BillDoe wrote:What's the room with the little skate ramp like roof over it? I've never really seen a home like that before, must lead to an indoor mud wrestling pit right?

That’s the future covered outdoor patio. Will be a great place for grilling and enjoying the outdoors. The fans in the ceiling will keep the heat down and the breeze up.

And because there’s a roof and pillars, it can be enclosed in the future to be a sun room.

Indoor mud wresting pit? Never seen one inside a home. Do you have one to show me?

Another week and more progress..



Frame is complete, roof is on. Inside, plumbing, and gas lines installed. Just missing wiring.



And something missing in the attic.

Hopefully, the HVAC unit - central air conditioning - will be installed this week and then sheet rock can go up next week.

Rainy season celebration.

During the rainy season in Cambodia, the monks can’t go out on their daily walks to get food. So there’s a celebration to feed the monks. There is no rainy season here, but the holy day is still observed.






The devout Buddhists gather at the temple and bring food offerings so the monks don’t go hungry. And to receive blessings, of course.

The highlight of the celebration is making candles that will burn for the next three months.



A second chance at offerings before contributing to candle making.



There’s a pot of melted candle wax. A ladleful is poured into each candle mold.



Stay safe out there ya’all.

Thanks to the temple auntie, got the scoop on a Khmer restaurant in town.

The Thai Orchard. The owners at the time though that there might not be demand for Khmer food. Got served 2 menus. Visitors only get 1.



And inside …




The regular Thai menu for the average wander. And the other menu? No dish names, just pictures and prices. Depending on what you look like and what comes out of your mouth determines the menu.



Loaded with veggies and spicy. As good as anything in Phnom Penh.



Ditto with this dish. Except the correct Cambodian fish has been replaced with a local fish.

They also makes these as well.



I looked around the restaurant and saw ..



Ear killing speakers? Check. KTV screen? Check. Dancing floor? Check.

This place isn’t just a Khmer restaurant. It also hosts Khmer parties and weddings as well.

Turns out the local area is about 70% Khmer.

And missus got invited to come to the party next month by the one of the servers.

The other suggestion from temple auntie was this place.



Run by the sister of the restaurant owner. She previously lived in Long Beach.

She sells Cambodian souvenirs.







The same as any local market in Cambodia.

And for party clothes?



She sells the same shirts me and my father wore to the wedding.



Getting married and need the fake jewelry for the photo shoot?



Missus tried to find a replacement for her formal blouse that got ruined by the candle wax. Unfortunately, Khmer in the US wear size L and XL. No S or M in stock at all.

Overall, the shop is big and packed, actually 2 shop spaces combined. She also carries all the Thai beauty creams, soaps, lotions etc., and the various ointments and patches that Khmer are fond of.

For any Cambodians living near Houston, this the place to go to bring a large chunk of Cambodia back home.



Hearty thumbs up. Seal of approval from missus.

Latest on house construction.



Outside brick face and stone work almost complete.



Builder has also poured slab on the house next door.



And framing across the street.

Inside, bannisters on now complete.




And walls are painted.



And cabinets going in.