1-3 November 2009
Water Festival: The Vendors
A big and important part of the Water Festival are the vendors. Just about everything imaginable is sold from carts or the sidewalks. If you're hungry, corn on the cob is readily available, a perennial favorite. | |
This woman makes sandwiches to order and sells sausages from her motorcycle cart. | |
These women are selling ready-made sandwiches and some specialty breads. They look good but the hygiene is a big question. | |
For a quick snack or an appetizer or even a dessert, there are cut-up vegetables and fruits. | |
Whatever you eat, a drink is necessary, and there are plenty of places to get one. Probably the most common vendors are those selling drinks from the ubiquitous orange ice chests. | |
This young man is selling kites but while colorful and attractive, they are not too functional in the large crowds. | |
These young people are promoting the latest entry in the Cambodia telephone competition, a company called Hello. Bigger international brands will set up large displays with blaring music along major streets. | |
If your sandals fall apart, this lady can replace them on the spot. Or maybe you just want an extra pair to take home as a souvenir. | |
Some vendors doing a really brisk business were those selling clothing from large piles on the sidewalk. For a dollar or two you can go home with a new pair of pants or a shirt or skirt. | |
From the hotel balcony, an overview of the riverfront is possible. This is mid afternoon before the really big crowds arrive just after dusk, when there is just no room to move. | |
Shiny pajamas are in this year. This mother and daughter almost have matching outfits. | |
This is one of Phnom Penh's street people, a man wearing a Christmas cap and women's sandals who could benefit from mental health services, if there were such. | |
These two brothers seem to be staking out a place where the family will gather later to eat and watch the fireworks after dark. |
Go to Cambodian Culture main page
Go to Charlie Dittmeier's home page