Today I made the mistake of setting foot inside the old market here in Siem Reap. Fortunately the tuk-tuk drivers are all out at Angkor, so during the day the roads are quiet. I step inside the market and its the standard, “Mister, you buy from me” that echoes throughout. Other classics of course are “It free to look” or the more complicated response to “no” being “You buy for your lovely wife/girlfriend/sister/mother”. I told one of them they all died in a horrific car accident, but the seller kept on going.
Siem Reap at night
I did end up making a few purchases, plus was aghast that the days of the $1 DVD are over. Its now 3 for $5. I can tell you now, using the old line “it was cheaper over there” works well here. If they can sell it that cheap they will, otherwise move on and try again 🙂
The other thing I thought I’d talk about to day is a dish I’ve grown fond of here called Amok. Its a very mild coconut based curry cooked in a banana leaf. Its amazingly delicious and I’m hoping to do a cooking class to learn how to make it!
amok, delicious amok curry
I’m off to battambang tomorrow, home of the bamboo railway. deciding if I’ll go for a ride on it. I probably should and if not, I’m guaranteed to be asked at least 10 times an hour i’m sure.