Central Market

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I've been to many markets around the world, so I think I've seen about everything. But the p'saa tmai, or the central market, in Phnom Penh is different. The market is housed in one of the coolest looking buildings around. Some say it resembles a Babylonian ziggurat, because the central building is a huge dome. Decorative cutouts in the walls promote ventilation which makes it quite comfortable year round for the shopping experience.

I was overwhelmed by the spacious feel, the soft golden light inside, and the dazzling displays of reflective jewelry and stones and knickknacks beckoning to pack rats from around the world.

I bought nothing shiny. I intended to buy a pair of elephant pants, the loose pajama-like printed pants from Thailand that usually feature elephants tromping on them. I walked out with a multi colored pair of pantaloons that looked fetching when I first looked at them but now I'm not so sure. I dangled them in front of my tuk tuk driver's face and asked him if he liked them. He grinned broadly and said he liked them. Of course, what else was he going to say? I had not yet paid him his fare. He knows what he's supposed to do to keep his customers happy!

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Photos

The pantaloons
What do you think, fetching or silly? I got up enough nerve to wear them on the riverfront.

Comments

[Julie]

Show us the pantaloons!
Ok, you can't get away with posting this without showing us a picture of the pantaloons, preferably being modeled. I may have to have you get a pair for me!

[Traveling Terry]

Pantaloons
Julie, I just knew someone would want that! I'll see what I can do....

[taracloud]

Great market!
These stepped tiers do look like a ziggurat, Lovely market there, seeming both modern and ancient. Your pants look like ones from Ecuador, but sold in Bolivia and here in Peru to tourists. I used to wear them, many years and pounds ago, and loved their airy feeling--you can move any which way.

[Traveling Terry]

Pants
I enjoy being inside that space..it is so comfortable. And my pants are, too! Everyone knows I'm a tourist when I wear them.