We were a bit tired from the travel but that didn't stop us from checking out Siem Reap. I knew it was a bit crap because the red flag was up for me and blood was just gushing out. I really felt so tired, uneasy and uncomfortable but since I was on vacation it did not deter me from having fun! I knew then that I had to psyche myself up so I would not feel crappy. I knew I should maximize my stay and enjoy every second of it. So we just dumped our luggages, my friend checked her FB and e-mail accounts then we refreshed ourselves and off we go again.
We asked our driver-friend Rithy to take us to a place where we could shop or buy some souvenir items. He took us to one of the high-end stores like their Chanel store. Oops this was not what we had in mind but we went down anyway and checked it out. After going around, we went out and this time we specified to Rithy that we want him to bring us to a place or a store where we could buy like bags or shirts. Obviously, there was still a mis-communication but I think this was how we learned how to communicate effectively. Well, he took us to a store of bags....authentic, local handbags, belts and other accessories made out of crocodile skin which meant that it is expensive. After two stops of failed shopping, this time we thought of asking him to bring us to a market.
It was around 4:30pm and he told us that it was not yet open but we still insisted because Lonely Planet told us so that it opens at 4pm. He was polite enough to bring us there against his will. At last, the place was right but the timing was wrong! They call the place "Noon-Night Market". We should have listened to the local. We thought that he was just making an alibi. Most of the stalls were not yet opened so we just have to do with limited choices. We bought some shirts which costs us $3 each. Here, you really have to exert your bargaining skills. They charge you twice as much as it really cost. So you have to be firm and yet gentle when negotiating. Use you bargaining charm and be as simple as you can especially when communicating with them. "Same-same but different". I was really laughing at first but that's how they talk to you. It may simply mean that the items are of the same design but of different color or same style but of different size. Also, when you want to look for another size you will be better understood if you say "s", "m", "l" or "xl". You see they have a harder time understanding you when you say you want a "small" or "medium" size. So how do you get there? From National Route No. 6 Road take the Sivatha Blvd. then turn right to CAB Bank. The Noon Night Market is near the Angkor Night Market and Brickhouse Bar. It is also located in what they called the "Old Market Area".
After our first taste of shopping, we thought we'd give their malls a try. We went to Lucky Mall which is right along Sivatha Blvd. and just beside the Radius International Hotel. Just like any other mall it has a supermarket, a department store, a chocolate shop and a toy store. It wasn't really that big and you don't get to see some extraordinary items which you can bring home.
Then we saw this Madamsachiko store
which is along the "road to the temples of Angkor". They are right beside Cafe Puka Puka. They sell really yummy and unique cookies. They have cookies designed after the great Angkor Wat Temple. They also have cookies with spices such as the black pepper, palm sugar cookies, lotus tea cookies and coffee cookies. I like the black pepper cookies. It's great for take-home gift which just costs $5 per bottle or box. The refreshing lotus tea that was served to us was also inviting so I bought one since my husband loves to drink tea. I thought he would like it a lot. There are also banana chips and peanuts with pepper. It's a little spicy and yummy.
We stopped by at the National Museum. We had our pictures taken outside the building. I just regret not going inside because I saw in one blog that there are plenty of things that we can see. It stores artifacts and some historical items that can better explain the culture of Cambodia as a nation. National Museum is along the "road to the temples of Angkor".
Thinking that we've had enough for such a short time. We went back to the guesthouse. Ritty only charged us $5 for the whole ride. We just took a bath and had our dinner at the garden. I just remembered then that it was the first meal for the day - Dinner. We ordered Amok Chicken (Curry) and Spicy Beef Soup. After a satisfying home-made meal, we went upstairs already so we can prepare for the real temple adventure!
