So what's (new for us) to eat? Cambodia

28th Feb - 7th Mar 2012

Anyone who knows us, or this blog, will know that we love our food. Especially finding new dishes or ingredients, we’ve never seen or tried before and eating them. During the 9 days we spent in Cambodia we were able to discover a few, as well as take part in a cooking class in Phnom Penh.

As in nearly every class we’ve attended in Asia, alas, spring rolls were on the menu, although this was the first time I’d seen shredded taro as the main ingredient. Our teacher informed us sweet white potato is a suitable substitute. Shredded, soaked in water and squeezed dry.

Before we leave Siem Reap

28th Feb - 2nd Mar 2012

Some holiday photos and experiences don't warrant a full post to themselves, but it'd be a shame to not include them, somewhere. So, before we leave Siem Reap...

Flying in.

Where the river meets Tonle Sap lake

Looking a bit dry or perhaps the havest's over, as we near Siem Reap

The language. A native Bangkokian recently said to me that Khmer reminded him of 'rock n roll'. Until then I thought I was the only one that visualised languages. Khmer to me was like someone plucking a banjo, Deliverance style...and from time to time, I could have sworn I'd recognised some (Thai) notes. Possibly, but more than likely, not. Malaysian conjures up a pot of something really thick bubbling away on the stove, but that's another post.

Why So Blue?

I came across this today. I didn't taste it, because, well...it just looked unnatural to me. After Googling 'blue rice' I discovered that apparently it's coloured with the flower Morning Glory. Even if I knew that it wasn't riddled with blue dye, I still wasn't sure what to do with it next. The rice platter was surrounded by bowls of toppings/condiments...so I guess you just flavour it to your own liking?

Snap's other blog Chiang Mai Thai

Random bits and pieces

After a trip to Warorot Markets to buy a 'polite' shirt (collar and sleeves) for my official student photo, today I enrolled in my Thai Language course! Now I wait for my application to be approved by the Ministry of Education (MOE).

Not a good photo of Warorot Markets

Mum...I'd like one of these for Christmas for my lounge room please ;)

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

Yesterday - Half of today was spent getting some much needed supplies: phone charger, universal power board, locks etc. But on the top of our list were pillows. Because ours.... well, I reckon somewhere around town two foundation stones are missing.

The mattress isn’t far behind in the comfort department, but we’ll deal with that another day.

Robinsons at Airport Central Plaza, which is on par with Myer or David Jones, was a little over our price range. In fact the prices were similar to those back in Australia. We walked about a kilometre or so down to Tesco Lotus and bought our 199 Baht pillows, including covers.

I’m looking forward to tonight’s sleep, but I’m sure our new purchases will only highlight just how bad the mattress is.

Video and Photos - Floating Markets and Giant Dragon Temple, Thailand 2009

One of the things I wanted to do in Thailand last year was to visit the floating market. I had no idea that there was more than one (stupid me) and hence, went to not quite MY intended location. We went by taxi from BKK and arrived at a VERY expensive boat ride through the markets. We're not quite sure which markets we went to, perhaps Don Wai, either way it was ridiculously priced at around 1000 Baht each! This was probably inclusive of our taxi driver's kick back.

Videos - Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei 2008

While in Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei, Borneo) we hired Tommy and his boat to take us down Sungai Brunei to see the proboscis monkeys. He also so showed us around Kampong Ayer, the water village...a MUST SEE. Again, sorry about the sound. It was quite windy... I swear my eye lashes were stuck to my skin in an open position.

What are these please?

Sunday morning markets.

Cucumbers

Turmeric? and chillis.

Don't know what's in the bags, the guy selling these didn't know their name...in any language. Here's a close up, any ideas? Small to big pea sized and shaped, each on their own stork attached to a main stem. Most were green, a few were turning yellow to red and you can just make out the small cream coloured flowers. Chillis?

Tamarind

Sunday morning market at Woodridge Station, Brisbane, Australia 6 am - 12 pm. We walked away with enough fruit and veggies to hurt my arms, for AU$20.00.

Day 3 Hanoi

This morning (5.40am) we took a short walk to Lake Hoan Kiem. Hundreds of people exercising, walking, running, aerobics, temporary gyms set up and some bizarre routines going on. 99.9% of the activity was going anti clockwise around the lake...makes sense, no collisions that way.


Sorting very small crabs from the shellfish at the morning markets.

This is the alley way around the corner from our hotel. It's amazing how close some of the buildings are.

Went for a visit to the Hanoi Zoo...a little bit sad actually, possibly depressing for some (me).


The cages were extremely small and the animals were not in the best condition.

A huge variety of monkeys, birds, one elephant (shackled), a leopard, which I am sure would have loved to have eaten everyone looking it at it.


That's enough about that. We both enjoyed a great massage this afternoon and are looking forward to seeing Phuong and co. for dinner tonight.