Last year was so lifeless we didn’t even write one and we all know why. This year began in Phnom Penh after having spent Xmas 2021 in Battambang on the first of what turned out to be several return trips there.
We reflected a lot about the way our lives were progressing and the state of progress and development in Kep while we were in the capital. The idea to perhaps move here was then born.
By February we had talked it over with expat mates and begun the search for a new place. Suffice to say the process was way more complicated than we could ever have imagined and even after committing it took until June to hold the keys in our hands and feel that overwhelming sense of relief that the long wait was over.
The phasing out of teaching the classes for the little monks of Kep was heart wrenching and difficult but we found a way forward and an incredibly talented Khmer speaking replacement. To ease the transition we did trips to the local Butterfly Farm and beach together before actually saying goodbye, and of course we continue to visit them and offer what limit support we can.
The neighbours and especially the family with whom we shared our space and life in Kep for almost five years was an equally difficult community to leave and one we feared we would never replace. We remain in contact and visit them on every trip back and feel very grateful for the connection.
By July we had completed major renovation projects and hosted our first guest, Barry, who arrived just days before we contracted the dreaded big C!! He and we got some time together and we avoided contaminating him and he was a good sport about the situation but it was far from an ideal outcome.
Come August Ian took a tumble down the dilapidated and downright dangerous staircase leading up to our fourth floor apartment at the second level. It is on the needs to be repaired list but we have learned paperwork, approval and actually getting the work done can be a very slow and frustrating process. We will get there eventually.
The fall resulted in a very painful fractured pelvis and a month of as little movement as possible whilst confined to the bedroom for Ian! A further two weeks of weight bearing still trapped in the apartment followed before X-rays and doctors confirmed all was on track and returning to normal activities was once again possible. I became the chief cook, bottle washer, general slave and nurse but we survived and it all healed well enough to be mobile again and getting out and about together in late September.
We did another rehab trip to Battambang to walk, swim and generally regain a sense of adventure, explore more and resume an active lifestyle. Battambang is now a firm favourite location and has a lot to offer. The original historic buildings, uncluttered riverside zone, cultural offerings and a very laid back atmosphere ensure it’s always going to be on our itinerary. Barry even returned to celebrate his birthday with us there recently and we did our best to make it double the fun to compensate for the previous visit. We also discovered a few new hangouts in our now more familiar neighbourhood and all agreed this was a fabulous time together cementing and celebrating our more than thirty year friendship.
Living in PP has brought many of the advantages we foresaw including richer cultural offerings, a vibrant street life, better connections to other regions, more readily available medical treatments, which we did unfortunately have to avail of and a much more diverse availability of fresh produce and food offerings.
Unexpectedly we have also discovered that the fireworks displays we have only ever glimpsed from the streets or budget hotels are clearly visible from our own terrace, there is a niche for us in the local community who have rallied and assisted us not only when Ian had his accident but on a regular basis, a welcoming international expat clan who accept and include us as well as a slow, simple, sustainable and secure lifestyle to embrace.
A big shout out to Dennis and Philip who have been real mates and a huge help and support through what has been a challenging process and an extended settling in period. You have been absolute champions.
Yes there are challenges, inconveniences and obstacles, bureaucracy and
obstinately obnoxious aspects, pollution and problems but where aren’t there? We choose not to focus on those things and look for the positives and embrace gratitude so I can say despite it all we love our current lifestyle and our new abode.
Just days ago we revived the tradition of taking the little monks of Kep on a day trip to Rabbit Island and the one and only thing that will make me happier in 2022 is to return to Australia to see friends and family for the first time in over four and a half years.
So, just in the nick of time allow me to wish you all a very Merry Xmas and a very Happy New Year dear friends near and far. May you feel joy, stay safe and be at peace with who you are, where you are and what will come.
With much love
From
Vicky and Ian xxxxx
Thank you for sharing good knowledge and information it's very helpful and understanding. As I have been looking for this information for a long time.
ReplyDeleteDay Tour in Kathmandu