Mother goes to work selling sugarcane chunks–a popular snack–and daughter goes along for the ride.
Category: Daily Life in Cambodia
Topics: Noise (2)
Mobile noise is a nuisance but at least it moves on, out of range. Some established stores also set up speakers at the front of the store, but again it’s only a short-term irritation because usually the people are moving past the stores. Click here to see some examples of the stores with speakers.
Beauty and the Beholder
Different cultures certainly have different standards when it comes to appreciating what is right and what is wrong; what is permitted and what is not; what is beautiful and what is not; what is music and what is noise; etc. This man spray painting metal hose reels on a public sidewalk would be arrested in many countries. In Cambodia it doesn’t rate a notice. And if someone challenged the idea, the probable response would be “Floors/sidewalks are SUPPOSED to be dirty/messy/etc.” so what is the problem?
Topics: Noise
Cambodia is a very noisy place, hard for many expats to adjust to. Click here to see one form of noise pollution, the sound trucks that cruise the streets.
Now Being Served…
You probably can’t get fresh roasted corn on many streets in the United States!
Topics: Inflatable Figures
It’s not only western movies and fast food and snacks that are making inroads into Cambodia. In the last couple years more and more western-style advertising has been noticeable. Click here to see some examples.
A Sign of the Times
Until very recently a sign like this one would have been unthinkable in Cambodia where credit cards are not very common. Within the last five years or so, there were only one or two high-end hotels that would accept Visa and MasterCard and American Express. And even as a few other establishments began to accept cards, they did so with a 3% to 5% surcharge for their graciousness in allowing you to use your plastic. Today you will see more foreigners using credit cards, but for the most part they seem to be using them to make money withdrawals from their home bank accounts so they can then pay their bills here with cash.
A Touch of Class
Many eateries in Phnom Penh are little mom-and-pop operations right on the street with the barest of utensils, furniture, and hygiene. And then there are a few places like this–it’s almost on the street; I’m sitting on the back of a motorcycle–that are part of the city decor but do it with a sense of style.
Clothes on Wheels
When you really can’t get away to Saks 5th Avenue or to Marks & Spencer, the clothes wagon can come to you!
A Different Model
It’s not quite Home Depot, but there’s a good chance this shop will have what you want if you’re looking for tools and parts.