamkapring (Pring Field Dream Park)

A group of five, including Chetra, Nareth, Nith, Lak and me, went to the park on the third day of this Khmer New Year (April 15, 2010) for sightseeing and taking pictures.

Initiated by Chetra who used to go there in Chinese New Year with her family, the plan was set just at the night before the day. Feeling too excited and obsessed with the images of what we would see and what we would do, I could hardly fall asleep. I also woke up early the next morning.

We gathered at 9:00 in front of RUPP and started our journey. We spend around half an hour to reach the destination.

For foreigner’s understanding, I would like to define the name of the park. ‘suon soben’ means ‘dream park’; ‘chamka’ is translated ‘field’; ‘pring’ is a kind of tropical fruit in purple color; there are many this kind of trees in the park. That’s why it is called so. There are also many mango trees planted.

Pring Field Dream Park is a place for public recreation where we can find facilities in amusement park (though they’re rather outdated), place for concert, good picnic site, and views of nature and manmade structures.

Today’s weather was not as hot as previous days when I could concentrate on nothing but playing games in front of the electronic fan. This morning the sun was shining but now and then it was blocked by some clouds with light, cool wind. The environment was fresh and pleasant.

Perhaps it was too early or it is too newly established, there were not many visitors until it was 11:00 am when people came from visiting Samrongandeth pagoda and prepared their lunch in the park, as we supposed.

What I was frustrated at was the behavior of the gang of young residents who gathered on every exit of the roads and tried to stop passengers and asked money from us. If we refuse to give them, they will spread the powder on our face. To avoid the powder, Lak gave them 500 riels. It was not a great amount of money, but this behavior is intolerable and unacceptable. It seems as if they want ßßto have fun with us in the new year occasion, but in fact they just use it as an excuse to get money. This makes passengers feel fearful of!

It was a tired trip since we had been walking, laughing, chatting, and riding motorbike totally for four hours. Despite of this, we had a special, leisured time together.

These are some of the views in the park.

Pictures taken with Nith, Nareth, Lak, and Chetra.

After having toured the whole park, we walked to Samrongandeth pagoda to see what was happening there. It may seem ridiculous to tell people that I’ve never been to a pagoda in Khmer New Year or other Khmer tradition occasions. Each family has their own culture, and my family has never had this culture of going to pagoda.

Another Time of Reunion

Similar to the previous time, the reunion party was celebrated at Kea’s house. The only difference is the absence of Kea who is now in New Zealand. This time we had Kor Lang Phnom which I’ve never tasted before. We prepared everything by ourselves, so we’re satisfied of what we made. It’s always our pleasure to chat about this and that, eat something and take photos together.

However happy the moment is, it does have an end. I may not be good at expressing my feeling verbally, especially orally, but what I felt inside my heart of this event is warmth and happiness.

April 12, 2010

New Year Party at UC

What should I say about this party?

The arrangement of the party by the UCSS was quite acceptable; however, I more enjoy meeting and chatting with my friends who I invited to join this party.

All of a sudden, Theavin came to my house right before I was about to go to UC, so I invited her and we went there together. We arrived at 2:30. The concert was not begun until 3. Nareth and Nith were late.

Playing physically is always my weakness, especially Khmer traditional games which I’ve rarely participated. With Nareth’s encouragement, I played the game ‘Seizing the tree branch’ this afternoon. Embarrassedly, I fell and hurt myself on my left palm when I was trying to avoid being touched by the opponent. It bled and now it is still hurting me. To my surprise, Nareth also fell and hurt herself a little bit shortly after my incidence. We were the most unlucky pair, I may say. Nith and Theavin also participate in one competition—eating bananas. They failed to finish the bananas before other competitors and finally lost the game. We were real losers today.

Whatever happened, I’m very delighted to have such a gathering once in a while when we can enjoy ourselves and inform one another about our recent happenings after all.

April 10, 2010, 10:30pm

Students prepred to play the game--Chaol Chhung (throwing the towel)

There weren't lots of people who came to see the performance compared to last year's party.

Participants prepared to play the game--eating bananas. Look! Nith and Theavin are there!

Elina, an exchange student from Finland, is my classmate from OB class.

Students from each college are selling some snack and accesories to visitors.
Particularly, these are students from the College of Arts and Humanities.

The parking lot is used for the performance, so visitors' vehicles are put outsides.

This is Nith, Thida, Nareth, and me. (From the left)

This is Nith, Theavin, Chetra, and Nareth. (From the left)

Happy Khmer New Year

Good luck, Good health, and Good cheer throughout year 2010!

Generous or Selfish? Helpful or Self-centered?

Before any examination, I often hear of such a saying: ‘Happy cooperation’. It’s not unusual to know that students, regardless of what level they are at, are very ‘cooperative’ and ‘helpful’ in sharing answers during exams. This culture, I dare say, is prevalent among students and pupils because they have a strong belief that ‘we should help each other in difficult circumstances’ or ‘having a friend is better than having a foe’. My set of attitudes and beliefs usually drive me out of the group.

Some people may perceive me to be a miser who is too self-centered, unhelpful, and uncooperative. Since I rarely or I don’t want to discuss, share, or allow people to copy my answers during exams unless I feel forced to do so. In addition, I’m not willing to let anyone copy my homework either by hand or by copying machine. Due to this behavior, sometimes I feel a bit isolated and not very welcomed; though I don’t regret for what I’ve done so far. People who know me well will understand why I tend to retain these behaviors.

Do I really help them if I give them the answers during exams or let them just copy my homework and submit to the teacher? Will they learn something? As far as I’m concerned, this is an indirect way to push them down to the valley. There is a good piece of advice saying ‘It’s better to teach people how to hunt rather than go hunting for them. For this reason, I prefer to give them explanations and directions in solving accounting exercises because it provides dual benefits not only for them but also for me.

What do we mean by ‘generous, helpful, and cooperative’? Absolutely, they are good terms that a person wishes to be described since no one is happy when they are called a miser. But, make sure we be generous and help at the right time or else they are simply terrible vices.

How are hotel graded?

Degree of luxury is the major factor in determining the level of a hotel. Hotel is graded in various ways in different countries. It is common to hear of star-rating hotel, while there are several other ways such as letter grading from ‘A’ to ‘F’ and diamond rating. The higher the star ratings, the luxurious the hotel is.

There isn’t yet an international standard to classify hotel. Some countries have rating by a single public standard or defined by laws. Belgium, Denmark, Greece, Italy, Spain and Hungary are the examples. On the other hand, the rating is sometimes defined by the respective hotel industry association using a 5-star system as being practiced in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, and UK while US employs the diamond rating in some states. Some hotels may self evaluate and give themselves the rating. Therefore, the consumers can be easily misled or confused by the rating. One should keep in mind that two hotels with the same rating do not necessarily mean they offer the same facilities.

Though five-star rating is the most commonly heard, six-star or seven-star are also in use. For British system, AA (Automobile Association) rating system is employed, while the American version is AAA. However, there are several hotels categorized as six-star, and only three hotels around the world are said to be seven-star.

The characteristics and general services provided by a star hotel (based on AA Recognition):
-One-star: small, independent-owned, with family atmosphere; services are provided by the owner or the family members informally; limited facilities; bedrooms may not equipped with a bathroom; cleanliness, maintenance, and comfort are fairly acceptable.

-Two-star: medium-sized and offer more extensive facilities; guests expect more comfortable and well-equipped accommodation compared to one-star hotel; offer wider range of straightforward services, such as food and drink.

-Three-star: having great quality and a wide range of facilities; reception and other public rooms are spacious; the hotel’s restaurant also caters for outsiders; all bedrooms will have fully en suite bath and shower rooms; provided with comfort and equipments such as a hair dryer, direct dial telephone, toiletries in bathroom; room service is also expected.

-Four-star: degree of luxury, quality furnishings, décor and equipments are expected; bedrooms are more spacious, well-designed, and luxuriously decorated; hotel staffs are enough to meet the consumers’ demands; services include porterage, 24 hour room service, laundry and dry-cleaning.

-Five-star: more spacious and luxurious than lower level of hotel, which matches the best international standard; services are formal and carefully supervised; staff is with high technical skills, knowledgeable, helpful, courteous and attentive.

The six-star hotels include: Crown Macau, St. Regis Shanghai Hotel, Gold Coast in Australia, Seoul Park Hyatt in South Korea, and so on.

And the seven-star hotels include: Town House Galleria in Milan, the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, and the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

References:
-en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_(classification)
-www.onecaribbean.org/content/files/hotelcalssification(1).pdf