For Brits in Cambodia
I'm registered at the British Embassy here in Phnom Penh as a long-term resident. That means they let me know if their advice to British citizens travelling to Cambodia, or living here, changes. A quick visit to the FCO Cambodia webpage confirms the following, which I thought contained some interesting titbits:
I can't marry, I can't adopt, I can't discuss politics or culture, its dangerous to be on the roads, I can't go into the countryside for fear of landmines - I may as well stay in my flat with the fan turned on - which is what I did for much of the New Year holiday! It was simply too hot to do anything else.
- It is envisaged that there will be a number of political demonstrations in the run-up to the General Election on 27 July 2008. You are advised to keep away from large gatherings, demonstrations and political meetings. You should also avoid expressing forcible opinions on Cambodian politics or culture.
- Around 85,000 British nationals visited Cambodia in 2007 (Source: Cambodia Ministry of Tourism). Most visits to Cambodia are trouble-free. The main type of incidents for which British nationals required consular assistance in Cambodia in 2007 were replaceing lost and stolen passports (over 45 cases); and dealing with deaths and hospitalizations, mostly from road traffic accidents (25 cases), bag snatches and drug related issues. You should also be aware of landmines and unexploded ordnance in rural areas.
- Marriages between Cambodians and foreigners have been suspended until further notice. The Cambodian Government has instructed all registrar officers in Cambodia to temporarily stop issuing certificates of marriage between Cambodians and foreigners until further notice.
- The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) conducted a review of the temporary suspension of adoptions of Cambodian children by UK residents in 2007/08, the findings of which were published on 2 April 2008. The review has resulted in the continuing of the suspension of adoptions of Cambodian children by UK residents.
I can't marry, I can't adopt, I can't discuss politics or culture, its dangerous to be on the roads, I can't go into the countryside for fear of landmines - I may as well stay in my flat with the fan turned on - which is what I did for much of the New Year holiday! It was simply too hot to do anything else.
posted by Andy Brouwer at
1:54 PM
9 Comments:
hi andy, as sweet and down-to-earth as you are, i'm sure any cambodian person would want to marry you. god bless you.
Wow, I am touched by your kind words. Hopefully that Cambodian person would be a woman! We shall see what the future holds....:-)
hi andy, don't get me wrong, but I'm quite sure candidates will triple as soon as you drop these shirts you seem so fond of, full of squares, they're too European and square, man - just don't fit an adventurer like you. you should either adopt plain, colorful even clothes - like the yellow shirt I once saw you in, simple and elegant - or tunics full of arabesques and gracious curves, Eastern fashion --- Annabelle
PS - you don't have to publish this comment, just take my advice
PS 2- read just now your post on Phnom Chi and noticed that even Sokhom is now dressing after your square fashion... just can't believe --- Annabelle
Annabelle, thank you, you made me laugh so much when I read your fashion tips.
I've never been a follower of any fashion, clothes or otherwise, and think its a bit late to start now.
the idea of tripling candidates however, does hold a certain degree of interest!
There's a story behind the checked shirts; its not interesting, but its a story nonetheless:
I did a trip with Sokhom and my shirt got ripped. we called into the market in Tbeng Meanchey and bought a new one. It was checked and dark blue with long sleeves. It shielded my arms from the sun (I am blond - or mousey - so I get burnt easily) and didn't show up the dust too much. Also it gets hellishly hot in the countryside and I perspire. The shirt didn't show it too much either (I can be terribly vain).
So I was hooked on long-sleeved, blue checked shirts for my Cambodia travels. Some of the current crop are at least 4 or 5 years old. In effect, they are my preferred option for the environment. I agree they look awful, but they've become part of my Cambodia wardrobe.
However, book an appointment and come and convince me of your suggested alternatives. I'm all ears.
And thanks again for the laughs. I enjoy such banter.
Andy
That's hilarious!!! couldn't agree more with Anabel. In fact, they look pretty awful! the whole crop shd be dumped at once. For someone who's often repeating that the vision of Angkor has changed his life, the least we can say is that Andy still entertains serious doubts about the POWER OF FORM! Its never too late for ART, man! --- Love yr blog - Jerome
A Brit travelling around Cambodia, I accessed these comments in the hope of finding more useful info and couldn't expect at all this hilarious exchange instead! Despite my view that clothes are a personal matter, thanks anyway - you've made my day - from Battambang, Brian
hi Brian, I leave for Battambang myself in a few hours, just for 1 night with a large group of work colleagues. You'll notice me, i'll be the one wearing the crap clothes!!
regards, Andy
Hi, Andy - Shame! may have left Battambang almost at the same time you PP. Read your note just now in Aranyaprathet, on my way back to BKK. Wd have noticed you anyway, have been accessing your fine blog for the past 2 weeks, on a tip from a travelling companion. I'll be back soon - I loved the country, even more so the Khmers. Look fwd to meet you next time. Regards - from Aranya, Brian
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