Sunny and humid just like Minnesota.

The weather in Phnom Penh has been getting hot and steamy, but I heard that in Minnesota, it is hot and nasty? Is that true? I just noticed that it might be a very Minnesotan thing to talk about weather. I always talk about weather here. It might be weird, but I checked the Star Tribune online, a couple times a week, to check on what the weather is like in Minnesota. There was not one week this summer that I did not mention about the crazy weather in Minnesota to all of Cambodia.
Last night, we went to a carnival in Phnom Penh. It was exciting. Chanrith took Jessica, Rot and I to where people get married and the carnival next door. It was so strange. It was on an island called Diamond Island. It was super nice and elegant. I wish I could have taken pictures, but I did not know where we going. There were so many fountains and statues. I can see why there are so many weddings here, but of course only for the ones that can afford it here in Cambodia can have these grand weddings and all of these elegant things. Well, next door was a carnival with ferris wheels and rides. Somewhat unsafe looking, but tons of local Cambodians out having a fun time. Well, one of the huge hits at this carnival was popping balloons for prizes. 6 darts for 5000 riel, roughly around 1.25. Well, the prizes were somewhat interesting, they were made up of pots, dish soap, some snacks, more pots, lunch boxers, soy sauce, oyster sauce and other very useful, but not the typical prizes that we are used too. Well, I can't throw darts, but Rothany can, we ended up winning some chopsticks, a lunch pale and chips. Awesome. Well, Rot, Jess and I ended up going on a ride that was the HydroBlast ride at valley fair, oh wait, it is called Rip tide, but no water and I am glad none of us died because it was obviously not the safest thing, but it was fun because we were the only three shouting, yay!!! and woo hooo! I think people thought we were strange.
But, we learned a lot about Diamond Island. People who used to live on this island, were forced to move and got evicted. The people who own Naga World bought the land and with help from the gov't (naturally bribe and being able to make money) made this happen. No one knows what happen to the people because they did not get anything back or compensation. This was not surprising at all that this happen because after 8 weeks here, you get used to all the corruption that happens in Cambodia. I was very disturbed that people could do this to others and to also hear that this island was home to a community, but then forced to leave.
On lighter note, sorry for the depressing topic, the carnival did remind me of the State Fair, the people at the carnival were families having fun and enjoying life on a Wednesday night which was so nice to see and it reminded me of the State Fair, which I am very excited to go to this year. Anyone want to go with me? I was on the State Fair website a couple days ago because I got an email. I am very excited to try all the new foods and stuff. But, besides that the carnival seem like a place for locals to come and enjoy and have fun with their families and friends. I did not notice any foreigners besides us (but we blend in so well). =)
I have some photos posted up. There is one about the fun prizes as well as two group shots. One of the whole group the night before Vinita and Mahdev left plus our new friend JP (Jessica Pham is in there too!) and of course the fours of us, Rot, Justin, Jessica and I, the awesome AJA interns of 2010.
Actually, I have trouble uploading pics from my phone, but the next post will have them, just wait so close, you will see some awesome pics. Soon!