House warming

We've just come to the end of party season, when anybody who is anybody throws a wedding party; or, if no one in the family is getting married, then a party for any old reason. Here I am at the house-extension warming party of the director of a local NGO. Party invitees are sent a very grand personalised invitation letter, and are then expected to give a "gift"of $10 whether or not they are able to attend! Most people go along to get their money's worth. It's a chance to get dressed up to the nines, have a 7 course meal with plenty of drink and to dance the night away, Khmer style. I am sitting with Savann, a colleague from CoDeC. Unfortunately I'm in the wrong type of Khmer party-wear, without so much as a hint of satin or lace. The fashion police would not be happy.