The Rain in Cambodia

Our team of 50+ PolyU students and staff have been in Cambodia for 4 days, undergoing intense training, preparations, and orientation with the 30+ students and staff from Human Resource Development Institute, a local community college.  We are all excited about the services that will start on Monday.


One thing that we are getting acquainted with again is the rain.  This is the beginning of the rainy season.  In the past, the rain usually starts in the afternoon, and last a couple of hours.  To some extent, it is a welcome relief from the oppressive heat.  It is usually much cooler after the rain, and the air smells fresher.

This year, the rain seems to start earlier in the day, heavier than before, and last longer.  As soon as it rains, the streets are flooded, cars and motorcycles stall, traffic stops, and it is a big mess.


Many children do not seem to mind the rain.  All over town, children - mainly those that are poor - frolic in the puddles.  It is quite disturbing, however, to note the garbage and filth in the puddles.


Many of the roads seem to be deteriorating quickly, probably due to the increased traffic, particularly those heavy trucks.  One of the roads, 371, leading the Killing Fields from the south of the city is practically impassable.  That’s perhaps part of the cost of modernization.