Random observations 2

More pyjama sightings
The images speak for themselves.


At the bank



At a boat blessing ceremony

Qung Yo or 60 Road Market
One of the places that I have visited a  couple of times with Phalla is the Qung Yo Market and fair ground. If you want to see where the locals gather in Siem Reap after 6 every evening head to Qung Yo Market. It is a daily feast of local food, delicacies and a permanent funfair that entertains all ages. The market and funfair spreads around the main roundabout leading to the Angor Wat temples entry. There are mainly food stalls but there are also other goodies of  practical use to locals rather than tourists (clothes, hats, shoes). There are carpets laid out by the riverside and behind food stalls for the locals to spread on, enjoy their food and each others' company. My favourite thing here is the food: particularly the deep fried prawns and rice cakes. Sitting on a carpet and enjoying a 'light' evening meal is so familiar and comfortable to me. I love the fact that this is the locals' area. And they are all so welcoming to me being really discreet in their amazement to see me join their humble crowd.

Clearly, the Cambodian are fun loving people and enjoy socialising every night of the week.  Phalla loves this place for another reason. There is a row  stalls with his favourite game ; the ballon darts game. The aim of the game is to pop as many ballons as possible with the wonky darts you get. It is not that hard to get the balloons and we always leave with sweets or a drink. It is really worth a game just to see the sheer and sincere enthusiasm on Phalla's face.

Build up to the Water Festival
This morning I observe even more people in the streets of Siem Reap. There are continuous processions of monks and nuns, playing music and collecting donations. Boat blessings ceremonies are followed by loud music and celebrations even in the early morning. More countryside people are camping by the river. Close to Matt's bar there are local trade and food stalls up already. It is getting busier by the minute. I am intrigued and happy that I am not going to miss out on the Water Festival after all. It seems that I am in for a treat on Saturday, my last day in Siem Reap.