Phnom Penhagain

It made sense to add on a work trip to Cambodia as one of our programmes (that I used to manage before ever living in Asia) needed to perform an evaluation on a grant given to a recipient here. I volunteered to do it given that I was going to be in the region anyway and because I'm familiar with the programme and Cambodia. The evaluation will end the day before Christmas at which point it's not simple to get back to the UK for Christmas Day. So I'll stay here with friends.

My sister asked me whether I was 'devastated' at being away at Christmas time. It will be a shame to miss the normal tradition of sprout eating but I will find a mechanism of surviving...

I have enjoyed reacquainting myself with the city by bicycle today, pootling around and exploring memory lane. Something very comforting in the familiar warmth and surroundings, especially as the warmth at this time of year is more manageable than at others. When you live away from home you always feel a pull at this time of year to visit home for a break. After a long 2016 with not enough leave taken, I'm perfectly ok with spending the holiday here. The Christmas meal and exchanging of presents can take place in January as it's usually a time devoid of much alternative cheer.