An elderly lady in Cambodia

One of the key challenges of travel in a foreign land is finding a clean restroom... as simple as that sounds, it's something that urbanized folks (like myself) take for granted. I was in a Cambodian village in Phnom Penh, couldn't find somewhere to relief. Then I spotted a "good'o" toilet sign from across the road. I hastily make my way into the toilet, on my way out, I was followed by this elderly lady... she was holding out her hand and pointing at the toilet. This is the universal sign language of ... "you owe me some money for using the toilet!" 

I reached into my pocket to get some Cambodian currency to pay her... honestly, I don't even know how much I paid... probably no more than a quarter. I could tell she was very happy with the payment. I then lifted my camera and pointed at my lens (with a smile), she nodded & this is the shot!

These three little piggies went to the market ... unfortunately...

The Cambodian Painter

This photo was taken in a Cambodian night market. What caught my attention was the brilliant art work in this store. I spoke briefly with the artist in the picture & understood that he was the resident painter and everything in the shop was painted by him. It takes about a day to complete a piece and they sell for between US$30 to US$100 per piece. I asked him how was life as a painter - he smiled and said "I don't earn much"... "but... I am happy."

An Explosion of Colours

I love this picture! Night bazaar is not a foreign experience for me growing up in Asia... however, I have never once not been impressed by the explosion of colours in the night market! There is always something colourful & interesting round the corner. It's breath-taking... the colours... doesn't it makes you want to celebrate? dance?

Fish doctors - nibbling away

So this is really weird for me... really weird.

After walking around Phnom Penh the whole day, visiting the Royal Palace, Phnom Wat, FCC Phnom Penh etc... we finally end up in the Phnom Penh night market. It was a warm day ~31 degree celcius - so I was sweaty throughout and my feet was soaked in perspiration and dirt. These fishes are like combfishes - they only consume the affected and dead areas of the skin, leaving the healthy skin to grow, with the outdoor location of the treatment bringing beneficial effects.

The reason why I said this is weird for me is because (1) my feet were so dirty that I would definitely not share it with anyone else in a foot bath; (2) the opposite is also true... I don't think I would like to share a foot bath with people I do not know who could possibly have dirty feet!; (3) what's worse... feeding my stinky feet to the fish - plain disgusting!


Having said that... seems like others aren't really bothered, they probably even enjoyed it! It's a big world out there - who am I to judge.

Phnom Penh Night Market - mass massage!

This is such an interesting experience. From the moment I stepped into the night market, I have been swamped by the locals... "Massage sir?" I respectfully responded "No thanks...". "But it's cheap sir..." I quicken my steps to make sure my intentions are known.


Yes, the massage is really cheap... it costs no more than US$5 for an hour's foot reflexology. If you're there with a group of friends... I think the best thing to do is to buy a mug of beer & maybe some peanuts... then, just lift up your feet & then relax on the reflex and then chat away! Seems like the people in this photo are really enjoying the casual reflexology along the streets. Cool!


Me? Ahmm... I prefer massage in a "proper" massage parlour... the relaxing music, air-conditioning and a nice cup of traditional Khmer tea.