In one month from now, I’ll be back in Cambodia. Need I tell you how excited I am? This trip will be different from last year’s trip, though. Last year I was in full-on promotion mode, doing as many interviews, readings and signings as I could manage. I traveled from Bangkok to Siem Reap to Phnom Penh to Laos to Singapore and was rarely on my own. But this trip is a different story. This time I will travel via Kuala Lumpur and other than a stop-over there where I’ll do one or two readings, I’ll be in Cambodia the rest of the time, and in Siem Reap for most of it. A month in Siem Reap, mostly on my own, mostly just living and working. A bit scary, to be honest.
I decided that after going on and on, both in person and on the page, about how much I love Cambodia, I should actually live there for a while. A month is just long enough, and also as long as I could take. While I’m there I’ll run one instalment of the Anjali House Young Adults Writing Workshop which I founded last year. I’m sure I’ll dip in and out of the shelter and work with the other kids on and off, as well. Otherwise, I’ll be working on the inevitable tweaks of novel three which (I think) we’re calling Between Perfection and Ruin. I’ll be writing poetry. I’ll be seeking out some contemporary Cambodian poets. I’ll begin thinking about novel 4 — I now realise all this Cambodia fiction needs to be a trilogy. And of course, I’ll be blogging, taking photos and videos and posting them, and doing an on-line journal of the trip just as I did last year.
So being the A-type compulsive that I am, I’m in hyper-organizational mode. So far, I have:
* booked all the air flights and hotels
* ordered my Malaysian Ringgits
* gotten my Cambodian visa
* sent the lesson plan for the workshop off to Anjali House
* bought my medicines: malaria tabs, a broad spectrum antibiotic, plus extras of what I usually need
* made a list of other essentials like immodium, sun screen, insect repellent
* made sure I have enough copies of A Clash of Innocents and Her Life Collected to bring
* been in touch with my friends in Kuala Lumpur to organise my events there
* notified everyone I know in Cambodia that I’m coming
* made a list of NGO’s and cultural programs that I want to visit
* bought a new pair of flip flops
* booked my pre-trip haircut
* juiced up my camcorder and reminded myself how to use it
Being able to share all of this with my blog friends last year was vital to me, and I’m really looking forward to sharing it all with you again. Right now from my room in London, a month in Cambodia sounds like a long time. But having a month before I actually go sounds like nothing at all, so I thought I’d start focussing on the trip with you now. And here’s a short video from last year to get us in the mood:
PS I won’t be staying in such luxury this time, but still…
Flip flops are an essential feature. I am glad you’ve purchased a new pair!
(I’m sorry I won’t see you in Bangkok. I wonder if I could get over to Siem Reap?)
Don’t tease me, Jenny. That would be sooo great!
Goodness, sue, your life sounds like a whirlwind! I hope you have a fabulous and really worthwhile time on your trip!
Oh, wow! It might sound a little daunting, Sue but what an experience. And you are never alone with the power of internet/emails and social networking.
Have a super, productive time and look forward to hearing all about it.
warm wishes
from another ‘A’ type compulsive type 😉
x
It’s so exciting how you’ve found your niche, (maybe your calling??). Enjoy the trip. I look forward to going with blog-wise!
I just happened across your blog and am excited for you and your trip to Siem Reap. I hope you will consider checking out an educational NGO Caring for Cambodia. Part of their mission is to train Cambodian teachers who in turn mentor others. I don’t know if this is an interest of yours, but I believe they are doing a lot of things right. Have a wonderful trip.
Nicky, Bluestocking Mum, Lauri: It’s very comforting to know you will be watching over me from afar, like my guardian angels. Thanks!
Susan: I’m so glad you found me and my blog. I have just looked at the CFC website and it looks like something I would very much be interested in. People have suggested that I expand my workshop to include other Cambodian schools — maybe I could talk to CFC about that, and their work in general. Feel free to email me if you have any other ideas: sue at guineyuk dot com. Thanks so much!!
As Sue sets off on her travels I’m already reading the first draft of her latest novel. It’s quite nice to work at the slow, steady thought process that underlies the whirlwhind of activity that leads to inspiration. It’s also great to see extra projects Sue will be getting involved in.
I’ll soon have my report ready on the latest novel, so working on that will be added to the already full workload. But thinking about it and reworking parts while in Cambodia should really help.
Fantastic! Have an amazing trip, Sue. Sounds like a great plan for workshops, writing and inspiration. Enjoy!