Tradition lives on

Some of the Hanuman team watching the traditional Robam Trot performance

At the Hanuman office a few minutes ago we enjoyed one of the traditional New Year's ceremonies called Robam Trot, which originates from Stung Treng and involved youngsters from the Cambodian Light Children's Association orphanage. Dressed up in traditional costumes, they symbolized chasing away any bad spirits and bringing prosperity by re-creating the hunting of a deer. Perhaps not politically correct but its a tradition and something we do at Hanuman every year. Over the last few nights music and laughter has been ringing out til late at night in the streets surrounding my house with traditional games such as Angkunh, Leak Kanseng, Chhoung and Dandoeum Sloek Chhoeu being played by groups of boys and girls, who've also formed dance circles until midnight. For much of next week the city will be like a ghost-town with everyone disappearing to their home villages across the country.

The introduction of two beautiful girls with very long fingertails was welcome

It was a tight fit for the ceremony, held at the front door of the Hanuman offices