Phnom Penh (Ah!) Travel Tips - Faces & Places - March 2003

Tim Keller - NR Photo

DJ Ken - National Radio Text Service

Tim Keller Returns To USA - Pacific Systems - Happy Days - Rising Sun - Stardust - Martini's 12th Anniversary

Wednesday March 12, 2003

DDD's TIM KELLER RETURNS TO USA

Tim Keller has left the building at Digital Divide Data (DDD) and returned to the USA to continue his education. Keller served as president of the company from its inception. He came to Cambodia in September of 2001. DDD opened their doors for business July 2001 just eight months after the idea was conceived. Their initial project was to enter the 1873-1899 editions of the Harvard Crimson newspaper into a database.

Under his watch the staff grew from 20 to 83 computer operators. No replacement has been announced. Keller will work with the DDD in an advisory role.

DDD NEEDS BOOKS

Digital Divide Data (DDD) is seeking book donations for their new library in Phnom Penh for poor students and children. Contact Niev Sitsophary: 012-971-341 or Iv Sovannary (Nary): 012-977-566.

ROTARY CLUB

The Rotary Club of Phnom Penh meet every Wednesday at 6:30 PM at the Hotel Le Royal. Meetings are in English. For reservations call 016-833-929 or 012-807-790

HUN SEN PARK

Hun Sen Park has taken on a new look. Trimmed hedges and bushes with lights draped around them illuminate the nighttime atmosphere. Happy Days and the Nexus Bar are across from the park on the south side

BILL HEROD

Bill Herod could be called the Godfather of the Internet in Cambodia. He is responsible for bringing the Internet to the nation by securing a Canadian grant to establish the first ISP. He was the former director of the NGO Forum, which is a coordinating body of Cambodian nonprofit organizations.

At a meeting at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Cambodia (FCCC) last year, Herod told the story of how non English speaking Cambodians are using the Internet.

Herod watched Khmer people sending e-mail at KIDS Internet. Since they couldn't speak English he wondered how they could do it.

The staff later explained that they translated what the client said into English and typed the email. They also scan documents and translate them to English.

PACIFIC (COMPUTER) SYSTEMS

Pacific (Computer) Systems General Manager James Auyeung says expanding the company to Siem Reap proved to be a good move as business is brisk.

"We think Siem Reap has potential," Auyeng said. "Our customers told us they had a lot of problems in Siem Reap. There was a lack of knowledge to take care of their computer problems."

Pacific's English speaking staff repair and sell computer equipment in a town booming with computer use from both the hotel and private sectors.

The Siem Reap office is located at # 157 phu, muc beth Phasar Chas, Modual 1. Tel: 063-963-622 & 012- 759-457.

The Phnom Penh location is: #176 St # 63, Bkk 1. Tel: 23-219-289 Web site: www.pacific.com.kh

RISING SUN:

Clive Scutt is the new owner of the Rising Sun. The English Pub has an excellent reputation for good food.

Its Sunday roasts are a crowd favorite. Scutt has retained Van the cook.

The establishment is located at No. 20 St 178 just up from the Foreign Correspondents Club of Cambodia. Tel: 012- 828-716

RIVERHOUSE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

The Travis Jenkins Quartet is now appearing at the at the Riverhouse restaurant & lounge Sunday evenings from 8:30 - 11:00 PM.

Also on the entertainment menu DJ's are featured every Friday and Saturday night. Among those that appear regularly are Commercail Pop Dance specialist DJ Cool Sam (Philippines), DJ Illest (Canadian/Khmer) Hip Hop R & B and DJ Mikus (France) - Disco, house music.

The establishment also offers a fine dining menu, cocktails and an extensive wine list complimented by a Tonle Sap River view. Cigars are also available.

Located on the corner of Sisowath Quay and St # 110. Tel: 012-821-259 & 023-212-302

STARLIGHT LOUNGE

For all of you hungry travelers departing the boat from Siem Reap, Starlight Lounge owner David Robertson is planning a lunch menu.

The club has a pool table that blends in well in the cozy atmosphere. Robertson was formally in the music business having worked with Aerosmith and the J. Giles bands. He can talk music.

The Starlight is on the riverfront road at # 95 Sisowath Quay across from where the boats to Siem Reap dock (the Phnom Penh Passenger Terminal), two blocks from the Post Office. For more information call: 011-853-180.

AEROBICS

To unwind a tight body aerobics classes are available at the Clark Hatch Fitness Center.

The club is open to men, women tourists and locals Monday through Friday. The club is in the Inter Continental Hotel. Classes are 9am and 6:30pm. Fee: $2. Call: 023-424-888, extension 5000.

Martini's nightclub celebrated its 12th anniversary last Friday and Saturday March 7th & 8th. Owners Charlie and Jackie served free food Friday and drinks at half price on Saturday.

NOTE: The Martini's club in Phnom Penh is not affiliated with the Martini's Club in Siem Reap.

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© Copyright: National Radio. Any use of these materials, whole or in part, is prohibited unless authorized in writing by National Radio. Contact: nationalradio@yahoo.com ALL RIGHTS RESERVED