It is said that one could learn best of foreign culture when he or she involves in communities of that country. However, the way I learn is to start with people from the same country as mine to hear what they have experienced with the new land.
That was my motivation to search for Cambodian communities in Amsterdam this weekend. Although the weather was not with me, my journey from Diemen (another Dutch city) to Amsterdam began. I was guided by a map from google showing me directions to a Cambodian restaurant. I thought it was a good start to check where people meet and eat so that I could follow the track to bigger communities.
After wandering around and asking people, I found the restaurant. It was exciting to see the word "Cambodja City" on two boards hanging outside. The place was not large but it looked massive to me. This is because it is really hard to find Cambodians living in Amsterdam since this city is not one of the favourite destinations for Cambodians.
I entered with hope that I would speak my language for the first time in Amsterdam. I said "Sour Sdey" or hello to a guy who was serving some food. He looked at me for a moment and replied in Dutch which I did not understand. I thought there must be something wrong, this guy does not look like a Cambodian. Usually, I could figure out my own people by looking into their eyes!
Finally, that guy told me to forget the boards hanging in front of the shop. People here run the restaurant are Vietnamese. It used to be run by a half Cambodian-Vietnamese lady, who later sold the restaurant. He added that he did not know any Cambodians in Amsterdam. That was it! it was not the result I wanted.
I came back home with disappointment. However, at least I could find the words on the boards. Anyway, I will see the biggest Cambodian community in June when I fly back home.
That was my motivation to search for Cambodian communities in Amsterdam this weekend. Although the weather was not with me, my journey from Diemen (another Dutch city) to Amsterdam began. I was guided by a map from google showing me directions to a Cambodian restaurant. I thought it was a good start to check where people meet and eat so that I could follow the track to bigger communities.
After wandering around and asking people, I found the restaurant. It was exciting to see the word "Cambodja City" on two boards hanging outside. The place was not large but it looked massive to me. This is because it is really hard to find Cambodians living in Amsterdam since this city is not one of the favourite destinations for Cambodians.
I entered with hope that I would speak my language for the first time in Amsterdam. I said "Sour Sdey" or hello to a guy who was serving some food. He looked at me for a moment and replied in Dutch which I did not understand. I thought there must be something wrong, this guy does not look like a Cambodian. Usually, I could figure out my own people by looking into their eyes!
Finally, that guy told me to forget the boards hanging in front of the shop. People here run the restaurant are Vietnamese. It used to be run by a half Cambodian-Vietnamese lady, who later sold the restaurant. He added that he did not know any Cambodians in Amsterdam. That was it! it was not the result I wanted.
I came back home with disappointment. However, at least I could find the words on the boards. Anyway, I will see the biggest Cambodian community in June when I fly back home.
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