On Monday, I arrived in Taipei. I have gone through the airport in Taiwan many times on the way to Phnom Penh, because it’s a convenient Eva air hub and a nice place to get noodles and beer as you await onward transit. But I had always wanted to properly visit Taiwan, bolstered as I […]
Tag: asia
Cambodia elections – photos from the rally on Friday
The rally on Friday was remarkable. A Mardi Gras atmosphere filled the air, and the CNRP supporters did a victory lap around Wat Phnom and kept going. Traffic stopped dead and people poured into the streets — including monks. Old men told me what they really thought about Hun Sen, speaking with remarkable frankness. All […]
Things You Drank Out Of in Ancient Times – Sackler-Freer Museum, Washington DC
In lieu of anything enlightening: these ancient Iranian drinking goblets on display at the Sackler-Freer Museum in Washington DC are fantastic. I should remake them and sell them at inflated prices to frat boys. It’s infallible. The lion looks less sure of himself than the lynx. I think he’s subject to more angst. It’s OK, bro. […]
Weird Wednesday in Phnom Penh: 4 Villagers Shot, 22 Escape Detention Center
The news cycle got weirder yesterday, as 22 Borei Keila evictees made an escape from an Orwellian “social affairs” center after a visit from Mu Sochua, and 4 protesting villagers near Snoul were shot in cold blood by hired security hands. The common theme in these examples of extreme government force? A total lack of […]
An Old Farmer And the Khmer Rouge: A Civil Party at the Tribunal
Another day, another live-tweeting session at the Khmer Rouge tribunals. The press room is violently air-conditioned and I am the only journalist willing to eat the “weird” Vietnamese sandwiches. Oh, yes, right, the court proceedings…. Nuon Chea has continued to beg off the dock, claiming health issues, which means that today featured one civil party […]