Cambodian Water Festival

1-3 November 2009

 

Water Festival: The Vendors

Selling corn on the cob 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.

Selling sandwiches and sausages This woman makes sandwiches to order and sells sausages from her motorcycle cart.

Selling sandwiches and breads These women are selling ready-made sandwiches and some specialty breads.  They look good but the hygiene is a big question.

Selling sliced vegetables and fruits For a quick snack or an appetizer or even a dessert, there are cut-up vegetables and fruits.

Selling drinks 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.

Selling kites and balloons
This young man is selling kites but while colorful and attractive, they are not too functional in the large crowds.

Promoters for the newest phone company 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.

Selling flip-flops 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.

Selling clothing from the sidewalk 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.

The riverfront before the big crowds 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.

Parading in pajamas
Shiny pajamas are in this year.  This mother and daughter almost have matching outfits.

A different costume
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.

Two brothers These two brothers seem to be staking out a place where the family will gather later to eat and watch the fireworks after dark.

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