Dr. Fish and Other Stories
Trip Start
Jul 14, 2010
1
2
16
Trip End
Aug 09, 2010
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Shopping in general is actually a great way to get acquainted with your surroundings, support local industry, steep yourself in culture, and provide comfort and stress release via retail therapy and a hard-won bargain.
In Cambodia, everything is very inexpensive. Almost half of the population lives below the poverty line, earning about a dollar a day. Therefore, said retail therapy turns out to be mutually beneficial - I get a week's worth of clothing for $18, and we as a group drummed up a good chunk of business for some of the local stands at the Old Market.
In addition to procuring a great satchel bag and clothes for the week, we also picked up some local fruit from a rickshaw overflowing with Rambutons (see picture). These turn out to be kind of like Lychee, though not as sweet. By squeezing the tough skin and twisting, you break off the top of the skin and gain access to the soft, chewy, slippery fruit inside. So delicious, and an excellent lunch!
Meals today were awesome:
Breakfast at the Blue Pumpkin consisted of a light and fluffy omlette, two slices of delicious home-made bread, broiled tomatoes, yogurt, a bowl of fresh cut peeled fruit, an iced coffee and orange juice for $4.75. Although this is actually considered pricey for the area, the restaurant filters all the water used for food preparation (including their amazing gelato!) and for ice used in all beverages, which makes it a safe bet.
Dinner at Khmer kitchen was a delicious Khmer curry with pumpkin, potatoes, carrots, and chicken, served with white rice and a Tiger beer for $4. Major yummo!
After dinner, we decided to give the local fad a try - Dr. Fish tanks are all over the streets around the Old market. For $3, you can have these little fish nibble away calluses from your feet. It may sound a little strange (or gross...) but it is one of the things that seem to define a complete Siem Reap experience. I'll try uploading the video, and you can see for yourself :)
I'll write another entry on the Old Market another time, because it really was an amazing experience. But for now, time to try to get some sleep! While this so far may seem like a vacation, I know that come Monday, we're going to be thrown into the fire - so far, our schedule for the week is Orphanage on Monday and Jungle Village on Tuesday. The village is called Elephant Head village due to the high number of cranio-facial deformities. It's important to use this weekend to get used to where we are, establish our baseline, and prepare ourselves for what looks to be a challenging week.
Comments
Hi Lara! Thanks for sharing all your experiences. Your descriptions are wonderful.....I almost feel as though I am there! I admire how brave you and your friends were while making friend's with the fish! Tell Grandma that's the next pedicure to share! Ha ha. Miss you, be careful, enjoy the experiences and keep us updated! Love, Auntie Helena xoxo
I still want those little fish!!
Dr. Fish ..... Looks like fun.
Do you get to eat the fish after they finish with your feet?
Have FUN!
Mark
GOOD FOR YOU LARA. WISH WE WERE YOUNGER, AND COULD DO THIS. ENJOYED YOUR PICTURES, AND COMMENTS