2 minute expat in 'I know it all' shock

keeping_it_riel

For a hilarious but toe-curling experience check out this website.

http://www.livejournal.com/~karenincambodia/

Sweet little Karen has been in Cambodia for all of 10 seconds but she's quite the expert already. This african-american woman seems to be latest in a long line of plonkers to work for The Cambodia Daily where the Khmer staff (don't you just love 'em) have christened her 'black chicken number 2.'
Very Happy

If they did that in the UK then it then they'd be banished to a cultural diversity/ racial awareness gulag for years.

Karen also regales us with some Khmer history lessons and how when she was stopped by the Khmer traffic cops she 'thought that she should give him a little something' and $2 did the trick.

In a world exclusive she tells us the meaning of the word 'soksabay' and tranlates the word 'sexpat' which according to Karen is ' foreigner clearly in Phnom Penh to take advantage of its thriving sex trade. When I can write about it without becoming completely livid I'll talk about the pedophiles. I'm actually hoping that day never comes.' '

I'm very much looking forward to reading more from Karen and I'm quietly confident that she can keep the journalistic standards of The Cambodia Daily at their current level.

KiR
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Guest · Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 9:04 pm Post subject:

Poor girl. She's just enjoying herself. Leave her alone.

Me Again · Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 10:07 pm Post subject:

Lia howie?

Certainly hope that was a bad crack at phonetics.
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hanky · Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 1:03 am Post subject:

Compare it with this one: http://elizabethbriel.blogspot.com/

The author has this to say:
Cambodia, on the other hand, is one of the liveliest places I've ever been, and so are the expats, who come from a slew of nations and backgrounds. Expats don't come to Cambodia to make piles of money (as they do in Korea) or simply for the women and beaches (as they do in Thailand) or through fascination with exotic, well-hyped martial arts that have little to do with the daily lives of most people (as in China and Japan), but for something else that in my short experience remains intangible. Then again, it could be for the awful, cheap weed available everywhere and its reputation for corrupt officials who can overlook almost anything. I've no idea.
Anyway, these people know a whole lot more about Cambodia than I do, and I'll add to the list in coming weeks as I contact more arts organizations.

Refreshingly different.
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Doctor Seuss · Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 3:53 am Post subject:

I think you guys should lighten up. Some of her comments were quite insightful. I enjoyed reading her material. I look forward to her writing some articles for the Daily.

flumphead · Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 6:20 am Post subject:

Why so cruel to her? Quote the bits that made you irate. Could be that I missed them.

Guest · Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 6:55 am Post subject:

That's a good point. It's a trait of nearly everyone's on the board to sneer at people who display a kind of gauche wow-isn't-this-so-not-like-Cleveland naivety. I think that's where the intolerance of backpackers comes in too. I guess it's just dislike of people who think they're bold and pioneering for going to such a 'dangerous' place, and being proud of themselves for it, "Look at me aren't I interesting and adventurous". Seems harsh to me.

I like the blog that hanky posted too.

hanky · Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 7:14 am Post subject:

Falcon Randwick · Posted: Sun May 15, 2005 3:59 pm Post subject:

Oh yeah, re:elizabeth briel's blogspot, if you ever get the chance to view her artwork do so. I was lucky enough to meet her in Korea and not only is Liz a top chick, but a shit hot artist...
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lazlett

There is nothing wrong with this lady's report. She is unpretentious and full of that amazement that most people experience after their first moto ride through Phnom Penh and their first stroll down any street.
I don't know why you feel obliged to squash the enthusiasm of newby others, but it's not necessary.

Lazlett
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Guest · Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 8:55 pm Post subject:

hanky · Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 9:58 pm Post subject:

Yeah, this Karen seems pretty young, she`s an intern, so she is probably only 18 years old or something. She might be ok when she grows up. prey

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Doctor Seuss · Last edited by Doctor Seuss on Wed May 18, 2005 4:10 pm; edited 1 time in total

Anyone who is so negative about a young writer, hasnt even read the material properly. I can see merit in her work. I encourage you to read it again.

keeping_it_riel · Posted: Tue May 17, 2005 9:12 am Post subject:

Just had a looksee at Karen's site.
Well, apparantly some nasty potty mouthed people have been leaving negative comments on her blog....and she's feeling 'violated' and 'exposed.' Sad

So she's decided from now on to delete the comments of anybody who disagrees with her and leave up the comments of anybody who supports her. Well done, Karen....what a bold, fearless journalista and champion of free speech!
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Playboy · Posted: Tue May 17, 2005 11:44 am Post subject:

The joys of the Internet; never have the uninformed and ill educated had such a platform to shout forth their ignorance.
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