Her primary birthday wish was to be 'the boss' for the day. We had to do whatever she said all day (it obviously didn't last long as some of the requests were questionable). Here she is in her birthday chair (pink & purple tinsel covered chair from the Russian market in Phnom Penh) with an enormous birthday cake made by Kampot Pie & Ice-creamery. They were so considerate, providing plates, spoons & a large plastic knife to cut the cake for our little party.
Although we didn't plan on lots of presents, there ended up being quite a few, including this gorgeous Cambodian wedding dress which was a gift from the woman who runs The Tiny pillow shop in Kampot. I think I was her best (ever) customer so she threw it in much to my delight. They sell tiny pillows (?) & make beautifully embroidered tablecloths etc. She made one for me while I waited.
C chose a new place for breakfast & to go there by tuk-tuk rather than walking. We then returned to the hotel to have our cake & play in the pool all day with an enormous blow-up dog. It was good fun.
Miss C's second wish for the day was a grand indulgence - to go on every single one of the 4 rides at the night market (& one of them twice). She had been on one of the rides the day before so was most enamoured of a longer return journey. The rides cost between 25c & 75c so were absolutely affordable. One of the rides was a tad hairy as little Cambodian children seemed to be climbing all over the structure while the ride was going. We finished the ride early, imposing our own OH&S standards & also because both participants looked petrified. We had a lovely, relaxed & memorable day with our beautiful girl. She was delighted to receive several telephone calls, emails & texts with good wishes, including a beautiful photo of all of her kinder friends and a photo of a Happy birthday cake painted by Alice.
The only wrinkle in the day was C's disgruntlement that she hadn't grown or changed as she is convinced that there is a meaningful & observable transformation every birthday. We spent a fun time trying to explain that there is a tad more subtlety to growth & maturity. She wasn't convinced!
Top 5 for a big birthday
1. Enjoying every moment - we certainly did this today
2. Marking the day & being aware of the growth & change that a new day & a new age offers
3. Realising that whatever you need when travelling (& in life?) will be there & is available to you eg the provision of the tools to celebrate & enjoy the cake; the most generous gift of the wedding dress which is the thing I had first admired on entering the store
4. Time marches on - where did these last years go?
5. Resolution that this trip has been such a good decision - this will be a birthday & an adventure for the memory books
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