I always find it entertaining when I see entertaining situations that cross cultural lines. Yesterday Pat was hosting one of her recurring sewing classes in BosKralein village. Apparently the class of local women from the village had homework from the previous day where they were tasked with writing a paragraph about themselves. The results were going to be written on a "Peace Purse" designed as an item to sell in shops. Pat's example showed her story of living in Wisconsin, grandkids, and working in Cambodia.
Our driver Mony was doing the translation to explain what they had written. Remember, education has been a major barrier in this country so not everyone has the best reading and writing skills. Even worse, I think the problem of poor handwriting is universal.
Mony: "Ok, so I will read the next one. 'My name is Sophea. I have 2 kids. My husband's name is...'"
At this point Mony gets a strange look on his face. It was a combination of surprise, disbelief, and a wry smile. He said something to her in Khmer and the group erupted in laughter. There was much conversation and soon he explained:
Mony: "I thought her husband's name was Deepfried Bullfrog. It is not, but the words were a little hard to read."
Ah yes, the joys of bad handwriting. But that would be an amazing nickname.
Our driver Mony was doing the translation to explain what they had written. Remember, education has been a major barrier in this country so not everyone has the best reading and writing skills. Even worse, I think the problem of poor handwriting is universal.
Mony: "Ok, so I will read the next one. 'My name is Sophea. I have 2 kids. My husband's name is...'"
At this point Mony gets a strange look on his face. It was a combination of surprise, disbelief, and a wry smile. He said something to her in Khmer and the group erupted in laughter. There was much conversation and soon he explained:
Mony: "I thought her husband's name was Deepfried Bullfrog. It is not, but the words were a little hard to read."
Ah yes, the joys of bad handwriting. But that would be an amazing nickname.
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