apinchofrkmh

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Seoul with family

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Here's to Jeju with friends and family!

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Here's to Busan Trip 2025!

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Japan is a great place to visit!

Thank you for all the memories!

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They say, you're get poorer when you visit Japan. Couldn't agree more!

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We realize we were eating instant noodle towards the end of the trip. Before we haven't even started the trip, we were talking about this template and how broke we might become. And it came into reality!

The most expensive food, 3,000yen!

[apinchofrkmh]

Summer Break 2024

Part 2

It's been the longest summer break of my entire working career!

8 weeks yo!

With all the travelling in Seoul and Singapore, I do spend time in Malaysia with family and friends!

Brought aunties to Wonder Farm Mushroom with the request from mom for me to drive.

Then we went to Taiping to have cendol

And drove back to Penang to pick dad up to have dinner at 5 Star

Pretty tiring day but it was great!

Was surprise to find Eunice in Penang and so we caught up for some coffee. Rachel Auber found a hidden gem in Penang and shared it with me, asking me to pay a visit and I did.

It's just a tiny little house that can only take 2 tables and a counter for them to prepare their food and drink. So we all had to sit outside.

And when night came, the scenery was pretty!

Was the place worth going? Nah.. The choices of drink is so limited that I ask myself why am I here? They only open at 6pm and closed at midnight and they only serve kambucha and coffee. Wish they will expend further and change their opening hours at least.

After coming back from Seoul, I wanted to eat crab just to try out the new pair of scissors I bought from Korea. Hehe.. So I made auntie cook.

[apinchofrkmh]

Housemates

During my university days, I remember praying continuously for a good roommate that I don’t have to struggle living with. But in the end, I didn’t even stay in the hostel. Haha

This is time, living in a shared house with three bedroom, it requires me to find housemates every time someone leaves. And it’s tedious. So tedious.

So, last year, 2023, I moved into The Fortress of Female Power. Yeah, what a name right? Someone worked in google and manage to name the place it is today.

I enjoyed living with Ady but he left to Abu Dhabi. He found a housemate via social media. Her name is Ayesha and I didn’t feel good vibes having her. However, Ady needed to find a housemate to get back his deposit and we welcomed Ayesha.

Ayesha is from Cape Town, South Africa. She came here to do her English test and became a kindergarten teacher.

A few months later, my other housemate left and Ayesha invite her friend to stay with her. She’s Lizzie and she’s from America.

I didn’t come to agreement for Lizzie to stay as I didn’t get a chance to meet her first. I left to Malaysia for 8 weeks when she came and join us in August 2023.

Having Lizzie was a blessing. But having Ayesha isn’t. Ayesha started to smoke in the room which affects the air quality. She started to be financially crippled that she suggest to stop cleaning services and we decided to do our cleaning. However, her cleaning isn’t the same level as Lizzie and myself.

Almost every month, she struggle to pay up utility bills. And when I ask for it, she seems angry at me. Or her tone change when she speaks to me.

Last year, around Sept 2023, she told me she need to go back to South Africa to get her passport renewed as there is no embassy in Cambodia and the nearest is Thailand. Which will be a big gamble for her to be in Thailand while waiting for her passport to be completed. She left to Africa in November and only came back in late December.

When she came back to Cambodia, she lost her job as a kindergarten teacher. From her perspective, she said she took leave for too long and the school decided to terminate her. She started to ask if she could borrow $80 from me and I gave an excuse that I’m studying and needed funds for myself too. She replied me unhappily.

So she quickly find another school in order to survive. She was glad to find one but was only able to start 4 weeks later. At the mean time, they told her to work part time over the weekend only. As weeks gone by, she got a call from the school that got the offer, stating that they didn’t want her anymore. The school did a background check on her with her previous school and thought that she won’t be a good fit for her in the school.

She got so angry and came ranting at me. Of course, I’ll do the same too. But I came to think, she must have done something ain’t good that they reconsider her. Then thoughts just came flooding in my head. How did she manage to pay the house rent?

So I went to the landlady to ask if she’s actually paying and she said Ayesha hasn’t been paying for 4 months since November to January. I was also told that she plead and cried in from of her to allow her to stay for another month. And the landlady was kind enough to allow her to stay until the end of February. She also requested Ayesha to pay at least a month of rental but she couldn’t afford.

It was the 29th February 2024. The year with the longest February in 4 years. Haha. Landlady was expecting her to leave on this day. But Ayesha said 1st March. Landlady wasn’t happy as she kept delaying.

On 1st March, in the afternoon, the landlady came into the house and thinking if she could do some cleaning. She was is utter shock to find out how messy Ayesha’s room was. I came back home and found landlady in our unit. She open Ayesha’s room and ask me to take a look. I was in utter shock too! Clothes everywhere on the floor, plates and bowls unwashed with food on it, wine bottles everywhere!!!

Anyway, I knew she was leaving on 1st March and I was thinking maybe it’s a good thing to leave the house so I don’t bump into her. Lo and behold, I literally saw her downstairs waiting for her tuktuk! I was like, DANG!!! What should I say?! Wished her well of course!

The next day, the first thing I did was to wash all the kitchen utensils that she’s been using! I just got to kill all the bacteria!

It was a Saturday, I had to do my private teaching in the morning. Again, I bump into Ayesha downstairs again! This time with Lizzie! I could never understand what she was saying because of her accent. She was telling me something and I’m not quite sure what it was and all I said was, “Yeah, you should pay back Lizzie the utility bills” and guess what? She said, “That’s one thing about you Rachel. You and your attitude. Your character! That’s just you!”

Wow. What happen there?

What the hell? I was being accuse with my attitude? Maybe you should look at the mirror first, girl. Landlady has the rights to come into your room when you don’t pay your rents.

I sat on the tuktuk, reflecting what she said to me. I can’t think of what I did to her apart from telling her please don’t smoke in the room. Haha.

So, when the landlady came in wanted to clean the house, feeling pissed after seeing Ayesha’s room, she expressed herself about Lizzie. She said that Lizzie didn’t pay for her first month rental. I was shocked cause I think there’s a misunderstanding there. Lizzie is like me. She doesn’t like owing people and making sure that she clears her bill as soon as possible.

I had a talk with Lizzie. There were a few matters I had to speak to her. The first was the misunderstanding about rental payment. She said she paid the deposit to the previous tenant and to Ayesha $200 for the first rental and cleaning when it’s suppose to be only $193. Dang. After 8 months, we found out that Ayesha didn’t pass the money to the landlady. Sigh.

The second thing I had to speak to Lizzie was her boyfriend. For the past two weeks, her boyfriend was staying with her in our house. I don’t feel comfortable and I didn’t sign up for a plus one. I know I have to tell her no matter what. And I did. She said the previous tenant brought hers. Why not mine? Yeah, previous tenant’s boyfriend only came on the weekend. But yours, everyday!!! I told her that I hope she understands it isn’t fair for me. And her boyfriend came out and scolded me. Like what? You’re a nobody in the house and you’re acting like you are the boss of the house. Bloody Khmer boy.

After confrontation that night, I didn’t see that bloody boy anymore. It was a peaceful Sunday. But a shocking Monday morning.

“Hey, I broke up with my boyfriend”

Ops. Sorry that you did. But I’m glad that you did. Hahahahaa

She told me the boy was so controlling. Telling her what she can wear, who she can talk to, where she can go. Dude, Lizzie is American. She’s born to be independent no matter you like it or not. Stupid boy.

From then on, I felt my relationship with Lizzie got better and we had a meal together.

It’s a very difficult situation wanting to stay in Fortress of Female Power if you don’t have friends to replace someone who is leaving.

Lesson learned. If you don’t feel a good vibe with a person, don’t accept. Follow your instinct!

[apinchofrkmh]

It's my 2 year anniversary on Tumblr 🥳

[apinchofrkmh]

Water Festival Break

So, it was Water Festival here in Cambodia and I took this opportunity to leave this country. Well, I always do when there's more than 3 days off!

This is my first time sleeping in KLIA 2 airport. I had a midnight layover at the airport and had to be a homeless woman, sleeping on the chair! What a great bag packer experience! It's surely not fun!

I know I just came back from Malaysia last month and I made my way back again. This is because my beloved cg leader was getting married in a very beautiful place called Suffolk House. I don't really like attending weddings but this one, exceptional. Cause I have amazing friends to be with.

Didn't take picture with the bride and groom. How sad! haha

We hang out after the wedding at MugShot and had a great time fellowshipping with one another

Most of my time was spend with my family. Went to have meal in Harvest Inn and Four Season Desserts on the first day when I landed.

However, last Sunday I had an unpleasant encounter with a contractor who had defrauded my auntie of her money. The contractor showed up at their house, inquiring about the state of the work done a few years back. As a general rule, it's best to avoid engaging with such individuals. However, my aunties, being overly kind, fell for the contractor's ploy and handed him RM350 for paint. He vanished without a trace after receiving the money. My auntie made numerous attempts to contact him, but he consistently offered excuses.

By the time I returned to Penang, three weeks had passed, and the contractor had yet to fulfill his commitments. He even resorted to blocking my auntie on WhatsApp. I reached out to him on Friday, employing a polite tone, and requested that he complete the job for which he had been paid.

He pledged to deliver the paint and the workers on Sunday morning at 8:30 AM. However, he failed to show up. At 9:30 AM, I called him again, maintaining a calm demeanor despite my simmering anger. He continued to provide the same lame excuse about sick workers. His evasiveness pushed me to my limits. I hadn't eaten breakfast and was feeling particularly irritable. I confronted him over the phone, demanding that he honor his commitment.

I persistently called him until I was certain he had picked up, reiterating my intention to settle this matter that very day. He assured me that he would deliver the paint by 1 PM. Initially, I was willing to accept the paint, but upon reflection, I decided to demand a refund instead. I insisted on a bank transfer to my account. Hesitantly, I provided my account number, fearing that he might exploit it for fraudulent purposes. However, after examining his text messages and communication style, I concluded that he lacked the sophistication of a cybercriminal.

Stuck waiting from 10am until 1pm, I was left fuming with frustration. His incessant stream of voice messages filled with excuses on my auntie's phone was unbearable, so I decided to switch off the data. Consumed by anger, I lashed out at my aunties, which I deeply regret. Seeking justice, I resolved to file a police report. Accompanied by my aunties, we headed to the police station and lodged a formal complaint.

It didn't take long to do a police report. So I sat down and decided to threaten the scammer.

While threatening him, I had to send voice message to him in the end as he said my English was too difficult for his level as he mentioned he only completed his education up till year 9. Not sure if I should pity him or laugh at him.

I was stern. Making sure he knows that I'm demanding enough. And he voice message me and said that it was unfortunate for him to meet up with me. And I replied him the same way. hahahaha

He never fail to kept giving excuses. As usual, I turn off the data and didn't want to listen to his excuses. Then I pretended that I was driving to the police station and couldn't reply him.

Right after the text: "I'm at the station already. Should I proceed?", I received RM350 in my account!

Boy! You don't know how happy I was. Jumping and shouting for joy!

I finally won the scammer! I was polite enough to thank him, bless him and then block him!

I was so relief and manage to have a proper meal with my parents at Gertak Sanggul. Not the best meal, but I was able to have my mind at rest.

My dad sold my first car. My very first beloved Kelisa that I drove to high school, university and all over Penang. It was time to say goodbye.

And before I head back, I must meet up with Ralphie. And he invited a lamp post with him. hahahaha!

I won't be seeing Ralphie until next year April. I think I'm going to miss him when I come back in December and February. Isokeh. Time past very fast.

It's just a short trip of 3 days 2 nights. But it was so fulfilling and overwhelming at the same time.

Loving every moment spend in Penang with my loved ones.

[apinchofrkmh]

Thanksgiving

It's my first time celebrating thanksgiving. Not really an asian culture. But because my connect members are mostly Americans, they decided to have one!

We had potluck, with a twist of each person bringing a food with the initial of our name.

It's all about food and sharing! We had a great time together and getting to know more people in this country!

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Connect Group

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Work. Travel. Repeat.

"The magical thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back."

Oh, how true is that. Home is really my comfort place. But when it gets too comfortable, it's time to explore the world with challenges and gain experience.

One thing about being in this school is having too much school holidays. There's a week break and I decided to fly back to Malaysia just for fun. I don't think I want to be stuck in this country for a week, not doing anything fun.

My whole plan was to hang around the capital of Malaysia. As I arrive in Malaysia, I met up with my cousin's family. And God knows, my relatives from Australia are back too. Wow.

And here we are, eating Klang Bak Kut Teh

Spent two days catching up with friends that I have not met in ages! First thing first, Cherylyn! I'm so glad to get updated with her inspiring and courageous life! Seeing her grow spiritually through tough times build my faith up and knowing that our God is more than enough.

Then, a bunch of other friends that consist of ex-colleague from Fairview. Uh, we were so busy talking and eating that we have forgotten to take a picture together! I guess the next time when we meet, there will be tiny ones with us during meet up! And here's what we ate~

I had a little to no intention to go back Penang but I try not too if I can. But sadly, there are still train ticket available and I thought maybe I should occupy the seat.

Came back, flat on the bed straight from the train station. Woke up thinking how I should be spending my night and here you go...

Spending it with someone I look forward to every day. We had great time sharing our work life and enjoyed listening to disney and 90's music at China House. I could stay there the whole night and sing all day but sadly he's working and I don't want to hold him back over the weekday.

During the day, I spend the time with my aunties. I come to like my eldest auntie who seems to joke around more compared when she was much younger that worries on everything under the sun.

And that's her, still playing with her phone when food is already served on the table. hahahaha! Yeah, I've reported it to the family on this matter! hahaha

Having a great time catching up with Von and Ralph at the same time, having Nurul Ikan Bakar.

Love the time spent together.

One week flew by too quickly. Although it was a short one, I really enjoy the moments I have with all of them. It was time to go back and earn more money to that I can repeat the process.

When repeating process, please be reminded not to buy a flight at 6am.

Daunting.

Daunting to wake up at 3am just to get to the airport. Whole night thinking if I can wake up.

Anyway, it was nice to have a good view of the sky.

Then I fell asleep the entire trip after taking this picture. hahahaha

Till Then.

[apinchofrkmh]

Cherished Memories

Today marks the forth year I've lost my tiny four legged bestie. She was with me for 18 years and gave me so much love and memories. Thinking back of the past, I just felt like I wasn't a good owner. I didn't really spend much time with her nor did not really take good care of her. However, she gave all of herself to make my life whole. I did enjoy the 17 years spending with her and wished that she would stay forever.

I was very committed to her as I stayed on to take care of her even I wanted to study overseas very much when I was a teenager. I kept my dad's promise to take good care of her and I did until the end. It was very tough letting her go but I cannot see her suffer in pain any much longer and had to put her to sleep.

A few days ago, I thought to myself, "Hmm... there's an event of birthday that is coming up." So I checked my calendar to see what's up but unfortunately, I couldn't remember anything.

But today, 29th September 2023, a few minutes before my alarm goes off, I had a dream that I had forgotten to feed my dog. I quickly woke up and was about to feed her. But found myself that it was a dream.

I told my dad to put some flowers on her tombstone in remembrance of her and he took a picture for me. I wept when I saw that picture. I got so emotional that I couldn't participate in Mid Autumn Festival event.

Princess, you're priceless. You have impacted my life and there will be no other dogs that could replace you. You were my favourite hello and my most hardest goodbye. I hope one day I will meet you again over the rainbow bridge. I love you.

[apinchofrkmh]

A Year of Torpor

4th July 2023

Wow, I can't believe I completed one academic year here in Phnom Penh. In the beginning of the academic year, I couldn't cope with the way the school is run.

There were many teachers who don't seem to like the curriculum of the school as it's learning through play. I find the school schedule isn't ideal as children are playing the entire day for 8 hours and as an Asian, I don't see results from playing the entire day. In fact, I was so used to being busy the entire day in previous school and I couldn't adapt to not doing anything but babysit the students playing most of the time. Every afternoon after lunch, the time somehow slowed down which makes me think my watch and clock is broken.

One after another teachers came from United Kingdom decided to leave as it was basically something they couldn't adapt. It affects me to actually think if this place is meant for me.

But look at this tough cookie! Survived through the lethargic year from doing nothing much. But there is something to keep and share here.

Before we closes the academic year, we had so many excursion. From visiting trampoline park, playing at the big field, having an art session and many more!

Introducing Ms. M! She's extremely smart, expressive, caring and very introvert! Doesn't like playing with friends and explore toys very differently from others. Reads at 2.5 years old! And the most amazing part was, played the song Twinkle Twinkle Little Star on the piano on her own! I was actually teaching her sister how to play the song and sticked some stickers on the keys. I did not teach her how to play them and one day, she was pressing the keys, trying out how the pitches. Once she got it, I accompanied her. And I'm amazed how she could just play with me and not get confused!

Ms. M is my motivation to stay in this school. She somehow make things exciting in school and motivation to come to school.

My music class with the children wasn't productive initially. It was difficult to get the children to sing and participate in my class. This is because they are so used to playing at their own pace and find it difficult to sit down and listen to instructions. But somehow, I manage to have a relationship with them and get to know them better in order to plan accordingly. I'm glad some of them enjoyed the songs we sang while others are still adapting to it.

Last but not least, I am very proud of the year end performance by the children. Being in international school, I think it's important to promote different languages, culture and ethnicity. As the children consist of mostly 4 ethnicity, I taught 4 folk songs from Malaysia, China, Khmer and Japan. The children loved it and have been singing it randomly. What more, it was so lovely to see the children dressed in their traditional clothes!

One more year. One more year to deciding where's next?

Till then.

[apinchofrkmh]

On The Move 

Being an expats, we tend to be moving from one country to the other. You might think it’s fun and exciting to explore other people’s culture, heritage and country. But it can be very depressing and stressful to get the documentation done, find new bunch of friends and good job opportunity. 

For me, being in Cambodia isn’t something I would I say I enjoy. There’s literally nothing much right here. That is why most expats don’t seem to stay here long. For instance… 

William. Gonna miss this bad boy. He’s a fun guy that lights up my day early in the morning with his dad jokes. Really good at twisting his words to make everyone laugh. Making a fool of himself just to make everyone's day. He joined the company in January 2023 and realised that he is in the wrong place as he likes to travel and do lots of great outdoor activities. But sadly right here in this country, it's too hot and not worth time and effort to play a sport outside. Oh well, wish him well.

Another bad boi, Ady will be leaving the nest too. I’m glad to have him as my housemate for two months. He’s someone that I can share things with and someone that can cook really well! Sadly, he got a job offer from Abu Dhabi and I definitely believe he’s looking forward to this job! He has such a munificent person that is always eager to help the community and the people here. So much to learn from him.

And that's him, carrying his pot of curry to Freada's house to feast.

With him, I met other friends from church, Zac and Freada. And we became family. Cooking for one another most of the time.

Gonna miss the time where I forcefully wake myself at 5am just to got for a run with Ady on a Sunday morning!

That's about it! I hope to meet more people throughout my time here! It seems there's more people leaving than entering the country. Haha!