Costa Rica Travel Surf Expat blog for Norm Schriever

Where next?

2/27/2016

I love love love living in Cambodia, the Philippines, and Southeast Asia. It's so warm, fun, and comfortable for me, I could easily live here forever.

But upon reflecting, I'm not ready to take the familiar, easy, and comfortable route. I want to keep challenging myself and get way the hell out of my comfort zone, immersing myself in a totally unknown country, culture, and possibly language. Even if that means getting my ass kicked by life a little bit (it will), that's half the fun in retrospect.

I'll visit the states this summer, but then sometime in the fall I think I'll throw a dart at the world map (so to speak) and choose an entirely new destination to live, work and explore, turning the page on my next adventure.

Where should I go? Remember that this is living (and working 50 hours a week) - not vacation -so we're not talking about tourist traps or Club Med. I prefer a place where I can live comfortably for $2,500 a month or less. I don't mind four seasons but I'd rather not live in a place that's brutally cold for a long time in winters. And I need wi-fi so that rules out some amazing but remote islands and really exotic locales.

Here's the list I put together so far:

Korea (South!)
Japan (small city like Kyoto or Osaka - not Tokyo)
Fiji
Brazil (not Rio but north coast)
Colombia (Medellin or Cartagena)
Iceland (summertime)
Hungary
Poland
Czech Republic
Namibia, Africa (I heard it's really cool)
South Africa
Madagascar
Portugal (I just wish they spoke Spanish)
Spain
Slovenia
Romania
Bulgaria

What do you think? Where would you go?
Have you visited any of these places? Do you have friends or family in any of them?

I'd love to hear what places would be on YOUR list!

-Norm :-)

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10 Hidden Treasures in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

2/27/2016

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The Kingdom of Cambodia is a truly exotic and enigmatic country, often remembered for the brutal Khmer Rouge in the 1970s but now one of the world's hottest up-and-coming travel destinations. Politically stable for more than twenty years, there is so much to do and see in the Southeastern Asian nation, from pristine beaches and islands in the south to Angkor Wat in Siem Reap up north, one of the Wonders of the World and the largest religious site on earth. But still, there is no place quite like Phnom Penh, Cambodia's magnificent capital city.

"We now have about 5 million tourists visiting Cambodia every year," said Kalvin Heng of the Phnom Penh Post newspaper, "And once people experience Phnom Penh, they realize why it was called The Paris of the Far East."

The vast majority of tourists in Phnom Penh visit the popular attractions like the Killing Fields, the Royal Palace, museums, various pagodas (called 'wats'), and the Independence Monument. But Phnom Penh also offers fun and fascinating things to do that aren't always on the typical traveler agenda.

If you have weeks to explore, I highly recommend getting lost on purpose amid the city's hidden treasures. But if you only have a few days to see Phnom Penh, go visit some (or all!) of these landmarks that most tourists never get to appreciate:

1. Rooftop bars
High above the hot and chaotic city streets of Phnom Penh stand a great variety of rooftop lounges, bars, and even swimming pools where you can sip a cold beer and watch the action below. Le Moon is really nice with a great view of the Tonle Sap River, and the Foreign Correspondent's Club (FCC) is a piece of Phnom Penh history where foreign journalists and aid workers used to congregate during the war. The rooftop bar above the Top Banana hostel is a fun backpacker destination, and one can view the lights of Phnom Penh from 23 floors up at the Eclipse Skybar in the Phnom Penh Tower.

2. Watch a Cambodian kickboxing bout - or train, yourself
The Cambodian fighting art is called 'Khun Khmer' and while it's not quite as popular as Muay Thai in neighboring Thailand, the locals still love it. There are live fights every weekend at the CTN Angkor Arena at the television station, where every tuk-tuk driver will enthusiastically take you.
But I encourage you to put on the gloves and train at Khun Khmer or martial arts yourself, even if you're a total beginner. There is a narrow second-story gym at the Selapak cultural center on 110 Street that's fantastic (with traditional Khmer dancing on the first floor), and Prokout near the Aeon Mall rivals any top-rate western gym.
3. Markets and more markets
Southeast Asia is known for its fun and lively (and cheap!) markets, and Phnom Penh is no exception. Most tourists visit the little night market along the riverside or the Central Market, an easily recognizable yellow domed art deco building. But if you want a true local adventure, head into the Old Market or brave the Russian Market (Tuol Tom Poung), which was given its nickname in the 1980s because so many Soviet foreigners visited. You'll find them insanely hot, crowded, and full of hidden surprises, so bring a water bottle, a lot of small Reil bills, and your intrepid spirit.
One of my favorite small shops for souvenirs is Yodi Craft on Street 13 near the National Museum. It's run by a non-profit that gives disabled Cambodian people a chance to earn a fair wage and improve their lives by designing wonderful handmade crafts.

4. Oudong and other nearby provinces
Only a 25-mile bumpy tuk-tuk ride outside of the city you'll find yourself in Oudong, a green oasis that will feel like you've transported back in time. Until 1866, Oudong was the capital of Cambodia and the royal residence, and there are still monuments and temples among the rolling foothills with amazing views. Likewise, day trips to the various provinces of Kampong Speu, Takeo, and Kampong Chhnang Provinces will reveal ancient temples, natural parks, historical points of interest, and even an island on the Mekong River known for it's silk weavers.

5. Enjoy the community at sundown
In the late afternoon when it starts to cool off, nearly everyone in Phnom Penh - locals, expats and tourists alike - come out to play and hang out in Phnom Penh's many parks or common areas. You can stroll up and down the riverside boulevard (Sisowath Quay), taking in the French colonial architecture, meander through the city's parks, or even have a picnic on the front lawn of the Royal Palace amid thousands of smiling and friendly Khmer people. Feel free to join them kicking a soccer ball, playing footbag, badminton, join in an outdoor dancing exercise class, or just relax and chat with your new friends.

6. Eat for a good cause
There are so many great restaurants, bistros, eateries and cafés in Phnom Penh that it's truly a gourmand's dream. But you can actually eat well AND make a positive impact by visiting the establishments that give humble or disenfranchised local people a chance to work instead of just accepting donations or begging.
Dine in the Dark offers probably the most unique culinary experience you'll ever have and employs sightless Cambodians. The Connecting Hands Café on street 178, only a couple blocks behind the Royal Palace complex, draws rave reviews for employing and empowering women who are rescued from trafficking or domestic violence. (Try the fruit smoothies, and the chicken pineapple burger is delish!)

7. Ice skating in tropical Cambodia?
You didn't read that wrong - there really are ice skating rinks in Cambodia. The Ice City Skating Rink is located at the Sovanna Shopping Center and KidsCity Asia is at the Aeon Mall and also offers laser tag, bumper cars, and a cool rock-climbing wall for the kids. (Don't worry - you can rent skates.)

8. Learn how to say "Cheers" in Khmer (Cambodian)
If you're thirsty after all of this touring in the hot sun, cool off and loosen up at one of the fun, funky, and always surprising watering holes in Phnom Penh. The Chinese House on the south end of the riverside is a historical landmark and has a stellar Sunday brunch, Hangar 44 is what every Hard Rock Cafe wants to be when it grows up, and Plantation on 184 Street is a remarkable combination of art gallery, traditional water garden, and bar and restaurant - all set poolside in a boutique hotel.

La Casita, the avant-garde tasting room of Southeast Asia's premium spirit brand La Familia, is a where you'll sample some of the best cocktails in the world, as well as enjoy classes, competitions, and craft cocktail appreciation nights. (And the buzz on the Phnom Penh streets is that they're opening a bar on 308 Street called the Elbow Room soon.)

9. Volunteer
If you feel like giving back to the wonderful people in impoverished Cambodia, there are plenty of noble non-profits, charities, and NGOs in Phnom Penh that welcome volunteers. I've personally worked with Kids at Risk Cambodia, the Japanese non-profit HERO, and AFESIP Cambodia and had great experiences. Just make sure to do your research first so you know it's credible. You'll also want to arrange your visit ahead of time because any good organization will need to screen you per their safety protocols.

10. Check out the Cambodian hip-hop scene
Hip hop in Cambodia? You got it, as many young Cambodians (some of whom used to live in the United States since their parents were war refugees) rap, dance, and spin a lively brand of U.S. hip-hop mixed with traditional Khmer melodies. So if you want to get your boogy on, check out a Clap Ya Handz event, visit the Pontoon Club on 172 Street late night, and follow famous Danish-Khmer DJ Niko Yu as he spins at different venues around town.
For a unique musical experience, visit Tiny Toones, a NGO that takes poor and at-risk kids and gets them off the streets with hip hop and breakdancing, making sure they receive a proper education and job skills along the way.
***

We're still just scratching the surface of what Phnom Penh and Cambodia have to offer, so feel free to email me if you have any questions and I'd be happy to help, or check out my many other blogs about Cambodia and traveling in Southeast Asia at NormWrites.com.

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We "LOL" but they "JaJaJa," "555" and "MDR." How laughter is expressed around the world.

2/24/2016

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In English and many western languages, we express laughter in writing as “Hahahaha," which is onomatopoeia for the actual sound of laughter. But around the world, many cultures and countries describe their laughter differently. But though our chuckles, giggles, and hysterics may be foreign, the joyful sentiment is the same for all human beings!

Here are some examples of how people express laughter in writing around the world:

哈哈 or 呵呵
China (Mandarin)
ha ha” or “he he” Similarly, xixi, 嘻嘻, suggests giggling.

hihihihihihihihi
Vietnam

55555555555
Thailand
In Thai,the number “5” is pronounced “ha” online.

wwww
Japan
“Warai” is the Japanese word for laughter and is often shortened to “www.”

חחח/ההה (khkhkhkhkhkhkhkhkh)
Hebrew
The letter “ח” is prounced “kh," which is how they hear laughter

xaxaxaxa
Greece
“X” in Greek is pronounced like the English “h,” so it’s the phonetic equivalent of “hahahaha!”

wakakakakaka or wkwkwkwkwk
Indonesia

huehuehue
Brazil

kekekekekekeke
Korea
In Korean, “ㅋㅋㅋ” is “keu keu keu” and means the same thing as “hahaha.”

rsrsrs, hashuashuashuashua, rá!, and kkkkk
Portugal

هههههههههههه or hhhhhhhhhhhh
Arabic, and also used in Kurdish
Arabic doesn’t have short vowels, so only the “h” is necessary for it to read as “hahahahaha.”

jajajajajaja
Spanish
In Spanish, the letter “j” is pronounced like the English “h.”

hi hi, hæ hæ, ho ho, ti hi
Denmark

hehe, híhí
Iceland

хаха, hihi хихи, hèhè хехе
Russia

LWKMD
Nigeria
In Nigerian pidgen slang, this stands for Laugh Wan Kill Me Die, similar to lmfao in the U.S,

MDR
France
The French equivalent of "LOL" is "MDR," which means "mort de rire," or "dying of laughter!"

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The funniest sh*t you'll see in Southeast Asia.

2/15/2016

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There is NO place on earth that will make you laugh like in Southeast Asia, where the wild, hilarious, and downright bizarre are a daily occurrence. From Cambodia to Laos, Vietnam to Myanmar, and Thailand to the Philippines, the intersection of cultures, necessity born from dire poverty, and the spirit to enjoy life to the fullest provides grand comedy.

Over the last couple years I started collecting some of the social media posts that made me hahaha (or '555' as they say in Thailand) - many of them by my friends - as well some photos I took myself. Remember that we are laughing AT them, not WITH them (wait - did I get that wrong?) as you enjoy the funniest shit you'll see in Southeast Asia.

*Subscribe to this blog to see The CRAZIEST sh*t you'll see in Southeast Asia and the Funnest t-shirts you'll see in Asia, coming soon.

If you want to read more about life in Southeast Asia, read my new book, The Queens of Dragon Town.

-Norm :-)

How you watch TV in the Philippines when you can't afford one.

Phuc Dat Bich - this is a real Vietnamese guy who lives in Australia.

No AC? Jump in the drink cooler on a hot day.

You need a blue background on passport photos, so if you don't have a blue screen...

Another passport photo with a blue background.

And this guy couldn't even find a friend with a blue t-shirt!

This guy got in a fight with a monkey - and lost. (Sorry, I don't have the video)

If you don't have a motorcycle hempen, just make one out of a local hard-shell fruit! Safety first!

A Cambodian selfie stick. (Photo by LL and Jen Q!)

It's so damn hot and a lot of locals don't have AC, but a bag of ice attached to the fan will help!

A feather duster, a can of RAID, and and your sandwich - a perfect recipe! (Photo by LL)

I don't know exactly what's going on here, but I can imagine what she's thinking: "It ain't THAT kind of party, cowboy!"

Gotta iron your shirt and hair every morning.

Epic English fail! But cute couple and we wish them the best!

Big pimping at 3 years old!

Real men train every inch of their body to be as hard as steel by having friends bash them with a huge wooden beam...including the groin.

United lovers? How united? What exactly is going on here?

Philippino fireworks. Don't try this at home (or anywhere!)

When ladyboys gotta get smooth but waxing or shaving just won't do.

I have absolutely no idea.

Another Cambodian selfie stick, but this one is on the farm.

Runway fashion shows even in the rural province.

There is NO country in the world with a better sense of humor than the Philippines. (And floods)

Ummm...that's not what the shelf is for, but if you're too short to reach the ATM I guess it's ok.

Filipinos LOVE basketball...and hilarious antics. So they combined the two by having ball games with Ladyboys against Little People. I'm not making this up - they really do this!

Your guess is as good as mine.

That's good to know.

You can take the person out of Asia, but you can't take the Asian out of the person!

Cutting your friend's hair without a barber chair.

I LOVE how they will shamelessly "imitate" any established brand in Asia. This crafty entrepreneur decided to start his own McDonalds on wheels.

I could do a whole blog on bad haircuts I've gotten here in Cambodia...but I won't.

Can you blame the little guy?

Ummm...that's not what that's for, darling...but you seem to be perfectly comfortable.

A Southeast Asian hot tub.

Valid license plate? Check.

A reminder is always appreciated.

Not.One.Fuck.Will.Be.Given.

Who you calling a dirty Ho??!!!!! #FightingWords

His and her pedestal sinks in Southeast Asia.

That's an interesting name for a disco...but at least it's accurate!

SURE you don't!

I really don't want to put my money in a bank named after a fat tomato in a bow tie and a hat and DEFINITELY not one that is winking at me!

A Southeast Asian hot water heater.

They pack so many people on a moto every day that it's not even noticeable...until someone is crammed in there facing the wrong direction!

I wish you had told me that earlier.

Looking for a boy waitress? Surprisingly, they'll probably find one!

Don't mess with girls in Asia - they will hit you where it hurts!

Nothing better than 'secret' prizes (which usually means nothing.)

Next time, buy the actual motorcycle before you spend all your money on the slick riding gear.

For an inside look at life in Southeast Asia, read The Queens of Dragon Town, available on this website or Amazon.com

Thanks for reading - and please drop me a line some time!

hi@NormSchriever.com

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Where next?

10 Hidden Treasures in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

We "LOL" but they "JaJaJa," "555" and "MDR." How laughter is expressed around the world.

The funniest sh*t you'll see in Southeast Asia.

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