So distinctly Khmer. This is the bridge connecting buildings in IFL {Institute of Foreign Languages} Royal University of Phnom Penh.

This is also an entry to..

A part {I think the most visible part} of the Cambodian Royal Palace complex. This is the ‘Dancing Pavillion’. Intricate and very grand. Sometimes used as a reviewing stand on events, its is also the site for moonlight dance performances. Lately, pigeons have decided to call it home, and you can see thousands of them alighting on the roof..

Here’s another living in Phnom Penh post…

From March till around June, I am frequently complaining about the heat in Phnom Penh. Yes, its scorching hot. Seldom rains and consequently I stay indoors most of the time. And I am not so happy with that. Hahaha! I like having my little outings, little adventures. But the heat makes that so impossible. I’m even lazy to go to the market and buy our weekly food stock!

Still, there are lots of good things about this season. One, no rain, no floods. Phnom Penh has a really bad sewerage system. In Tuol Tompong area where hubby’s family lives, just a bit of rain for 30 minutes means flood. So, at least when its hot like these, we avoid these floods.

Two, the city is in bloom! A thing I really appreciate about the city are the trees! Yes, coming from Manila where trees in the city is a rarity, the trees in Phnom Penh are like heaven sent. Both sides of streets here are lined with trees. I noticed its like color coordinated. South part has lots of trees with yellow flowers, some streets mostly have red-orange blooming fire trees. Norodom Blvd.  mostly has trees with purple – pink flowering trees. Streets near Kampuchea Krom and St. 110 are lined with frangipani trees with white blooms. And its just lovely…

Here’s some shots of the trees in bloom. I only managed to take a photo of the yellow ones. I keep forgetting..Aren’t they just lovely?

intersection near Russian Market

Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Park {Sothearos Blvd.}

On a totally different note,  I want to have a massage. A long one. The past few weeks have been very hectic and I feel just so drained. A few days ago, hubby and I had been driving around and we saw several shops advertising a bed massage. Hubby is interested to try it. I dunno how it operates, maybe its like the OSIM massage chairs? I think I’ll make him try it, lolz just so we would know how it is, in any case it just costs 5000 Riels. Or maybe I should learn how to be a masseuse and enroll myself in a massage therapy program online? But then, I want to be the one to be pampered so I think I’ll just visit a real massage/spa soon.

A month or two ago, I was ‘web wandering’ searching for air fare promos, hotel promos and cards direct when I stumbled across something mentioning Koolred, an Asia-based travel social networking site. I guess I was caught with the cool name. I love the concept of being able to connect with people with similar interests and browsing Koolred’s shared travel stories, photos is just wonderful. It’s like being able to travel without leaving your desk. They also hold contests regularly and last time they were running the Asian Food Review Contest.

Since I love to write-blog and eat, why not join? I submitted three short food reviews. I was not really expecting to place and have forgotten about the contest until I got an email a few weeks ago. The KoolRed team said I won! Wow! I just couldn’t believe that my Khmer Food @ Trasak Paem actually won, among hundreds of entries! Lolz! I truly love this little Phnom Penh restaurant and Khmer cuisine and I guess it showed in the review. And they said I won a two night stay for two persons at a luxury hotel in Bali – Alila Manggis.

I wasn’t about to believe the prize, that I actually won, till I actually had the proof. Lol. Sorry I’m just OC like that. Anyway, last April 13, something came by mail. People from Air Asia and KoolRed are really fast. I really have the voucher. Which also includes some discounts on the hotel services!

Yay! I guess this is exciting. My first time to actually win something. {Not counting the times I joined binggo games in our town when I was a kid..} I was actually wanting to get the hotel stay in Bangkok prize but hey! I haven’t been to Bali and this would be the best excuse to go..

When will I go? I have yet to decide and plan. I have a lot to do this year, and towards the end of the year, I’ll be going to Manila and Bicol again, so maybe early next year. Before the voucher expires hahaha! To KoolRed and Alila Hotels, a big thanks.

Learned this crab recipe from MIL and I love it to bits especially the sauce. When the crab is all gone and eaten I still keep the sauce {lol!} and eat it with rice. One thing though, this recipe is just no no no for those with sea food and peanut allergies. Thankfully, I don’t have allergies like that so I could indulge. I feel for those who have severe allergies like my mom and brother who loves to eat but has to control themselves. As for me, I can eat anything and the only adverse effect is me getting fat {hahaha! big news.} and getting a lot of breakouts and acne. But nothing body acne treatments can remedy.

On with the foodie. Fresh crabs I usually cut in half. Spring onions, that crunchy veggie with flowers {whose name escapes me right now} usually available in wet markets here in Phnom Penh, crushed garlic, and the curry-peanut sauce {can be bought ready made here}.

Just saute garlic, then add the veggies, the crab and the sauce. Add salt, sugar to taste. Simmer till cooked and top with chopped spring onions.

And voila! mouthwatering crab stir fried in curry sauce..

Have a great weekend everyone!