On a lazy Friday afternoon after a full morning of apartment hunting, I decided to check out this new bar and grill called Freebird on Street 240. Many times previously, ever since I saw an ad in the Post about free wi-fi (a rarity in the city), I made attempts. This time around, with time to kill before my 7:30 dinner, I was determined to find the place.

Surely enough, I found without breaking a sweat. As I walked inside, two Khmer ladies at the bar greets me with the signature warm Khmer smile.

"Suasdey," said an attractive young girl in her early twenties.

We made several more exchanges and she led me to a high table.

Though a bar doesn't fit my "ideal" working environment, I decided to try it out.

"I'll have two scoops of vanilla ice cream with two cherries," I ordered. I may be frugal, but no cheapskate.

An hour into my web surfing and e-mails, I noted the near extinct bar pick up customers. All were middle-aged Caucasian males.

I minded my business, concentrated on the work in front of me while enjoying my Sissamouth jams off my iPod.

About five were to the right of me toasting a cold one. Two of them had previously used their laptops for internet before joining the group at the bar counter.

I also observed a Caucasian male inside the bar counter serving drinks to his patrons. In retrospect, he's likely the owner.

Anyways, I tuned out my surroundings.

Another hour has eclipsed. I am now working on my UN proposal using Word document program. My internet browser on KhmerConnection (www.khmer.cc).

Then and there, the man behind the counter sneaks from behind and taps me on the right shoulder. He said little, but diverted his finger to a little table sign that reads, "Free internet for e-mail and web surfing only."

"Yes, I can read the sign," I responded in a very mild-mannered, non-confrontational tone.

He went away.

About five minutes later, a male Khmer staff stands right next to me. I wanted to pretend that I don't see him.

"Our free internet is not for chatting," the nervous young man speaks in English.

"What chatting do you see on my screen?!?" I smartly shot back. Though a bit disgusted now, I was still pretty chilled.

Speechless, he left just as fast as he entered my circumference.

I wasn't deterred to leave, the obvious objective from the Freebird staff. About 10 minutes later, they threw the last punch.

Their internet service mysteriously disconnects.

It was obvious that this was their final attempt to get me out. I was the only customer using a laptop at that hour. The only Khmer customer in the building among 10. I left the joint disgusted. Paid my $3.50 for drinks and dessert and left my business card on the table which read: "Thank you for the warm hospitality."

Though I was bitter about my experience that afternoon, this post is no way an attempt to foul mouth Freebird Bar & Grill or to sour their reputation. Instead, I'd like to use this entry to open up a discussion about discrimination -- in a place like Freebird -- where its foreign catered. Many of Khmericans in Cambodia have shared many similar stories with other establishments.

If you have any personal stories or experiences to share, I would value them.