We're finally here! We arrived around ten this morning after a loòooong flight with China Airlines (which by the way was actually pretty decent as far as long haul flights go), and despite sort of knowing what to expect when we got here, it was still a bit of a culture shock. Cambodia seems to be an interesting hybrid of India and China . There are people absolutely everywhere, often hawking thier wares or soliciting you for a tuk tuk ride and it can feel a bit overwhelming at first, but you quickly get your Asia legs and just jump into the melee.
My bro was determined to hit the ground running, so after depositing our bags at Me Mates Villa hostel (basic but tolerable), we caught a tuk tuk and ventured off to the Russian Market. ..and man was that place awsome. You can buy just about anything here! Stalls carrying purses and jewelry separate fruit and meat displays, in a jumble of jabbering shoppers and determined sellers. You don't even know where to look! There are fruits and meats that you don't even know the names of in the hands of shopkeepers who thrust them in front of your face so you can get a glimpse of the freshness and desirability. I saw mounds of Rambutan and Longon sitting amongst apples and cherimoya (Yaaaaaaay!) And even came across what appears to be a white pomegranate (we bought one but havnt opened it yet) The one thing I found most surprising though is that almost all the business here is conducted in US dollars. And it's not a touristy thing...Cambodians generally use US dollers in thier daily dealings as well...the Riel (thier local currency) is typically only used as change (which isn't that surprising given an exchange rate of 4000riel/1$. So it's a good thing we brought lots with us!
After the market we decided to grab a bite at a roadside stall (chosen because it was overflowing with locals) and sat down for lunch. In a place like this, you don't so much look at a menu and choose something to eat, but rather the owner comes up and tells you there is chicken and rice available and you only get that! Hahaha we were like, ya why not! And man was it tasty! I hadn't quite gotten my appetite back (still too exhausted from the flight) but keerit gobbled it down....the couple spoonfuls I had though we're excuisite! Sweet and soy flavored with a carrot fish sauce drizzle. ..yum!
Later on the way back to the hostel we happened upon a young women selling deep fried frogs. And Not just the frog legs like you mighta had in a french bistro, we're talking straight up full on frog...head...mouth...everything! So obviously keerit couldn't resist! Hahaha and I'm not kidding when I say it tastes like chicken! It has a slightly muddy flavor but overall it was decent.. in a pinch; I'd totally eat it again!
Hahaha anyway I can barely keep my eyes open now so I'm prob gonna sign off there. In rhe morning were headed to S21 and the killing fields which were some of the torture chambers and internment camps of the Khmer Rouge. Expect a long update tomorrow...for now I'll leave you with a shot of us in a tuk tuk...and me eating a frog!
- k
Ps I'm sorry if this is a tad jumbled...I'm currently hiding under a sheet writing this on my phone so as not to wake me hostel mates...needs must!
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