stopping for cows

I've decided to start keeping track of the things that are becoming "normal" to me as I have been traveling. A few months ago I never would have imagined I'd be writing this list:

1) stopping for cows- cows are just always on the road here. it is common while traveling, no matter what the transportation is, to come to sudden stops because a cow just won't move

2) monks smoking (or doing anything)- it's common for saffron robed monks to be out and about wherever you are. it took me a while, however, to get used to seeing them in computer labs, on motorbikes, and smoking...go figure.

3) seeing animals tied to motorbikes- yep, i think i've seen it all. I've seen about 20 chickens hanging from the handlebars of a motorbike- and yes, they were all alive. I've also seen 2 men on one bike each holding enormous pigs!

4) wearing my clothes according to "sweat factor"- the weather has been so HOT! Hanging out in mid to upper 90's temps makes anyone really sweaty! because I've only packed a few items of clothing I need a system to make them last as long as possible. I've now separated my clothes into 2 categories: really sweaty and sweaty! the really sweaty clothes i wear in the daytime, when I get the most sweaty. These clothes can be reworn a few times because I know they will end up smelling the same anyway. My "sweaty"clothes I wear at night when I'm cleanest and coolest. Once they have been worn a few times they move into the "really sweaty"category and can be worn a few times before washing. Yep, it's official...i've become one of those dirty, raggedy, and somewhat sweaty travelers! I'm not gonna lie, the pants I have on I've worn for about 7 days without washing them. I've had the same shirt on for the last 5... the funny thing is, i don't even feel that gross!

ok, enough of that list for now. I'll keep updating it...

Other than that, we've made it to Phnom Penh. Alexis, Morgan and I are looking for a new place to volunteer at while we are here. It's the king of Cambodia's birthday today. I tried going to the king's palace today to take a tour, but apparently I wasn't dressed nice enough! haha...i'll have to put on my "sunday best"and try again!