APAD 121: 6-Eleven store
We may not have the international franchise 7- Eleven store but we have its local equivalent in Phnom Penh. It is called the 6-Eleven. Like all convenience stores elsewhere, it is usually open 24hrs a day and has stocks of all sorts of canned juices and sodas, bottled water, snacks, and other everyday sundries.
It has almost everything that a 7-11 store has. Except that the 6-Eleven store probably opens an hour earlier than a 7-Eleven store. LOL.
APAD 116: HIV and AIDS on Cambodian stamps
Last Wednesday, June 29, the Cambodian Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications officially launched a new set of stamps (four), a First Day Cover, and a maxi card commemorating the 30th anniversary of the discovery of the HI-virus (HIV). I learned that this is incorrect. According to JournAIDS, June is in fact the 30th anniversary of, specifically, the first recorded AIDS related deaths, not the anniversary of the discovery of the virus itself.
The stamp designs are to promote safe sex, monogamy, and faithfulness.
As noted in the UNAIDS, UPU, ILO and UNI Global Union guide for the Global HIV Prevention Campaign issued in July 2010, “In 2011, 30 years will have gone since acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS, was first identified…As operators of the world’s largest physical delivery network, Posts [postal services] have a unique opportunity to reach millions of people on a daily basis, including its own employees, to provide them with critical health information such as how to protect themselves from HIV.” (Source)
HIV/AIDS was first identified in 1991. Only a few years later, experts warned that the epidemic had taken off rapidly and that Cambodia risked becoming the Asian country with the worst AIDS problem. In response, the country attacked the epidemic vigorously, earning international recognition for its success. Between 1998 and last year, Cambodia dramatically reduced new infections and made anti-retroviral treatment widely available. By 2009, an estimated 93 percent of those eligible for AIDS drugs were receiving them. Still, Cambodia’s AIDS epidemic, fueled largely by unprotected heterosexual sex between men and female sex workers, [recent data now include “men who have sex with men”] remains volatile and could spread rapidly without targeted prevention efforts, the new report says. (Source)
This is the design of the 500riel stamp that was rejected and never printed/issued.
APAD 115: Traffic accident
Saw this yesterday while on our way home. Seeing a scene like this again made me realise the danger of driving here. Vehicular accidents like this are very common in Cambodia. In fact, traffic accidents are a leading cause of deaths in Cambodia.
- Westerners say, “A road is a place of order where people follow and lead in an effort to get to where they want to go.” In Cambodia the attitude follows a thought more like, “The road is an area (dirt, paved or grassy area) that I can use however I see fit in order to be first in getting to where I want to go.
- Westerners say, “This is my side of the road, that is your side.” In Cambodia the lanes are places to be used no matter if there is a yellow divider line or not. Motos will frequently drive along the side of the road going the wrong way looking for an opening to cross to the correct side.
- Westerners say, “I have my highway rights.” In Cambodia you have the right to move over as three vehicles come your way “in your lane.” Hanging on to your highway rights just to defy the new culture of Cambodia is a sure way to get into an accident because the other quickly-approaching car is thinking you are going to get out of his way.
- Westerners say, “Just obey the signs, signal lights, and speed limits.” In Cambodia most of this traffic paraphernalia is suggestive only. You will not want to depend on others to place the same value on these things as you do.
- Westerners say, “This doesn’t make any sense at all.” In Cambodia many of the driving methods are ludicrous but some of them make perfect sense once you begin to understand the system. Unfortunately it will take time (maybe a few years) before you really begin to comprehend the reason behind the madness.
- Westerners say, “Thanks for letting me pull out in front of you; I’ll hurry and get out of your way.” In Cambodia take your time even when someone has shown a kind gesture, don’t worry about holding them up. They understand the cost of quickly crossing lanes.
APAD 112: Celebration
The dark, gloomy weather this afternoon didn’t dampen the celebratory mood in Phnom Penh. The city’s main streets were “dressed up” in red, white, and blue buntings as well as big and small flags of Cambodia and France were everywhere.
Cheyor, Kampuchea! Vive La Vive la République Française!!
A Silver Finish!
Certified!
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