Daily life, Phnom Penh

As Cambodia is one of the poorest country is South East Asia, there are some local customs. E.g. in some places (National Museum) an officer will give you a small flower. Take that flower and put it and small amount of money in a bowl or a plate in front of Buddha. It is a sophisticated means of begging, but we rich tourist can give a few dollars. You don't need to give every place.

2 more images

Opposite the Royal Palace along the river is this small shrine which seemed to have some kind of ceremony happening when I was there. You'll also find people selling flowers, birds (which I think are said to bring good luck/your wishes come true when you let them go), and street hawkers.

Everywhere I visited in Cambodia both Siem Riep & Phnom Penh, I can see similarities in the cultures, day to day living, food and to a smaller extend the religions.

Although Malaysia is a multi-racial melting pot. But similarities were noted on the type of food in the market, the wet market where almost all sellers are women..(As those Malaysian Wet Market in the state of Trengganu & Kelantan). The light desserts very similar to Malay's & Baba nyonya desserts in Malaysia, The Cham's muslim dressing, head gear, and even their language is similar to Bahasa Melayu/Indonsia. For Khmer culture, the Royal Palace ceremonial gears, umbrella & flags having lotsa similarities with the Hinduism practised in Bali, Indonesia.

For those Malaysian visiting Cambodia, it is a must to check those similarities. And for those Malays of Malaysia/Indonesia/Singapore, visiting a muslim Cham's Kampong and ability to communicate with them in Bahasa Melayu/Indonesia will be another interesting activities.

Before I forget...do note also similarities in naming their vilages as "Kampong" and the eating stall "Waroeng"

I have been to Cambodia for 2-3 times now and every time I visit Cambodia, I never forget to order palm wine produced by Confirel.

The first time I visited Cambodia, I was afraid to taste any of the local food, especially on anything that I never had before. But my second time, I was braver and started tasting something different, such as Prohok, sour mango pickle with salt and chili or sour mango with fish sauce .... yum :)

After I visited the Night market, I have introduced to the palm wine, and palm sugar. The first wine I tasted was Pineapple palm wine, which contained only 8% of alcohol. The wine has a little sweetness from Pinepple. It's different from Grapewine in a good way. It's light and fresh, fit well for the lady or whoever do not alcoholic drink.

Another one that I taste was, Jaya, which they called Palm Whisky. Jaya has a great taste for a 40% alcoholic drink. I enjoy it alot.

Next time you visit Cambodia, don't forget to switching your drinking grape wine habit and try palm wine instead. I guarantee you will like it.

You can find palm wine at any supermarket especially in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, at restaurant, mini mart, etc.

FeelingAngelish

4 more images

Callejeando siempre se ven cosas curiosas e interesantes

Hangging around the streets you may see corious and interesting things

This is an older photograph purchased at the National Museum that shows how the traditional checked scarves are worn. For a modern version check out the shopping tips!

Most of the stray animals looked very sad, but at Rendez-vous Cafe there were two well-fed cats -- definitely in the French tradition!

Life is hard for most Cambodians, but it doesn't keep them from enjoying their children -- and enjoying it when you do too! This little charmer was at "our" laundry.