LIVEALITTLE

Despite all the suffering Cambodians have endured, they have surely persevered heroically these last couple of decades to demonstrate that they are a people of strength, determination and talent. Many are working multiple jobs to fund their English studies with barely any time to sleep. Yet, their smiles are warm and their gratitude is genuine.
Seemingly, NGOs flocked here in a huge effort to pull the country out of the horrific effects of genocide. Their projects remain and the locals state they are grateful for the aid. Although the locals maintain distrust of the new government, they are glad to be living without fear nor suffering and to be aptly rewarded for their hard work.
Reality hit me here and I realized how truly difficult life can be when poverty strikes and how resiliant the human body can become. Rice is not merely grains to me anymore. Rather, it is the sweat and toil of farmers hunched over for hours on end barefoot in muddy, mosquito and buffalo-infested waters working for a dollar a day. I am so fortunate.
Pics: to come

With nary a hollar of 'tuk tuk' from across the street, beggars and barely anything greater than $5USD, Laos is a place for a traveller looking for solace and getting away from it all (except in Vang Vien). Locals are out and about on their own business and you find yourself quite easily doing the same. Sellers are not aggressive and respond as friendly to your 'No's as your 'Yes's. Additionally you can so easily become a millionaire with $1USD=$90,000kip!
Vientiane, despite being Laos' capital city, is comfortable and quaint allowing for easy exploration of all its antique shops It's > 90% Buddhist population and prevalent adherence to customs tempts to investigate this philosophy with thoughts of short-term monkhood. Let's see if I still remember to pursue this when I get my life back into gear.
Pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/livealittle/sets/72157622330832345/

That's a wonderful drawing by a good friend of mine who had been inspired by the Salvador Dali exhibit here in Melbourne. It rightly sums up my 3.5 year experience here in the bountiful Garden of Oz. Certainly Australia has nurtured me from a seedling with only a faint knowledge of life and health. Hopefully I will be able to sow these learned seeds to spread hope, inspiration and joy. I would like to think, as the dragonflies flitter in the drawing, that I have achieved its symbolism and attained a sense of self that comes with maturity. Everyone I have had the priviledge to meet here has contributed to a better Karen and I hope I have done the same for you. I eagerly await the moment we can meet again. Be aware that there will always be space for you whereever I may be. I know my golden hours are just beginning. Although I am "leaving" Australia, it will always be in my heart (and my leg!). And as Semisonic sings in Closing Time "Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end". See you on your journey! Love, Karen
Pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/livealittle/sets/72157621055790022/