The Covenant of Water is the best book! And The Muffin Man is a must-eat in Siem Reap. But first, to the reads!
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese is an incredible epic that centers around a family in Kerela, India from 1900 to 1977.
All the characters and their storylines were fascinating. I enjoyed learning about the field of medicine, family trees and traditions, religion, art, and the cultures introduced in this novel. Covenant deserves all the praise it has received. The story’s “main protagonist” is also based on Verghese’s great-grandmother’s journey.
Despite it’s 700+ pages, I didn’t want the story to end, so I’m reading Verghese’s previous book Cutting for Stone. I’m a fan.
Most businesses suffered, like the touristic town of Siem Reap, during the pandemic, but not The Muffin Man. Dieng opened his first bakery and cafe in 2020, and in 2023 he opened his second.
I had heard of The Muffin Man when I scoured the internet for vegan options in SR. I mean, vegan baked goods! Unheard of in SE Asia. But they also have a full menu with tasty options for everyone.
As some of you know, I used to work here, and I saw on TMM’s sign that he used to be a student at my former school, ACE (Australian Centre for Education). It was nice to see a success story. In any case, I knew we’d be back, and lo and behold my former colleague and friend wanted to meet at TMM.
It turned out Dieng was Chris’s former student! In fact, his class was the first to taste his muffins, as he brought a batch on the last day of the term.
Eric and I had an opportunity to learn more about Dieng’s journey from “just getting by” to “living his dream”. It turns out he and his siblings were migrant workers in Thailand for years before he was able to receive higher education.
Unfortunately, like other countries, Thailand treats its migrant workers horribly, and we got to hear Dieng’s story. To his credit, he told it without emotions. And the last time we were there, he had more vegan baked goods. That’s where our money is going! Damn him, and his chocolate brownies!
How’s your November winding down? Is The Muffin Man song now going through your head?
Life, the Universe, and Lani 
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