Simplicity

Meaningful spices of life.

It has been quite a while when I last saw a merry-go-round ground like the one in Sixty Street.

Simple joys and fun.

The scenario reminded me of my childhood days when a make-shift merry-go-round and circus would itself in a playground and let the locals have some fun for a couple of months.

It gave me an uplifted feeling as my friends and I would make trips after trips to the site.

This elaborate vehicle hooted itself around us and the music that was played created a happy, festive mood. In fact, it's celebration time along this road everyday. Fun, isn't it?

The youths jumped on trampolines and had healthy fun. The younger ones squealed in laughter and were excited at the fun rides. We watched and wondered whether the city children in Subang Jaya will ever have the opportunity to indulge in such simple games; or are they only having fun with their technological gadgets and having maximum thrill in conquering wins. Surely the children of the city and the rural area differ in outlook, exposure and provision. But both will give rise to individuals that will fight just as competitively.

I was especially attracted to the way the locals casually laid mats and make it work for meal times. So simple and plain and yet they do not seem to mind. In fact, that is the way life is. Look at the little ones; extending their help too. The kids are lean and tough. I wonder if they get sick easily like city children. I do not think so. They are exposed to all and have established resistance. Fighters they will be.

Drinks, chilli sauce, loads of green and embryos ?

With their crossed-legged posture they are ready to enjoy.

No more can we see in urban settlements.

Quite uniquely they also set up game stalls for winnings and fun like what you will set up during carnival time in schools. Shoot, throw and guess your way to your prizes. Hai was such a great host. He explained the rules carefully and urged the girls to take part. Of course, Grace would try anything.

So, she managed to con herself through and got her prize; the Angkor Wat beer.

Finally, the guide took us to the new night market after dinner. During dinner, Hai told us that though he graduated as a law student it was quite a task to function as one. Opportunities are competitive and few which led him to be involved in the mainstay of Siem Reap - tourism. The town thrives on this industry.

At the new market, it was another scenario of merriment. Tourists thronged the site and name almost anything and you can find here. Hai warned us about the cut-throat charges. But they would to be able to get me. I told the girls to go at least 1/2 or better still call it a deal at 1/3 of original pricing. They did fairly well but were still caught here and there. You need to be bold, shameless and street-wise to call it at your price. You only know they have hit rock bottom when they do not want to part with their goods. The principle is they will sell as long as they can. So, just call your shot and grab the gamble.

Goods are aplenty. Shawls, scarves, hats, purses, scented soaps; all in the name of trade. Everything is traded in US dollars. So pretty and colorful. But how much can you buy? Anyway it was good experience to see local art and craft. You decipher how people think and react.

Perhaps, the greatest attraction to many are the gems of the town. Many have visited Siem Reap for the sole purpose of the stones. But you need that eye to see whether you have been tricked. My father trusts nothing on the street and would insist that they are imitation products. The stones are colourful, attractive and alluring. But you have to be careful for you may be picking glass or plastic. So the vendors would be testing them with a stone detector and convince you that they are genuine. Buy them at your own conviction. But dear Esther insisted: 'would you wear them at a party?' If you would not , do not buy. The girl is only keen on that which is real; nothing more and nothing less. It was impossible to get anything for her. She would rather have nothing. So be it.

Be wary.

So, that's for the first evening.