The Markets

On a trip to Phnom Penh in 2010, I only knew about the Russian market; a name given to the place because we were told that the Russians congregated there for trade in the past.

But this time I was exposed to another favourite place called the Central Market.

A day before we left we were yet told of a market which the locals frequented; this time the Orussey market where wholesalers sell and buy.

So many markets with large throngs of people.

This is the dome like roof covering the Central Market and we have been informed that it has just been renovated.

Fresh and dried sea creatures of all edible kinds are found here and prepared according to local tastes and ways. I wonder how strong a stomach one must have to consume them. I cringe at the thought of food poisoning.

 At the Central Market the wide display of costume jewelry is a sight to behold; the choice is varied and the designs are up to date.

But I had enough of that; no more. 

 We were attracted to a stall selling popular croc shoes and Tom's.

The local pretty trader told us they were genuine but the price is only a fraction of what you get in shops. To make her happy we chose to believe and bought.

Well, it's forgiving to once in a while wear such brands and believe me they felt genuine in my feet !

The floral display were so localised but different for a change.

Somewhere we spotted the moon cakes; it reminded us of home.

Where is home you sometimes wonder now.

Yes, the Russian market . The seasoned trader held her goods right above her head without a challenge. Cheese...it's a breeze she seemed to tell. That's Dr. Tan Juat Ngoh who had just recently retired leading us all the way as she has been to this market every year for the past 6 years. She said "Follow me".

This seasoned traveller has the best information at hand.

 Everything in volumes and the choice is endless.

I wondered at the supply; how long to sell them? It's as if the traders are never ever going to leave this premise.

 Then it's the Orussey market. We were told by the locals that only they will come here to buy and sell and the price is competitive. A look round the place confirmed that they were good meant for practical consumption and not for tourists. But it is an opportunity to observe local trading.

 I was taken by this sweetened milk.

It reminded me of the milkmaid condensed milk back home.

We were told a story that some very young babies were given this milk and not formula milk because of poverty. The sweetened drink will be enough to pacify the child. Such story breaks the heart.

 The best rice in town is found here but it was too bulky for us.

Orussey market is not our cup of tea; nothing to buy.

Some of us who have never been to the genocide museum took a trip there.

These are tombs of victims during the pol pot regime and the sufferings and massacre of innocent ones are described here.

Behind the blocks of classrooms are marks of cruelty; injustice and pains.

It was painful seeing the photographs of men and women, mothers and babies and grandparents who died. It was nightmarish. A school was used as a detention and torture center and individual units of jail were put up for interrogation and physical torture. The prisoners were later transported to another massacre centre ; I don't and do not want to remember the name of the place.

Good for history but not good for the memory.

Tonle Bassack is where you should go if you want to chance on local cuisines. It's worth a trip there but when you take lunch there you are sure to forego dinner. The stomach cannot take the load when the roving eyes pin on food which make you salivate. Non stop eating.

The tuk tuk is the life boat of the city. Everyone travels on it. Fast and cheap, the tuk tuk adds colour to the city. We arrived at various destinations using it and the haggling part is the best. Cheap. cheap, cheap. That's again another of my family friend of 40 years; Chin Loy. It was a maiden effort to travel together. We hope for more of it in the days to come.

Another tale on another day.