CHARGING LIKE A WOUNDED BULL

Man About was taking his mad mutt for a walk along the river on Wednesday evening when a crazed young buffalo bull charged past him. The bull, with green painted horns and head and trailing a long rope, then ran onto busy peak-hour Pokambar Avenue where it chucked a wobbly and went completely spastic, kicking up its hind legs and shaking its head. It charged through a herd of screaming moto riders, narrowly missing several, and then careened into a young German traveller riding a bicycle. The much-startled young tourist, who’d just spent a year in Australia, crashed to the ground injuring his ankle. He was carted off to hospital in a tuk tuk, agreeing that he’d just undergone a most unusual, if not unique, travel experience.

HYATT STAFF CHANGE

The doors to the new Park Hyatt are soon to open, but one staffer, Vengchhay Nguon, assistant food and beverage manager, won’t be there for the occasion- he finished his stint at the hotel on July 4.

He told Man About, “Being one of the members who launched the original Hotel de la Paix back in 2005, it was a sad and very difficult decision to leave the hotel and the best local team.

“Over the past years under the leadership of our former director of food and beverage, Kan Rinna, we have created memorable dining experiences and events for our clients around the world. Many locals have also enjoyed our successful and fun arts openings at the Arts Lounge, which were highlights of Siem Reap town. Meric Restaurant was voted top restaurant in Asia by the Miele guide and AHA restaurant was featured in many international magazines. These experiences and memories will stay with me for life.

“At least I have brought the opening of Hyatt to the door before I made the decision to leave. I will take a short break and then start my new exciting journey which I prefer not to disclose at the stage.”

Vengchhay commenced his career in 2003 at the Victoria Angkor Resort and Spa as a waiter. In 2005 he joined Hotel de la Paix as a supervisor, and after 18 months became assistant restaurant manager.

In September 2007 he left Hotel de la Paix, gaining an advanced diploma in hotel management while working at The American Club in Singapore. He also graduated from the Wine and Education Trust at an intermediate level.

He returned to Cambodia and rejoined Hotel de la Paix, working under Kan Rinna overseeing all food and beverage outlets.

ANJALI MOVES HOUSE

Anjali House has had to move house after a seven year tenancy due to “irreconcilable differences” with the landlord. Happily the NGO has found a new home in Wat Sway. But the NGO is asking for donors to cover the estimated $3,000 that the move will cost, including making the new patch child friendly.

Donations can be made on Anjali’s Virgin Money Giving page.

Meanwhile, the Angkor Hospital for Children is holding a Bon Phka Prak Mahasamaki (Money Flower Tree), a religious occasion to raise funds from local Khmer tomorrow at Wat Bo, starting from 2pm till late afternoon.

ASEAN LOGO CONTEST

Last chance as such for graphic artists to enter the Asean Heritage Parks logo contest – entries must be lodged with the Asean Centre for Biodiversity by July 31.

The contest aims to create greater recognition on the significance of Asean Heritage Parks, which “represent the very best of species and ecosystems in the region.” There are 32 such parks in Southeast Asia, with two in Cambodia.

The winner will get $1,000 and the contest is open to Asean member state residents.

For details: AHPlogodesign.aseanbiodiversity.org.