I've been back from Siem Reap for over a week now and still want to cook with nothing but rice, play my one Cambodian musical CD constantly, and daydream 24/7. Any advise on how to make the transition back to reality in New England after being in SEA for a while? Maybe I should attend a local GTG even if it means slogging all the way into Cambridge from Foxboro....

Start planning your next trip!
It is a great problem to have really isn'i it?!
J

Probably not going to help you make the transition, but:

When I used to live in RI, I found that over there many Asian restaurants - those that serve Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese at the same place - are run by Cambodians. Maybe you can look for one of those and tell them to cook you something authentic.

And of course, many Vietnamese restaurants and noodle places around Boston.

My approach is like jules - I start planning my next trip!

Rkkwan- the #1 place in the Prov area is Apsara with two locations and yes, it helps. I go back there again (I work in Prov) next week and can't wait! OK, ok, so I'll plan another trip, maybe that is the only way to deal...

After thinking about it for a while, some of those RI restaurants are also run by Laotians. Not just Cambodians.

SEA.....just gets under your skin! Nothing to do but, plan your next trip!!

I am right there with you! I recently returned from a 5 week solo trip through Laos, Vietnam and Thailand and 9 months prior to that I had spent 3 1/2 weeks in Cambodia and Thaialnd.

I now cook sticky rice at least once a week along with the mashed chilis that the Lao people eat. I also cook Thai food at home on a regular basis, frequent Thai/Lao restaurants and ask anyone who appears to be from SE Asia what their heratige is just so I can talk about SE Asia!

I also have become involved in fund raising for www.villagefocus.org and lucky for me, they are right in my city!!

I plan on returning at the end of this year as part of a fund raising effort with Village Focus International.

Getting involved has been my savior!

Cheers!

Just start planning your next trip. I start planning my next trip while flying home from the trip I have just finished. It's probably harder for you to readjust due to the drastic climate change. At least I come home to warmth and sunshine which helps a lot. Happy Travels!

Actually, for once Guenmai, I didn't mind the cold of Boston! The heat in Siem Reap was tough on me since I didn't have access to AC very often and my eczema kicks up badly in heat!
Otherwise, Eurotraveller, I went over to volunteer at the Angkor Hospital for Children so I am now spending alot of time on projects for them so that helps too. With a lot of luck, I may get to go back for a few days later this year- no vacation but it'll be under my skin (in a good way) again! Such memories, now on 370 digital pics!

Daydreaming about your next trip is the only relief from SEA fever. There's a reason why we check this forum so often. It brings back fond memories.

I am in the same boat - How to relive those days? I guess I could work on my trip report.

1. Do trip report
2. Post photos
3. Plan next trip
4. Check on Fodor's regularly
5. Attend Fodor's GTG's when practical

My family and I donate to the Ponheary Ly Foundation, www.theplf.org, which provides school supplies and uniforms to those children in need in the surrounding villages of Siem Reap as well as other supports to the communities. It's one of our ways to remember the kind people of Cambodia and give back to them. One of our daughters returned back to Siem Reap to do volunteer teaching at a school. We look back on our photos of our trip last year to Thailand and Cambodia to reminisce...and are in the midst of planning our next trip to Asia.

Another charitable vehicle, the one that's closest to my heart since I just volunteered with them, is the Angkor Hospital for Children. Most of the care they provide is free care and they rely heavily on donations from abroad. They are such wonderful people and the kids will melt your heart. You can find out about them at: fwab.org (Friends without a Border, which is their parent organization).
I think I have to pay attention to the Boston area GTG schedule!

you need to come to our next GTG in cambridge to share your trip insights with us all....probably some time in october

Thanks, if I'm not in Italy, I'll be there. We're going to Italy sometime in either late Sept or Oct for a couple of weeks for our 30th wedding anniversary. But please keep me posted, I'd love to attend and get a "SEA fix".