Update on Living at the Diamond

Today, there was a morning rain, but it cleared away within only a few minutes, revealing a beautiful sun-filled day. I set out on my bike to run some errands and explore the neighborhood that will be my new home for the foreseeable future.  A few hours later I decided to return home to have lunch and as soon as I pulled up to home the rains returned. I stood on my balcony looking out at the city and could see pockets of rain clouds over different parts of the city, but then I quickly became completely engulfed by rain clouds so low that I can barely see the buildings around me.

 

View from my balcony just before becoming engulfed by rain clouds

This was the kind of rain that drives hard toward the ground, creating a roaring sound. I left my balcony door open so that I could enjoy the cooler weather and the sounds of this rain. The rain was coming down so hard that drops bounced across the five-foot wide balcony and onto the bedroom floor. All the typical daytime sounds of Phnom Penh (voices, motos, honking, animals, and the repetitious music from street vendor carts) were completely muffled by this rain. After less than 20 minutes the clouds began to lift and pass through and once again I could hear the familiar city sounds: a rooster crowing, a whistle blowing, horns honking, and the humming of moto engines. In the afternoon I set back out on my bike to pick up my extended Visa and Cambodia Driver’s License. As you can see, some of the streets were flooded in Phnom Penh.  

I have been swimming and going to the gym everyday (all two that I have been here). Really great to have this where I live and does away with any excuses not to exercise! The trainers at the athletic club are really nice and very helpful.