Meeting the British Ambassador

On Friday, all recently arrived VSO volunteers were invited to lunch by the British Ambassador in Phnom Penh. David Reader, the Ambassador, gave a talk on the political situation in Cambodia and he described the pros and cons of all the corruption and manipulation in the government! He explained that the Prime Minister, Hung Sen, has been at the top for 30 years. Hung Sen was previously a leading light in the Khmer Rouge, but since then he has kept switching allegiances and reinventing himself in order to stay in favour with the people. The Ambassador’s residence is fantastic - air-con (bliss), wedgewood furniture, servants and even a swimming pool (the first I’ve seen here!). We were treated to a fantastic lunch in the garden, including roast pig complete with snout.
In the evening of the same day, VSO threw a Welcome Party for the new volunteers to meet other volunteers and reps from partner organisations. We were again spoiled with a sumptuous banquet - sadly too much rich food all in one day! However, it was good to meet the others and find out what living and working is like here.