Aeon Mall, Phnom Penh

So although today proved to be quite a gloomy one with the rain gracing us with its presence, that did not stop us from doing a little more exploring in Phnom Penh.

AEON Mall had its soft opening Sunday and, with all the hype that was built around it in the past few days, my parents and I decided to check it out. There was an opening sale going on too, so that was a plus for our visit.

 Even though only the department store, supermarket and (part of) the food court were open, the place was still packed with both locals and foreigners trying to get a feel of their new potential hang-out in the city. Us included.

According to the flyers handed out days before by people wearing hot pink t-shirts, there will be a huge variety of retailers such as Levi's, Giordano and The Face Shop, as well as a wide range of restaurants - Watami Japanese Dining, Fox Wine Bistro and The Lobster Bay to name a few. In addition there will be amenities such as Major Platinum Cineplex, Ice Park Cambodia (a skating rink), bowling alley and even a learning academy.

AEON Mall is the first large-scale shopping mall in Cambodia, and is owned by AEON Co., Ltd., Japan's single largest shopping mall developer and operator. So no surprise that a lot of their products (and shops) are from Japan.

Food court was packed with people, so it was a bit of a challenge finding a table.

Sushi was on sale at $0.35 per piece, so I couldn't resist!! Look at all those gorgeous colours - of course there were more choices than these, I just totally got distracted with deciding which ones to get!

Well, one of the main reasons why we came was to check out the supermarket, especially because they had a whole lot of opening promotions going on that day. 

Took a snapshot of this purely because I had never seen anything like it in my whole life. If anyone knows what it is, would you care to enlighten me?

Prices here are pretty affordable, so if you ever need to do a little grocery shopping and you're near the area, don't be afraid to pop buy here!

Aeon Bakery, just by the main entrance and right in front of the supermarket.

We did check out the department store, but didn't buy anything as a few of the items, although on sale, were a bit pricy - compared to other department stores around Asia anyway. But if we're comparing it with department stores over in the West, the products are within the price range. Of course, I can't really say much price-wise as I haven't seen any of the other stores.

I can hardly write any of my first impressions, as there wasn't that much to see, but you can definitely tell that this place will be a big hit with everyone as soon as all the shops and restaurants are opened. 

So hopefully a few more services and retailers will open while I'm still in town! Come back to see any updates on my thoughts on Cambodia's first large-scale shopping centre!

Happy discovering!

Peace Craft Cafe, Phnom Penh

I'm not going to lie - I'm a sucker for cafes. The notion of having coffee, eating light meals, chilling out and people watching is glorious. And of course, where better to do those things AND have the time (and personal space) to write?

There's an idea of where to find me. Just a matter of figuring out which one to go to.

So when during mass they announced that there was a solidarity discount sale at a cafe not far from where we go to church, my mom and I found ourselves at Peace Craft Cafe the very next day. 

No. 14, St. 392, Boeung Keng Kang, Phnom Penh

Peace Craft Cafe is a social space where you can eat, chill out and buy hand-made crafts made by the artisans from Banteay Prieb. Banteay Prieb (translated: Center of the Dove) is a training center for the physically disabled in Cambodia, founded in 1991 by the Jesuit Refuge Service. 

The cafe sells a variety of sculpted items that are a mix of traditional Cambodian and religious designs, as well as bags, wallets and aprons.

The two-day solidarity discount sale was organised to fund the project 'A Roof for Barong'. 25% of the profits would go to providing better shelters during the rainy season for the villagers of Barong, in the province of Prey Veng, just north of Phnom Penh.

The front of the cafe serves as the boutique, but all throughout the cafe they've got various displays. Why not sip your coffee while admiring that gorgeous blouse from the corner of your eye, begging you to take it home with you?

 Hand-made Ipad cases lining the wall ($15 each)

 Wooden trinkets and small sculptures - crosses, hearts with a dove in the center, etc. ($3 for the trinkets) It's no surprise that a majority of the wooden trinkets feature a dove.

 This definitely caught my eye - a Khmer inspired nativity set ($300). How unique is that?

You can check out their online catalogue here.

Price-wise? A little pricey (I'm talking about the sculptures here). Better to catch their stuff on sale though - my mom got her two figures for more than half off for both. Let's say, one of the figures from that nativity set above is originally about $60.  But hey, these are one-of-a-kind, hand-made crafts by disabled local artisans. So it's pretty worth it.

Now, let's talk food.

You can also buy a variety of jams/preserves at the cafe counter

How cute is the menu? I swear, the little things...

So food-wise, their menu isn't that large. There are more drink options than food, probably three or less in terms of types of sandwiches, salads, etc. So deciding what you want is an easier task, perhaps easier than deciding what handicraft you want to take home with you (teehee!) 

Nevertheless, since it was our merienda (snack) time, we went for carrot cake and I got myself an iced caramel latte. According to my mom, the carrot cake is pretty well-known here, so why not? Also, it was either that or a brownie, and I wasn't exactly up for anything chocolate (big shocker!)

How good does that carrot cake look? Are you drooling yet? Because it is definitely drool-worthy. Light and fluffy. Moist and warm. Not too sweet and just the right amount of carrots. The price is good too, $1.50 per slice. Urgh, if you're ever in Phnom Penh, try it. If you're not a fan, this may just convert you. 

Oh, and I wasn't lying about the whole 'cafe is a social place' part. There were a number of foreigners lounging around, eating, chatting and typing away on their computers. Heck, I whipped out my handy-dandy notebook and started planning out this blog entry. The ambience at Peace Craft Cafe just sets the perfect writing mood.

If you're ever having a mental block here in Phnom Penh and need to de-stress, I suggest coming here. Looking for unique and affordable handicrafts? Come here. If you just want to chill - come here. I tell you, Craft Peace Cafe is a must visit for anyone passing through Phnom Penh.

Happy discovering!

Post Office Square & Artisans Angkor, Phnom Penh

So remember how I said it was a gorgeous day out when we visited the Russian Market? Yeah, well it rained that afternoon - quite heavily actually that we had to wait a while before being able to do more exploring.

Thankfully the rain let up at around 4:30pm, and it was perfect timing too as my dad was able to tag along with us. (Yey, family bonding time!)

My dad took us to Phnom Penh's Post Office Square, apparently made famous by the 2002 film 'City of Ghosts' starring Matt Dillon, James Caan and Gerard Depardieu. Now, I've never seen this film (or just can't remember seeing it) but my dad said it was good. Perhaps you have?

Street 13, Phnom Penh - you can't miss it

The post office was built in 1890 and restored in 2004. It's open from 7:30am to 5pm everyday. Sadly, we got there at around 5 so we didn't get a chance to see the inside. Probably another time. Apparently you can find various framed olden-day photographs and stamps. History buffs, stamp collectors and, well anyone really, will surely have a blast here.

Sorry for doing this again, but it very much reminds me of the post office in Ho Chi Minh City, right next to the Cathedral. A smaller version, but equally as striking. 

 Gloomy afternoon, but the perfect opportunity to take post-rain snaps.

 The buildings surrounding the post office are examples of the colonial architecture from the time of the French settlement. There's definitely something about the untouched charm of old buildings that always get me EVERY TIME.

12AEo, Street 13
Open daily from 9am to 6pm

 Just across the post office is one of Artisans Angkor's stores, a Cambodian company dedicated to providing work for young people living in rural areas, while at the same time maintaining the traditional Khmer craftsmanship. The company was created at the end of the 1990s and now there are 40 workshops, seven retailers and employs over 1300 people.

Artisans Angkor has become well known for its wide collection of high quality hand-made silk garments, stone and wood carvings, silver platings and lacquer ware. There's definitely something that can suit every taste.

Price-wise, these hand-made products are pretty pricy. A hand-made silk scarf can cost you up to $195 (I think the cheapest one is at around $40), a medium sized stone carving (weighing up to 32kg mind you) costing around $300 (lowest is probably at $40 for a small one) and a pair of karuna earrings $80. 

If you've got the budget and are looking for a more luxurious souvenir to take home with you (or wear to a fancy party), this is the place to go.

Unfortunately, you're not allowed to take photos inside the store, so to give you some sort of idea of how their products are like, I bent the rules a little and took some shots of the store window. But of course, you can always check out their website - perhaps do some online shopping?

How gorgeous are those home decors?

I was definitely eyeing a few of those throw pillow cases, but let's be honest - I haven't got a single throw pillow anywhere in my room. Perhaps another time...?

Sadly, these two places were the only ones we were able to visit that afternoon. There's so much to see at the square - the former police station, Seven Bright restaurant (which was also featured in the City of Ghosts), etc. It's just a matter of having enough time.

If you're ever in town, be sure to check out the Post Office Square. Better come early. And don't forget to bring your camera.

Happy discovering!

Running around Russian Market, Phnom Penh

So a week and a half into my holiday here in Cambodia, I finally decided to tap into that 'inner tourist' of mine and go sightseeing. Thank God the weather was on our side and it was a gorgeous day out!

 Cruising along the riverside, you'll find a long row of flags from all over the world. Try spotting your country's flag when you get the chance!

Vimol Thoam Thong, Phnom Penh

 Now check this out - this is Cambodia's Supreme Court. Yes, this gorgeous building. I couldn't take my eyes off of it. See if you can when you catch sight of this beauty.

I mean, seriously. Imagine if all Supreme Court buildings looked somewhat like this? Gorgeous.

We had originally planned to visit the Royal Palace which is just across the street from the Supreme Court beauty, but as it turns out it's only opened from 7 to 11am and 2 to 5pm everyday. We got there at 10:50am. Guess that was bad planning on our part. Instead of waiting until two in the afternoon and walking around in the intense heat, we decided to just come back tomorrow and set off for the Russian Market. 

According to Phnom Penh's website, the aptly named Russian Market (aka Psah Toul Tom Poung) served as the foreigner's market in the 1980s, when most foreigners were from, you guessed it, Russia. They've got a whole array of fabric, souvenirs, clothes and food here, so this is definitely a must visit when you're in the city. Get ready to bargain.

Now according to my mom, we used to come here quite often when we visited years before, as this was the place to buy clothes at a bargain price. Again because my memory is pretty hazy, I can't exactly remember how it used to look like. Apparently, the floors weren't always cemented and the ceiling wasn't this 'high'.

 What I found funny about this was the fact that she was wedged between two garment stalls! 

 A tailor/ fashion designer's heaven - fabric galore!

 With so many gorgeous colours and designs, how can you choose which scarf (or table runner, tablecloth, pillowcase, etc.) you want?

It's too tempting to get everything!

 I couldn't resist and practically drooled over the home decorations. I tell you, when I finally have my own place, you could expect to see a lot of this...

  Walking through the market, I couldn't help but see the similarities between this place and Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City. Ben Thanh was practically my second home while I was growing up in Vietnam, so don't judge me. Both markets are tourist musts and they sell pretty much the same stuff - scarves, table runners, home decorations and handmade bags. If you've ever been, you'll know what I'm talking about. Another thing was the bargaining element - my rusty skills were put to use once again. I couldn't help but feel right at home here!

One thing though - it's easy to get lost in this market. With all the things you can find here, you may not realize that you've reached the other side of the market already. A good tactic on their part to keep you in. Russian market isn't exactly organized, with designated garment, food, souvenir and home decorations sections as I had hoped, unlike HCMC's Ben Thanh Market which I know off by heart, even with it's little passageways. Then again, that's all due to experience - guess I better visit more often. And don't fret. The people here are really friendly so don't hesitate to ask for directions. 

Bargaining 101 (if you will...)

When it comes to prices, I would say that it's pretty reasonable, but never, and I mean NEVER, take the seller's first price. Sure, it's affordable but you can always get these things for much cheaper - all you have to do is bargain, bargain and bargain. And it helps if you buy more than one item too or are shopping with your friends. The more you buy, the more likely the seller will agree to lowering the price for you.

But if the seller won't agree with your price after a few minutes of haggling, don't be afraid to walk away. Canvass if you have the time. There is almost a 100% chance that the item you want can be found three stalls down for a much cheaper price or, quite often, the seller will finally agree when you take one step away from their stall. 

This advice would apply to anyone visiting Ben Thanh Market in Vietnam too, or anywhere else really.

If you're ever in town, pop by the Russian market and see what you can find! Tip - visit in the morning. That way, it's not too hot and bargaining will be easier if you're the first customer to visit a stall. Beware though, you may end up buying more than you can carry back home.

Happy discovering!

This so-called Loom Fever

Taking a break from exploring (and blogging about) Phnom Penh, my mom and I got caught into the whole Rainbow Loom craze. Yes, yes, it's been around for awhile now and I remember mothers making a huge deal out of it at Michael's last year while I was in Canada. But I never paid it much attention until my curiosity peaked last month and I caved. I thought it was just a little kids type of thing at first, but damn. I was wrong.

IT IS DARN TONS OF FUN. 

I remember said curiosity peaking when I was watching an episode of Kris TV (fellow Pinoys, you know what I'm talking about) where Kris Aquino featured the famous Rainbow Loom. I never really realized just how BIG of a thing they were in the Philippines! 

And of course, the moment we got into it, we became desperate in trying to find those rubber bands in toy stores in Manila. No surprise that they sold out fast. It's amazing really how much people can get into stuff like this! It's fun, quite easy and you feel pretty proud of yourself after finishing a loom project. After all, it is a great way for parents to bond with kids (especially mothers and daughters) so I'm seeing the appeal. 

Kudos to Cheong Choon Ng for inventing this!

To be cliche, it's definitely for all ages (though of course, not little children who could swallow the bands and clips)

Note: the following were taken off my Instagram, so don't question the quality of these photos. I admit, I am a sucker for those darn filters.

This was my first ever attempt at making loom bracelets - on my flight from Toronto to the Philippines last month. It was kind of a great way to kill time...

 Graduating from the simple single band and triple band bracelets, my mom and I moved on to more difficult bracelet patterns (well, for us at our novice level then). Gotta say, quite proud of how these turned out...

Then of course, we graduated from bracelet making and moved on to figurines - Disney figurines to be exact.

Teehee, a proud momma of my lil' Ariel!

You can find the tutorial for this mermaid here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fq5dKwoHnyw

Because we were really getting into it, my mom and I could not leave for Cambodia without our loom making gear in tow. Hah! 

And the result of a non-stop loom-figurine-making-fest with my mother dearest? 

Note: These were all made in the first two days we were in Phnom Penh. We've been here for a week and a half now. (Oh dear, the loom making damage!)

How many characters can you spot?

My mom and I have been trolling YouTube for all sorts of tutorials, and my favourite would have to be those by TutorialsbyA. Go check her out if you haven't already!

That all being said, have you tried your hand at it? If not, I suggest you get to it! Warning though, once you get into it, it is an all-time-consuming activity (least for my mom and I). So it's a great summer activity to do with the family (and friends, and coworkers, and strangers... if you get my drift). If you were one of the first to get into it and are scoffing at my late amazement of this invention, then I tip my hat off to you for enjoying this for far longer than I have and mastering the art of 'rainbow looming'.

Any thoughts on what the next craze will be next year, or in the following years to come?

Happy discovering!