Everyday life in Phnom Penh

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Since returning to Phnom Penh after my break on the coast for the Khmer New Year, the weather seems to have changed considerably and the heavy rains are falling quite regularly now, albeit rather early I think for the time of year. Phnom Penh doesn't seem to have a very good drainage system, if any at all, so the roads regularly flood and yesterday I was wading along in my sandals having just done some shopping in the local supermarket! Quite different from a trip to Sainsbury's!

However, I have spent the last week going to work and the less said about that the better, as it has been unbelievably boring, continuing my regular lunchtime swimming sessions, pampering myself with a pedicure, which only cost 3$ and having some nice meals out with some of the people I have met. I have also been to a talk and presentation on Sino-Khmer architecture, which reflects the Chinese influence, and attended an Inter Nations event, which was advertised as a rhumba/flamenco evening on the internet and which proved to be thoroughly disappointing, as there was a guy playing the guitar and singing, which as far as I could see, bore no resemblance to the styles of music I was expecting.

However between the rain storms, I have done quite a bit of walking around the city and taken photos of everyday life scenes in Phnom Penh, which I hope you will enjoy looking at. One of my walks took me to Psar Thmei, which is often called the Central Market. It is an Art Deco building, which has recently been renovated with financial assistance from the French government. It has a huge domed hall and the design allows for maximum ventilation so it is pleasant to be there on a hot day. As far as the market is concerned, the stalls are similar to any other markets, although there are some selling varieties of gold and silver jewellery and dodgy watches and there are some interesting food stalls.

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Photos

The Central Market
This shows the outside of the central dome

The Central Market
Looking up at the newly renovated done

Inside the Central Market
Looking across at some of the numerous jewellery stalls

One of the outside market stalls
A selection of dried meat and fish

At the Central Market
An inviting selection of fresh vegetables

Typical gates seen in Phnom Penh
Gates like this are seen at the entrances of residences and also small offices. They are constructed out of metal and some are decorated and painted elaborately.

Lotus flowers
These flowers are on sale at market stalls and displays like this can be seen in hotels

A typical cafe
Cafes/restaurants like this are all over Phnom Penh and are frequented mainly by locals at all times of the day, from early in the morning to very late at night.

Washing drying
This is a familiar sight across Phnom Penh outside both houses and shops

Typical residences in Phnom Penh
These gates lead on to a paved entrance, beyond which is the house, which consists of two stories. This is typical of Khmer architecture.

A road side stall
I pass this lady cooking and selling this food on my way to my lunch time swim. I will have to admit I am not sure what she is cooking, apart from some kind of bread!

Another road side seller
I pass this man too on my way to the swimming pool. Apart from what he is cooking, he sells other items as well.

Tuk tuk drivers
They are seen everywhere by the roadside hopefully waiting for business

Looking out at the heavy rain
I am sitting in a bar, yet again, sheltering from the rain!

A typical road side stall
Stalls like this are seen all over Phnom Penh selling drinks, food items, top up phone cards etc.

A stretch of the river front
Weekend evening exercise classes which anyone can take part in

Comments

[Carol]

Exotic fruits
The fruit and veg look tempting! Are they grown locally?

[Maureen]

Central Market
Wow juleybugs, the market looks great!! Very interesting and beautiful building. So sorry about all the rain though - I bet wellies wasn't the first item on your list when you were packing your suitcase?? But I bet you wish it was now, eh? Anyway, hope the time you have left at work isn't too deadly. It wouldn't be so bad if you were getting paid for it I suppose..... Chin up gal Really looking forward to seeing you again as soon as possible. Maur xx