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..

The National Museum of Cambodia located in Phnom Penh. Definitely one red landmark and a must visit!

A common sight here in Cambodia..

I think this would be an understatement – Phnom Penh has a very colorful street scene! That’s one of the things I have grown used to (and in fact, have grown to love..) about this place. I guess there’ s something about this place that really appeals to me. I had been called ‘a lakwatsera’ more than a few times. I’m just the sort to wander around, just soaking in the atmosphere of a place, observing what the locals are up to and discovering more and more about their culture by just observing them. Hi-ace says that’s one the things he liked about me, lol! I spend more time wandering about, being curious and learning than getting rid of blackheads or trying on high heels..

flower vendors @ Psah O’Russei

Anyway, back to topic – Phnom Penh street scene. My obvious favorite are the various vendors you can see on the streets..Here’s some snapshots I’ve collected the previous months of vendors selling mostly snacks, drinks, flowers and toys..I’m just not the best of photographers haha I just tend to snap and snap, but here’s just to give you a feel of the place..

second hand clothes @ Boeng Trabaek Market

roasted pig vendors @ O’Russei Market

Bok Lahong (Papaya Salad) Vendor

sausages, dried squid for grilling

steamed sweet corn vendor

clothes, shoes etc along the sidewalk (st. 47)

balloon vendor @ the riverfront

At the onset, I thought ‘uh oh, another chaotic city!’ but looking at everything around me made me realize that all the ‘chaos’ make this a really unique place. I mean, I certainly can’t imagine Phnom Penh withouth those vendors..

I’ve been in a foul mood since yesterday. No reason at all, I’m just so moody. I spent a good part of yesterday cleaning the house which is really weird because I don’t like doing this when its so hot. I also did the laundry and even stripped all beds of sheets so I could just have some more to wash. I feel so weird, Chinks keep asking me if I’m going to have her little brother now.

I don’t think so. It’s just my hormones acting up  I think. This morning I woke up late, which is again weird considering that I’m always up early even if there’s no classes or work. But at around 8 am I was already in the market buying our food for next week and I also bought ingredients for ginataan. When I got home I cooked that and also made tinola for lunch then promptly fell asleep at around 11 am.

Around 2 pm I was hungry so I had some lunch. The I showered again, then dragged Hi-ace and Chinks to Sovanna Mall to look for some weird movie in DVD to watch tonight. I found nothing but Chinks found ‘Happy Feet’ in DVD so that’s our  entertainment for tonight. I’ll just be scouring torrents again for some movies tomorrow.

We dropped by the grocery coz I wanted to have some eye cream but found nothing that would suit me. I’ll probably be heading over to U-care to look for it tomorrow.

We were about to go home when Chinks announced that she’s starving. I asked her what she wanted to eat, she said spaghetti. Then she pointed at Lucky Seven fast food, a local chain that we haven’t tried yet. I must admit I was a bit turned off by the ambiance like its old but since she wanted it we gave in. She had her spaghetti, which tasted good but a little on the hot side so she didn’t finish it all. I had a ‘Kong Sandwich with drinks and fries’, I liked the bread and it turned out quite tasty. Hi-ace had rice, which he said was just fine.

That’s how the past two days was for me. Now I’m just finishing this up, then I’m waiting for Rafael Nadal’s game..