AsiaLIFE

Wracking your brain for how to kick-start 2011? Mai Lynn Miller Nguyen tracks down some of the city’s best activities.

The first of January is a window of opportunity to reinvent yourself. Every year we set out with aspirations for becoming the person we want to be, but sometimes we need a little push. Whether you’re looking to meet more people, learn a new skill, or get in shape, here are a few starting points for resolutions of all types.

Get Focused

Looking to improve your photographic techniques? Nathan Horton Photography Trips begins with a workshop covering practical know-how. Afternoons include a guided tour of Silk Island, Kompong Chhang or Udong, with plenty of opportunities to try out your new camera tricks. From US$40 up to US$90 for half- and full-day trips from Phnom Penh, Tel: 092 526 706. www.nathanhortonphotography.com.

Express Yourself

Learning a new language opens doors. The obvious choice here is Khmer, but if you’ve already mastered the local language, try German or French. Khmer School of Language, 52G Street 454, Tel: 023 213 047. German Cambodian Cultural Centre/Meta House, 37 Sothearos Blvd., Tel: 099 755 782. French Cultural Centre, 218 Street 184, Tel: 023 213 124.

Find Inner Peace

Turn inward with meditation sessions led by a Buddhist monk. Take a moment to still your mind through Vipassana reflection, escaping from the clutter of the outside world. Buddha Hall at Wat Langka, Street 274, Tel: 023 721 001. Monday, Thursday and Saturday evenings from 6pm, and Sunday mornings from 8.30am. Free but donations welcome.

Get a Kick Out of Life

Every week, the Bayon Wanderers FC tears up the football pitch. Matches take place on Saturdays at 2pm in the Old Stadium, with revolving practices set throughout the week. Men and women of all ages can participate. US$5 per month for Cambodians, up to US$25 per month for foreigners, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . www.bayonwanderers.com.

Draw the Line

Put your pencil to creative use for academic drawing classes with a private instructor. Painting lessons and art history classes can also be arranged according to interest and ability of student. Evenings and Saturday mornings. 5,000 riel for Cambodians and up to US$20 for foreigners. Tel: 092 429 710, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Expand Your Taste Buds

Discover the wonders of Cambodian cuisine. Cambodian Cooking Class covers favoured dishes such as spring rolls and fish amok. The course begins with a visit to Kandal Market and ends with you enjoying the fruits of your labour—lunch. Daily except Sundays.US$20 for full-day course or US$12.50 for half-day course. Sign up at Frizz Restaurant, 67 Street 240. Tel: 012 524 801, www.cambodia-cooking-class.com.

Get Your Act Together

Whether you want to be in the spotlight or helping out backstage, the Phnom Penh Players amateur theatre company calls for actors, musicians, set builders, and crew to join in creating productions. Performance profits are donated to charities that support the arts. Auditions announced on website. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , www.phnompenhplayers.com.

Stretch Yourself

Kundalini Yoga combines body-toning poses with mind concentration and breathing practices. Along with scheduled classes for various levels, there are also healing and meditation sessions as well as Level 1 teacher training courses available. 204ZB Street 322, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , www.kundaliniyogacambodia.org.

Brush Away Stress

Put your own touches on vases, furniture and any other uninspired surface. One stroke painting, a form of decorative art, can be learned from a certified instructor who teaches scheduled group classes and private lessons. Painting parties can also be arranged. US$15 for 3-hour group class, Tel: 092 619 948. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Change Your Tune

Whether you want to pick up the violin, guitar or the Gu Zhen, Simphony Music School can guide you. Recognised by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, the music school features courses for a selection of western and Chinese instruments. Internationally trained instructors take on students from age three to adult. 243 Street 51, Tel: 097 888 8787, 023 727 345. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9am to 7pm.

Work Out Your Aggression

Step into the ring at Paddy’s Fitness Centre for western and Khmer boxing. Start with Pradal Serey (kick boxing) classes to learn the basics of punching and kicking in a cardio fitness workout. Personal training sessions can also be requested. 46 Street 428, Tel: 012 217 877. US$5. Classes on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7pm to 8pm.

Step It Up

For a great way to socialise and shake a leg, try salsa or swing dancing classes. You’ll exchange partners as you go along, though males are always in demand. Ongoing dance nights at Equinox and the FCC are a chance to show off your new moves. Swing dancing at Amrita Performing Arts Centre, 22 Street 240, www.pppswings.com. US$2.50 for Cambodians and US$5 for foreigners, advanced course on Thursdays from 6.30pm to 7.30pm, beginners from 7.30pm to 8.30pm. Salsa three-week course at Le Liban, 3 Street 466 Tel: 077 338 570, www.salsa-phnompenh.com. US$5 for Cambodians and US$10 for foreigners.

Reward Yourself

The Hash House Harriers encourages exercise based on an enticing payoff—beer. Every Sunday, the rambunctious group runs for eight to ten kilometres in various locations on the outskirts of Phnom Penh. After reaching the finish line, it’s bottoms up for the Harriers.Meet Sundays at 2.15pm at the railway station. US$5 for foreigners, US$2 for Khmers, and 2,000 riel for under 12s, includes water, drinks and beer. Tel: 012 832 509

Celebrate Girl Power

The Women’s International Group (WIG) of Cambodia invites women of all ages, nationalities, and political or religious affiliations to join. Monthly meetings include talks by invited speakers and refreshments. Members run a number of social activities, including a book club, bridge club, and Temaris Japanese folk art.General meetings at 3pm on the first Wednesday of every month at the InterContinental Hotel, 296 Mao Tse Tung Blvd, Tel: 088 927 2440, www.wigcambodia.com. Annual membership US$25.

Gallop Forward

An oasis on the outskirts of the city centre, the equestrian centre in the Cambodian Country Club is the place for courses with horses. With an international sized arena, 31 different mounts, and two expert coaches, it’s the perfect place to get into the saddle.Street 2004, Tel: 015 231 755, www.cambodian-country-club.com. Daily pass for non-member entrance US$12, one hour lesson