I woke up in Montreal, Canada!!

As I am enjoying my fry crabs with noodle on the side for lunch, I realized I woke up in Montreal, Canada this morning!

I did not get to my friend's place until 1:30am eastern time. My flight got delay more than an hour due to the weather condition. It was good that we waited on the plane before we took off last night, especially after I heard a scary story from the person sat next to me! The native Canadian explained how he had an experience where one of the plane he was on, got hit by the thunder during a storm. It was so bad that his whole body flew up and land hard on the seat that his head got knock out and he passed out for a bit. Of course he is ok now. Great story to share before we were taking off on a storm!

My friend, the native Canadian French Cambodian has been a great host! Her mother and grandmother have been friendly and welcoming to me! They are amazed that I can speak perfect Khmer! I have been sharing my experience when I was in Cambodia while conducting my research for six months. Since they have not return back to their homeland for 30 years now, they seemed to enjoy the update and stories I shared. I was able to practice my presentation to them but in Khmer. This was a little difficult since I have been practicing in English.

The weather has not been nice to me this morning. It is actually overcast and some rainfall.

I am amazed of how my friend speaks four languages: French, Cambodian, and English & Spanish! I think most people here speak at least two or even three languages! Awesome!

Ten cups of Chinese tea later, I am ready to start my day in Montreal, Canada!

Weather Forecast: Montreal, QC

A French Cambodian Singer for the Poland National Folk Ballet

I wanted to share with you my latest article for CAA interviewed with Christophe Lan. This article was published 3/10/11.


Christophe Lan is a product of globalization. Born in Paris, France- and now based in Warsaw, Poland. Lan is the first Cambodian French person to be singing for the Mirabilia Musica, Poland's National Folk Ballet. Lan has been singing in their vocalist ensemble for seven years. Mirabilia Musica is best known for their classical, religious, musical performances. Lan's father is from Cambodia and his mother is a native of France. Lan has traveled and lived in various countries and knows over four languages. Since his first singing lesson at age 17, Christophe discovered he had a natural talent and a passion for singing. Due to his language abilities, Christophe is an intentional singer: "Yes, I love to sing and have sang in various languages including Polish, French and German. I studied musicology (studies of music and culture), which helped prepare me for my current professional singing career. I am proud to say that I am the first Cambodian French who sang for the Mazowsze Zespol Ludowy, which is the Polish National Ballet.”


Christophe believes that music has a powerful ability to stir emotion and create a sense of connectedness:

“Music is so peaceful and you can make somebody happy, even crying with joy. For anniversaries of funerals, I was singing here in Poland and people were so happy to hear me sing ave maria caccini. When I sing for an audience, I feel that I am connected with them, here and there and further, it is like an experimental sensation of being everywhere and in communion with people and nature. My whole body is shivering and sounding.”-- Christophe