
wmnorell
American expat in Cambodia
Forum posts
56
Contacts
1
About me
American
Lives in Siem Reap
Registration: 27 February 2015
Opinion: Living in Battambang over Siem Reap by Mulder12345
I assume Battambang is less expensive, and i noticed hotter in the summer, but has anyone who has or is living there have any input as to the pros and cons. I have lived in SR for 1.5 yrs now and it's same same. What is living in BB like? Just a ...
Did you get your hernia operation in Cambodia? I need one but so far I don't have the $1500 or so..... Read More
Motorbike in Siem Reap
I've been riding my moto here for 4 1/2 years with no problems. Read More
Motorbike in Siem Reap
The police do helmet check all the time and collect a small fine from people who are too vain or stupid to wear a helmet. They don't check for a Cambodian driver's license or registration card unless you are in an accident. Read More
Vaccines for Cambodia by Chappo
Hay all going over for 1 year could be longer for work will be outdoors/farms most of the time been told by my local GP here in Australia I should get them done Hepatitis shots malaria Japanese encephalitis What's your thoughts on this as time ...
TB booster shot good idea. Read More
What do Cambodian woman expect from their western friend? by james1963
Hello, I am James (54) and I have a question what answer I can not find on this forum or the internet. First, I am not a sextourist, pedophile, druguser or alcoholic. I have read a lot about woman in Cambodia but ... I have had 3 wifes here in ...
On his YouTube channel about retiring in Thailand, JC points out the value of getting an occasional massage from a legitimate therapist to address the basic human need for physical affection/touch. Men in the US are taught to suppress this need, or ... Read More
What do Cambodian woman expect from their western friend? by james1963
Hello, I am James (54) and I have a question what answer I can not find on this forum or the internet. First, I am not a sextourist, pedophile, druguser or alcoholic. I have read a lot about woman in Cambodia but ... I have had 3 wifes here in ...
PeterCambo: very interesting post...a little harsh and cynical but based on your real experiences so helpful to read. For myself, I think maybe the Western idea of "love" and all the "soul mate" crap i brought with me to ... Read More
What do Cambodian woman expect from their western friend? by james1963
Hello, I am James (54) and I have a question what answer I can not find on this forum or the internet. First, I am not a sextourist, pedophile, druguser or alcoholic. I have read a lot about woman in Cambodia but ... I have had 3 wifes here in ...
Paul Griffin: Took me 30 months...older is not always wiser. My daughter, 46 with her MA in psychology is always telling me to set up boundaries to protect myself and make sure I get what I want out of a relationship. LOL :) Read More
What do Cambodian woman expect from their western friend? by james1963
Hello, I am James (54) and I have a question what answer I can not find on this forum or the internet. First, I am not a sextourist, pedophile, druguser or alcoholic. I have read a lot about woman in Cambodia but ... I have had 3 wifes here in ...
You started out asking what Cambodian women want from their friend, and then used the word "boyfriend." There is a big difference in how a friend and how a boyfriend are expected to behave by the two people involved and also by the people ... Read More
How has your life changed in Cambodia by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Has your life changed since you moved to Cambodia? If so, in what way? Tell us more about all the changes in your life regarding your family, job, or friends. What about your frame of mind? How would you define your mood? ...
Consider yourself lucky it was only $1000....an expensive lesson but worth learning. Good fortune to u....your generous heart will recover....:) Read More
How has your life changed in Cambodia by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Has your life changed since you moved to Cambodia? If so, in what way? Tell us more about all the changes in your life regarding your family, job, or friends. What about your frame of mind? How would you define your mood? ...
I would give it a +10. Turns out I brought all my unsolved life problems with me when I retired here 2 years ago: self-destructive addictions and all.... Can I make a happy life for myself on a $600 a month Social Security income here in Siem Reap? ... Read More
Your new local habits in Cambodia by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Living in Cambodia is a great way to immerse in a new culture and lifestyle. Have you embraced local customs since you've lived in Cambodia? If so, which one(s)? Did local customs change the way you see things, appreciate ...
Hahaha... thanks. I wish I could apply my "smarts" to the world outside my head LOL... Turns out I brought all my "emotional baggage" with me from the US...so it's a real struggle to have a happy retirement here and not just ... Read More
Your new local habits in Cambodia by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Living in Cambodia is a great way to immerse in a new culture and lifestyle. Have you embraced local customs since you've lived in Cambodia? If so, which one(s)? Did local customs change the way you see things, appreciate ...
I believe based on reading about the subject and some personal experiences, that a society based on oppression such as that found in Cambodia, beginning with the French colonial period and extending to the current domination by Vietnamese elites, ... Read More
Your new local habits in Cambodia by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Living in Cambodia is a great way to immerse in a new culture and lifestyle. Have you embraced local customs since you've lived in Cambodia? If so, which one(s)? Did local customs change the way you see things, appreciate ...
I've never been there, but from what I've read S. is a special kind of place because of the tourist economy and beach climate: not typical of the rest of Cambodia. Be sure to visit other areas like Siem Reap and Battambang. Read More
Your new local habits in Cambodia by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Living in Cambodia is a great way to immerse in a new culture and lifestyle. Have you embraced local customs since you've lived in Cambodia? If so, which one(s)? Did local customs change the way you see things, appreciate ...
Are you in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap? Good idea to leave before your children feel the way you do. Good luck. Read More
Your new local habits in Cambodia by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Living in Cambodia is a great way to immerse in a new culture and lifestyle. Have you embraced local customs since you've lived in Cambodia? If so, which one(s)? Did local customs change the way you see things, appreciate ...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Violence_against_women_in_Cambodia If you Google: Domestic Violence in Cambodia you will find more information, especially the PDF on how laws discriminate against women in Cambodia. Thanks for your interest in this ... Read More
Your new local habits in Cambodia by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Living in Cambodia is a great way to immerse in a new culture and lifestyle. Have you embraced local customs since you've lived in Cambodia? If so, which one(s)? Did local customs change the way you see things, appreciate ...
You are very fortunate to have found a wonderful partner. Please accept my congratulations and a little envy. :) Read More
Your new local habits in Cambodia by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Living in Cambodia is a great way to immerse in a new culture and lifestyle. Have you embraced local customs since you've lived in Cambodia? If so, which one(s)? Did local customs change the way you see things, appreciate ...
Thanks for your insights. Women seem to live in a different world here than men. I found an article on rape law enforcement (non-enforcement) and domestic abuse that gave me some perspective. Read More
Your new local habits in Cambodia by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Living in Cambodia is a great way to immerse in a new culture and lifestyle. Have you embraced local customs since you've lived in Cambodia? If so, which one(s)? Did local customs change the way you see things, appreciate ...
I'm having the same problem. Thanks for sharing. :) Read More
Adapting to the climate in Cambodia by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Adjusting to new climatic conditions is key in any expatriation process. Moving to Cambodia is no exception. What are the climate characteristics of Cambodia? How does the local weather impact your daily life, mood or ...
Hi. I retired in Siem Reap a year ago, beginning in April 2015. My father was Swedish, so I'm SOL in the tropical sun. Some tips if you have a Northern European skin type like me: Stay indoors between 10am and 4pm; wear two shirts when you are ... Read More
Introduction - looking for rent for sihanoukville by JoeKhmer
Hi all, Just joined this forum and give in to the pressure to introduce myself... ;) I'm retired, Dutchman, having spent 8 years in NE Thailand where I still have my house, moved this year to a rural eco-tourism village in Koh kong province ...
I've enjoyed the conversation so far, but you guys lost me here. Are you "talking up" women? Appearing to be interested in a woman as a fellow human being, but really looking for "sexual access," as they say in Anthro class? ... Read More
Introduction - looking for rent for sihanoukville by JoeKhmer
Hi all, Just joined this forum and give in to the pressure to introduce myself... ;) I'm retired, Dutchman, having spent 8 years in NE Thailand where I still have my house, moved this year to a rural eco-tourism village in Koh kong province ...
Thanks for your help. This explains why I see so many very attractive young women with kids out and about on motos, etc. I've been confused why the kids' father isn't with them, thinking if he were me he would be right there, if only to ... Read More
Introduction - looking for rent for sihanoukville by JoeKhmer
Hi all, Just joined this forum and give in to the pressure to introduce myself... ;) I'm retired, Dutchman, having spent 8 years in NE Thailand where I still have my house, moved this year to a rural eco-tourism village in Koh kong province ...
JoeKhmer "I met a nice female human being here, so I stay here." I like this description a lot...tells me you don't expect her to stay inside the "woman" box all the time. I came to Cambodia 7 months ago to find a ... Read More
Foreigner business without Cambodian partner? by farwesther
I have a question, Can a foreigner have its own business without a Cambodian partner? I am actually living in Thailand but here the 51% of the business must belong to a local, unacceptable for me, that's why I am thinking about moving to ...
I'm doing some volunteer English teaching right now and have been "adopted" by my Cambodian students as part of their family. To them, it's all about community. If a barang is doing something worthwhile for the community then they ... Read More
Volunteering in Cambodia by Maximilien
Hi, While living abroad, some expats wish to get involved in the local community life. What organizations expats can turn to if they want to volunteer in Cambodia? How to join a charitable institution, what are the steps? Which causes ...
The students at Maom Restaurant ( http://www.maomrestaurant.com/) where I teach an English class have created their own restaurant to support their studies in Siem Reap as well as community schools in the area ... Read More
Cost of living by Hogamany
I really want to know about cost of getting accommodation , buying food and the Cambodian money value
A Cambodian friend lives in a $50 per month room, (plus $10 electric: extra for AC electric @ 1000R/kWh.) Think "run-down motel" not "hotel." There is no running water: (a hand pump well); a shared (30 people) primitive toilet ... Read More
Volunteering in Cambodia by Maximilien
Hi, While living abroad, some expats wish to get involved in the local community life. What organizations expats can turn to if they want to volunteer in Cambodia? How to join a charitable institution, what are the steps? Which causes ...
Teaching English in Cambodia as a volunteer is one good way of giving someone the tools to catch their own fish instead of depending on handouts of fish in order to survive. The chance to learn to speak English from a native speaker can be very ... Read More
Volunteering in Cambodia by Maximilien
Hi, While living abroad, some expats wish to get involved in the local community life. What organizations expats can turn to if they want to volunteer in Cambodia? How to join a charitable institution, what are the steps? Which causes ...
There is some excellent advice in the downloadable book "Move to Cambodia" about how teaching is not everyone's "cup of tea," and the importance of finding out if teaching suits you before signing up for a year of English ... Read More
Driving in Cambodia by Maximilien
Hi, What do you think of the way people drive in Cambodia? How different is it from your home country? Respecting the road safety rules, driving etiquette such as general courtesy, speed excess聟 what are the characteristics of the driving ...
These tips apply to driving a moto in Siem Reap: Wear a full-face helmet and closed toed shoes so you can let one foot slide along the ground at low speed when the moto is unstable; avoid rush hour traffic from 4pm-6pm; avoid driving on wet roads; ... Read More
Khmer rudeness, or my lack of understanding by madmax888
I have a question for those of you who know more about Khmer than I do. I have had my wife's family members visit me a number of times, including having her younger brother stay with us for 9 months. After visiting, not one of them has thanked ...
There seems to be a custom among Cambodians that if someone gives a gift, the person who receives it now has an obligation, or burden,to reciprocate with a gift of even more value. But somehow, getting a gift from a barang doesn't create the ... Read More
Khmer rudeness, or my lack of understanding by madmax888
I have a question for those of you who know more about Khmer than I do. I have had my wife's family members visit me a number of times, including having her younger brother stay with us for 9 months. After visiting, not one of them has thanked ...
Well, it turns out that everything is my fault, afterall. I had foolishly sent money to two women in the Philippines, (one a real cute scammer) I l met on an Asian dating site before I left the US. Whenever my girlfriend says she needs money for ... Read More
Khmer rudeness, or my lack of understanding by madmax888
I have a question for those of you who know more about Khmer than I do. I have had my wife's family members visit me a number of times, including having her younger brother stay with us for 9 months. After visiting, not one of them has thanked ...
I'm sure the details of my personal drama are unimportant, so I won't bother describing them. What I meant is that this topic is helping me understand the culture where my girlfriend has grown up, and some of the influences that may have ... Read More
Khmer rudeness, or my lack of understanding by madmax888
I have a question for those of you who know more about Khmer than I do. I have had my wife's family members visit me a number of times, including having her younger brother stay with us for 9 months. After visiting, not one of them has thanked ...
Today I realized that i've been following this topic because my girlfriend has been treating me like shit and I'm trying to figure out why.... :) Read More
Khmer rudeness, or my lack of understanding by madmax888
I have a question for those of you who know more about Khmer than I do. I have had my wife's family members visit me a number of times, including having her younger brother stay with us for 9 months. After visiting, not one of them has thanked ...
Thanks for posting this so I can understand more about Cambodian culture and the way people behave here. Read More
Khmer rudeness, or my lack of understanding by madmax888
I have a question for those of you who know more about Khmer than I do. I have had my wife's family members visit me a number of times, including having her younger brother stay with us for 9 months. After visiting, not one of them has thanked ...
Great to hear how u are transforming a negative experience into a positive one, and also making contact with the good people around you. Perhaps they will find someone for you by screening out the greedy ones. :) Read More
Khmer rudeness, or my lack of understanding by madmax888
I have a question for those of you who know more about Khmer than I do. I have had my wife's family members visit me a number of times, including having her younger brother stay with us for 9 months. After visiting, not one of them has thanked ...
I had bought $1 noodles from the same cart maybe ten times, and always paid right when I was handed the tray. One night, as I was about to leave, the vendor, who I had always thought a nice guy and treated him with respect, accused me of not paying ... Read More
Khmer rudeness, or my lack of understanding by madmax888
I have a question for those of you who know more about Khmer than I do. I have had my wife's family members visit me a number of times, including having her younger brother stay with us for 9 months. After visiting, not one of them has thanked ...
Thanks for the post. When I hear the specifics, I see I was being overly romantic and foolish with my comments. My apologies. Good luck in the future. Read More
Drugs bust in Sikanoukville by Gravitas
A British man has been arrested in Cambodia after narcotics police raided his home and found a huge stash of illegal drugs. Charles Emery, who was born in Bath, has been held on suspicion of drug dealing after officers found hundreds of pills of ...
Another great expat business idea that just didn't work out the way he planned. Looks like he was dipping into the product, too. No sympathy here. The effects of using meth on the mind....the crazy, horrible stuff people do after days of sleep ... Read More
Khmer rudeness, or my lack of understanding by madmax888
I have a question for those of you who know more about Khmer than I do. I have had my wife's family members visit me a number of times, including having her younger brother stay with us for 9 months. After visiting, not one of them has thanked ...
My response, as a Buddhist would be for you to consider taking responsibility for everything that happens in your life and not blame your wife or brother-in-law for what happened. However, since I often fail at this myself, my suggestions are a tad ... Read More
Khmer rudeness, or my lack of understanding by madmax888
I have a question for those of you who know more about Khmer than I do. I have had my wife's family members visit me a number of times, including having her younger brother stay with us for 9 months. After visiting, not one of them has thanked ...
Simply giving birth to someone doesn't give you any "moral" rights....those are imposed by the society you happen to be born into. One is a physical fact....the other is cultural. Being a parent is a social role attached to a ... Read More
Khmer rudeness, or my lack of understanding by madmax888
I have a question for those of you who know more about Khmer than I do. I have had my wife's family members visit me a number of times, including having her younger brother stay with us for 9 months. After visiting, not one of them has thanked ...
Since my girlfriend is a Ladyboy, we are already way outside normal cultural practice in Cambodia, or anywhere else for that matter. When her sister was hit by a car on her moto, and about to die or lose her leg because he father mismanages his ... Read More
Khmer rudeness, or my lack of understanding by madmax888
I have a question for those of you who know more about Khmer than I do. I have had my wife's family members visit me a number of times, including having her younger brother stay with us for 9 months. After visiting, not one of them has thanked ...
Great. Thanks. I remember one way weddings changed in 1960s was that feminist women criticized the transfer of bride from father to husband as a transfer of property....woman seen as property. So many women just lived with a man and refused to ... Read More
Khmer rudeness, or my lack of understanding by madmax888
I have a question for those of you who know more about Khmer than I do. I have had my wife's family members visit me a number of times, including having her younger brother stay with us for 9 months. After visiting, not one of them has thanked ...
I don't understand why you need the father's permission to marry or need to pay money to him. Could you explain that for me, please? Read More
Khmer rudeness, or my lack of understanding by madmax888
I have a question for those of you who know more about Khmer than I do. I have had my wife's family members visit me a number of times, including having her younger brother stay with us for 9 months. After visiting, not one of them has thanked ...
Thanks for the generous compliment. :) I try to celebrate the fact that I still have something there at the end of the chain to be yanked. i also try to allow myself to express my negative feelings in some way.(usually to my long-suffering fiance, ... Read More
Khmer rudeness, or my lack of understanding by madmax888
I have a question for those of you who know more about Khmer than I do. I have had my wife's family members visit me a number of times, including having her younger brother stay with us for 9 months. After visiting, not one of them has thanked ...
I'm in Siem Reap. Sorry. Read More
Khmer rudeness, or my lack of understanding by madmax888
I have a question for those of you who know more about Khmer than I do. I have had my wife's family members visit me a number of times, including having her younger brother stay with us for 9 months. After visiting, not one of them has thanked ...
You seem to have a pretty idealistic view of "western manners." Maybe you think that's what we Westerners want to hear so you're trying to flatter our egos.:) I read that the Japanese embassy in Paris has to have a resident ... Read More
Khmer rudeness, or my lack of understanding by madmax888
I have a question for those of you who know more about Khmer than I do. I have had my wife's family members visit me a number of times, including having her younger brother stay with us for 9 months. After visiting, not one of them has thanked ...
2 apples + 2 bananas = 2 fruit smoothies for $2. And it's okay to ask first if the ice is ok for barangs. Read More
Khmer rudeness, or my lack of understanding by madmax888
I have a question for those of you who know more about Khmer than I do. I have had my wife's family members visit me a number of times, including having her younger brother stay with us for 9 months. After visiting, not one of them has thanked ...
This is obviously another misunderstanding....with unfortunate consequences. Your "my way or the highway" attitude seems a little inflexible, but some people are better off single, as you suggest. As someone who has never figured out how ... Read More
New to siem reap, looking to connect with new friends! :-)
Hi. I arrived two weeks ago from California, after spending the month of February here. Now plan to retire here. Let me know if you get a group together....I'm 66 as of yesterday....that's only on the outside, though.. :) Still surprised ... Read More