Siem Reap - Day 3

On Day 3 we finally had breakfast at the guesthouse. I disagree with their choice of American breakfast, especially since there's nothing special to it, just eggs and baguette. Oh wait isn't that French? When in Cambodia, do as the Cambodians. I wonder what they eat every morning.

Siem Reap isn't really that big and Day 3 poses new problems of where to go. We decided to check out an orphanage nearby then head to the New Market which isn't really new but is certainly more market-like than other markets as it caters for the locals rather than tourists.

National Highway 6. The main road that cuts across Siem Reap.

Kid chasing us near the orphanage.

Arriving at the New Central Market. We saw a deranged man standing totally naked along the road. I think the girls peeped.

1/3 of the stalls in the market sell shoes and they are all the same ones.

The rest of the day was spent wandering around the Central Market (Psar Kandal) and Old Market (Psar Cha) trying to dispense the remaining of our currencies. We treated Ra to dinner again for his excellent service at the equally excellent Socheata restaurant where we had yet another feast.

JetStar's air stewardesses look more decent than Tiger Airway's.

French colonial architecture at the Old Market.

Damn adorable kid we came across while Xueling was trying to find a phone booth. "Movin' on up street vendor little help".. whatever that means.

Ra and our smart little tuk tuk.

After that came a visit to a children's hospital although we reached there too late to do anything. We then headed for the Night Market which had just opened and wasn't mentioned in any of the guide books. From our experience, this definitely is the best place to do your shopping in Siem Reap. The prices were the lowest for just about everything compared to those in Central and Old Market. Stall owners were friendly and doesn't hassle you to buy. The ambience was nice and relaxing and some stalls were selling stuff that wasn't seen elsewhere.

At a particular stall selling scarves I was instantly offered a surprisingly low price, the same price that I would have gotten from elsewhere only after much bargaining. The lady boss said I was special hence giving me a good offer. haha. Life's often unfair when you're charming. Bought two in the end, the first time I did it without bargaining even though I probably could have lowered the price a bit more. We also saw a couple of young gays at a shop selling furniture who came running to greet me as I walked past. I think Xueling scared them off.

My spoils from Cambodia.

We spent our last pennies at the famous Dead Fish Tower in town. The unique interior design and live band, complete with equally alive crocodiles makes it a good place to chill out. There are also free Apsara dance performances although that's probably how the bar got its name.